Enter American Luxe Lounge

When we think of Halston we don't normally think of Victorian Era fashion. However, most of us aren't familiar with The Rational Dress Society, a movement where women set out to reform the exasperating restrictions of Victorian garb. One of those reformers was author of The Mummy and social activist, Nina Wilcox Putnam (pictured above).

Putnam's attire represents a pre-cursor to the women's liberation movement of the late 60s and 70s. Her style paved the way for designers like Halston to create effortlessly chic silhouettes like the sensual coral gown featured below. The illustration of Putnam's look also bares a striking resemblance to the coral Halston. Pieces like these don't last long at Decades!

Halston coral silk crepe gown, c. late 70s early 80s. Modern size 4 to 6 SOLD
For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

MIGHTY MINI

Since its creation in 1955, the Chanel 2.55 bag has managed to gain as much press as the supermodels and A-List stars who wear it. This mini-alligator is the perfect size to transition from day into evening, especially when all you require is a credit card, lipstick, and a few naughty must-haves for that last minute rendezvous!

Wear it with a flirty LBD or paint your nails black, grab your fiercest ankle-boots and rock out your summer!

Chanel, 2.55 mini-alligator with gold hardware, c. 80s. Measures 7"x2.5"x5.5" SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

Constellation Sensation

Ah, the days when your parents advised you to "reach for the stars" sometimes seem so far gone. But we forget that reaching the stars can in fact be done! That's when we turn to fashion--where fantasy meets possibility, and escapism is de rigueur.

This Annabelle Paris kimono-style silk gown gives us just the right touch of fantasy. Its diaphanous galaxy of black, mocha, and kalamata exude an alluring sensuality. And if you're feeling Annabelle the way we are, be sure to keep an eye out for her soon-to-be-released line of handbags (under the Annabelle Vinbert label).

Annabelle Paris kimono-style brown, black, and khaki gown, c.80s. Modern size 4 to 6

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

Kimono Inspired Couture

Yesterday, we posted our first ever piece from Annabelle Paris and offered a brief history on this all-but-forgotten gem of a design house. Annabelle is genius when it comes to quality silk garments. From lingerie, to evening wear, to resort wear, Annabelle creates leisurely ready-to-wear you'd swear was Haute Couture. In fact, during our conversation with the designer three days ago, she said a substantial component of her work centered around creating high-end, luxe pieces with the finest of fabrics for Arabian princesses! This kimono-inspired two-piece is the perfect example.

Fashioned from silk mousseline, the transportive floral print and extended sleeves borrow from traditional Asian culture. So if you're not able to skip over to The Great Wall this summer, this ensemble may just suffice!

Annabelle Paris two-piece print of blouse and skirt, c.80s. Modern size 4 to 6

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

EXOTIC OR EROTIC?

Well, we think you might have an erotic thrill from this melange of exotic skin Hermes bags that just are coming into Decades as we type!
From Left to Right: Brown 32 cm ostrich Kelly with gold hardware (F stamp 2002 SOLD; Brown 35 cm nilo croco Kelly with gold hardware (K stamp for 2007); Black with red piping 30 cm nilo croco Birkin with palladium hardware (K stamp for 2007); Orange 30 cm porosus croco Birkin with gold hardware (H stamp 2004).
For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

In Full Bloom

Here at Decades, we knew very little of Annabelle Vinbert's magnificent work when we stumbled upon a nice collection of her hippie-chic and ready-for-resort dresses. Yet after doing a little research, we tracked Vinbert down and spoke with her by phone in France. We found that like many other designers, Vinbert gained her start in fashion learning the basics after watching her parents succeed in the textile business. From stylish quality-made suits to durable coats, Vinbert assisted at the family owned brand Winberg, which we like to call the French Max Mara. While still a teen, Vinbert learned many of the skills she needed to start her own company in 1975, Annabelle Paris. Pulling inspiration from both Thea Porter and Yves Saint Laurent, Vinbert formulated for herself the right combination of designer influences.

At the ripe age of 22, Vinbert infused high quality with mixed prints on sensual fabrics. Her work extended to include silk lingerie, evening wear, and resort wear. This eclectic fashion mix is evident in this amazingly effortless lily printed gown. The cut of the dress is beyond forgiving to a variety of body shapes and the silk mousseline fabric only adds to its fluidity. The geometric stripes in navy adds a sense of movement and pizazz to an otherwise organic piece. If the dress itself isn't enough, the scarf should more than heighten your fashion senses. Just imagine yourself driving down California's PCH donning this leisurely yet chic frock. Grab a pair of shades and your look will instantly read COOL.

Annabelle Paris lily print gown with geometric stripes, c. early 80s. Modern size 4 to 8 SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

THE 3D IN 3D

Keri Hilson looks smashing in the vintage CD Greene from Decades. This dress lasted about a second in the store! Keri got it before we could share it with anyone else, but it looks like the right woman bought the dress, don't y'all agree?

3D

We love a good sexy LBD, but love it even more when an unexpected application of silver geometric metal squares that are 3D decorate the front of the dress. Designed by CD Greene, who exclusively sells at Bergdorf Goodman and through private commission, Greene is known for dramatic and Showgirl-ready looks and this dress is both dramatic and ready for a Showgirl. To see the dress in person is really amazing as the graphic metal squares are raised, turning the wearer into a virtual sculpture and enchantress! A very typical silhouette of the 1990s, this halter LBD takes the look to a new dimension (3D)!

CD Greene custom halter LBD with metal 3D application, c. 1990s. Modern 4 to 6 SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

ROCHAS ON NICKI MINAJ!

Hip Hop super star and multi-winning BET Awards artist Nicki Minaj found her archival Rochas at Decades and slightly modified to give it her own distinctive style. She sure knows how to pose like a classic model! Congratulations to Nicki on her great dress and her great wins at the BET AWARDS!

ROCHAS IN ECRU

It's a gorgeous Sunday in Los Angeles and we thought this divine archive Rochas sample by Olivier Theyskens in ecru net and tulle lace with lingerie details and ballroom skirt was the perfect way to start the week. However, it is Sunday so we are actually taking the day off, and will complete this post with all the good details on Monday...when we are back to the 9 to 5! Rochas by Olivier Theyskens archival runway original sample gown of ecru tulle with lingerie bustier details and metallic trim underskirt, Spring Summer 2004. Sample Size, Couture model size 2 to 4 with room for bust. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

PAGE 295

If you don't own the Halston book by Phaidon, go buy it. We really think it's an invaluable resource with so many images of Halston's incredible designs like the lipstick red halter wrap dress below from 1977 (page 295). If you owned the book, you could see Karen Bjornson modeling this dress next to Halston and be reminded that Halston has such a timeless quality to his designs that insures his vision is totally contemporary. There's nothing retro about this design, but it feels really good when you someone asks you "what are you wearing" and you reply "vintage Halston".

Halston lipstick red layered chiffon wrap halter dress with sash (sash not original), 1977. Modern size 4. Featured on page 295 of the Halston book by Phaidon. SOLD
For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

Pass the Parmesan

It may be Italian tradition to offer Parmesan along with almost every meal, however, it's also Italian tradition to offer a rainbow palette of chic colors to compliment the highest quality of Italian leather goods. This is what you'll find with this eggplant, shoulder strap bag by Bottega Veneta. Think of the many situations you've run into where your outfit or dress is perfect yet you can't quite pinpoint the right handbag. You think, "Do I go with sparkly and small or will my everyday carryall work just fine?." This tri-fold envelope gives you options. Wear it over the shoulder for daytime ease then instantly stuff the straps inside, giving your look a refined touch of eccentricity. From running errands to rushing off to meet friends for dinner--this eggplant bag will take you where you need to go, and afford you enough time so you won't miss passing the Parmesan!

Bottega Veneta, eggplant, shoulder strap envelope bag, c.80s. Measures 9"x3"x8"

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

This Means War, FASHION WAR!

In the film West Side Story, there is a fierce battle between the Jets and the Sharks (captured above). Much like the film's plot, there is a battle brewing here at Decades. We just got these two dresses, one from an era when Gianni Versace's best creations were all the rage and the other a bold, ethnic printed wrap from the late Yves Saint Laurent. Which one will find a new home first? This battle is poised to pack a heavy fashion punch!

The strapless Versace below is an infusion of sex appeal and flirtation while the YSL takes a more demure approach, with its ruffled V-neck and sassy hemline. Both dresses offer lots of movement and claim victory in the look-at-me department. We'll let you decide how this one ends!

Gianni Versace, layered, floral fishnet tube dress c. 90s. Modern size 4
YSL Rive Gauche, floral print dress on pumpkin silk wrap, c. 80s. Marked size 34, Modern 4SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service