Two of This Year's Serious Oscars Contenders: Nina Ricci Haute Couture and Valentino

The gloom hanging over Los Angeles this week has less to do with the weather and more to do with the ongoing writers' strike, which has already claimed as a victim the Golden Globes--and more than a few of the beautiful gowns intended to grace the red carpet. Despite the impasse, we're feeling optimistic about the prospects for the Academy Awards. Hollywood--and the world--could use a dash of glamour and an evening of celebration.

Decades is gearing up for the festivities with two perennial Oscars favorites (designers, not actresses). The first is Nina Ricci Haute Couture from the late 1970s, a spectacular creation in black appliquéd wild silk with a creme guipure skirt that's only appropriate for an Oscar-caliber event. The boned bodice fastens over one shoulder with a bow and a white organza rose, while the stiffened skirt panels are adorned with vertical bands of appliquéd black and silver beaded spring flowers.

Nina Ricci Haute Couture Ball Gown in Black Wild Silk and Creme Guipure, Adorned with Appliqued Silver Flowerheads in Crystal Beading, c. late 1970s. 74cm at the waist, 91-96cm at the bust.

The next dress, by Valentino, features a similar silhouette with less ornamentation and more accessible fabrication (velvet and satin). The less voluminous design and cleaner panels suit a woman who wishes for elegant simplicty. We also love the contrast between the floor-length bustle and the knee-grazing hem of the dress--what a way to show off a jeweled heel!

Valentino Boutique Spectacular One-Shoulder Black Velvet & Satin Panel Gown with Bow at the Shoulder, c. 1970s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. (Please be aware that the velvet skirt portion features velvet that has impressions with age. The dress has been expertly cleaned, but the velvet is not entirely smooth). SOLD

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