REDEFINE CASUAL

It is very hard to find a Clair McCardell piece in perfect condition. Women wore their McCardell pieces to shreds since they were so comfortable and made of wash-and-wear fabrics that she often would advise mills to produce. As summer approaches, wearing comfortable fabrics is as important (or perhaps more) as being fashionable. This sleeveless cotton plaid in plum, gray and white dress has side pockets and sewn down pleats on the skirt. The way the fabric is cut to match all the plaid lines is creating a cone shaped bodice, gives the body a tailored focus and attention to detail superior to any day dress you can find available in today's market.
Claire McCardell was determined and ambitious and achieved great success in the 40's and 50's with her comfort-first philosophy. Her ideas were simple and revolutionary at the same time. Just as you will feel in one of her designs, sexy and comfortable.
-Eri

Claire McCardell sleeveless plaid dress in cotton with side pockets, c. 1950's. Modern size 4. SOLD TO A VERY BEAUTIFUL WOMAN

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

POIRET LE MAGNIFIQUE

Paul Poiret was the oracle of la mode in 1910's and in Paris he was known as simply Le Magnifique. His creations were desired by the most stylish ladies of that decade like Josephine Baker and La Marchesa Casati. Influenced by traditional Arabian dress, Poiret helped to free women from the constraints of the corset, focusing on draping and a simple empire waist shape. Referencing orientalism especially Ballets Russes production of  Schéhérazade he created iconic silhouettes such as the harem pantaloons in 1911 and the lampshade tunic in 1913. Poiret died in poverty, he had rejected modernism and by the time the World War I had ended fashion was overshadowed by utility and function. However by freeing women of corsets and the restrained silhouettes of the Belle Epoque, he was undoubtedly fashion's first great modernist. 

This stunning piece created in 1925 is in great condition, a rare find and a very important piece in fashion history. Besides you can actually wear it in one of many The Great Gatsby inspired parties that you are about to be invited this winter. 

-Eri 

Paul Poiret multi-colored fish tail sequin dress. c.1925's. Modern size 2 to 4. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

COMME AS YOU ARE

If you already don't own any of Rei's creations, this is the perfect time to start!

Style.com pays tribute to Comme des Garçons' Rei Kawakubo since CFDA honors her this year with the International Award. Please check this link to see 12 of her most faithful followers showing off their favorite pieces and scroll below to get your hands on what Comme des Garçons pieces we have available.  For more info such as detailed photos and measurements please email us.

-Eri

Comme des Garçons two piece ensemble in denim with zipper detail, c. 1990's. Marked size small. Will fit modern size 4 to 6.  SOLD

Comme des Garçons jacket with knit sleeves and skirt in black wool and silk, c. 1990's. Marked size small. Will fit modern size 4 to 6.  SOLD

Comme des Garçons jumpsuit in black light wool, c.1980's. Modern size 6 to 8.  SOLD

Commes des Garçons denim skirt with raw edges, c.1980's. Modern size 4 to 6. SOLD

Commes des Garçons pantalon skirt in black wool with side and back pockets, c. 1980's. Modern size 8.  SOLD

Commes des Garçons wrap around skirt suit in polyester twill, c. 1990's.  Marked size small. 

Will fit modern size 4 to 6 SOLD

Commes des Garçons four sleeve blouse in light weight wool, c1990's. Marked size small. Will fit modern size 4 to 6. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

SHE-FON

Stavropoulos always knew how to layer the chiffon and make a dress look like it was floating on the wearer.  He certainly gets less attention than Halston who also manipulated chiffon beautifully, but Stav made it a bit more feminine and this coral chiffon dress with delicate spaghetti straps and cascades around the bust and tiers below the knee is as 70s as any Halston, but perhaps the softer side of the disco decade.  With the added scarf, considering wrapping the fabric around your neck or your shoulders and I wouldn't object to a pretty straw hat with this either!
-Cameron




Stavropoulos layered coral chiffon evening dress, c. 1970s.  Modern size 4 SOLD
For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

MONEY CAN'T BUY YOU CLASS

Please continue to thank for me thinking of your summer sartorial needs.  I am keeping you elegant as the temperatures keep rising.  Like the Pucci I posted yesterday (can't believe I worked on Memorial Day!) this is also a chemise dress, but this time by Gucci, instead of Pucci.  Feautring the iconic Gucci belt motif, here is another one of those essential dresses to keep you cool and cool this summer.  As the Countess LuAnn de Lesseps has so elegantly sung in the past, Elegance is Learned and Money Can't Buy You Class, but it can buy you this dress!

-Cameron

Gucci Shirt dress of wool-nylon belt print, c. 1970's. Marked size 42, will fit modern size 4-8. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

WHAT I WANT YOU TO WEAR TODAY

As the temperatures rise, the challenge of remaining chic without schvitzing, can not be ignored.  Sure you could wear daisy ukes and an unfortunately named "wife-beater", but I dare say most of you who shop at Decades or follow this blog have more substantial attire desires.  This Emilio Pucci cotton chemise is perfection.  Throw it on and you can just about go anywhere and still have some breathing room.  I am quite impressed with the condition.  Perhaps it was never worn?  I guess this dress has been waiting to be adopted so have a heart and give this lonely Pucci a nice new home!

-Cameron

Emilio Pucci purple and khaki  cotton dress, c. 1970s.  Will fit a modern 4 to 6 as our mannequin is size 4.

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

BOYS SWEAT AT BLACK TIES IN THE SUMMER

Girls are lucky!  They can go to a black tie gala and wear a skimpy backless jersey dress, while we boys are in a tux with a dress shirt and bow tie (sweating to the oldies!). You also have so many fabric options in the summer for evening like this Guy Laroche Boutique evening dress in a chic black and green floral cotton print with a bustier and full gathered skirt with massive pockets.  It's one of those dresses that is perfect for a June wedding as it is so effortless yet elegant.  I actually would love to see some chic woman wear it to Valentino's chateau in Wideville this summer after the Couture shows.  Imagine it worn with a beat up fitted denim jacket and insane baubles -- maybe by my current favorite jeweler, Cantamessa. 

-Cameron

Guy Laroche Boutique cotton black and green floral print dress, c. 1980s,  Marked size 40, modern size 6.

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

DRIP ON ME

It's Memorial Day weekend and I am certain many of you are invited to barbecues over the holiday and are wondering what to wear?  I can think of nothing more appropriate that one of these Christian Dior Lingerie peignoirs that are nylon so if you drip some A-1 sauce on your person, at least it will likely not give you a permanent stain!  In all seriousness, I do wish everyone a happy and relaxing day and remember to reflect on those who serve and protect us no matter from what country from you are reading this.  As for these pastel Dior pieces that may at first inspection seem more boudoir then BBQ, I take exception:  they are perfect, chic apres-plage cover ups to take you from bikini to Bellini.  And there's nothing wrong with wearing them in the bedroom, either!

-Cameron

Christian Dior Lingerie apricot nylon negligee, c. 1960s.  Modern size 4 to 6 SOLD
Christian Dior Lingerie aqua apricot negligee with bed coat, c. 1960s.  Marked size 42, modern 4 to 6 SOLD 

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

Giorgio Sant Angelo

Around 15 years ago, I was at the Pasadena City College flea market and I found a similar Giorgio S'ant Agnelo multi color jersey dress for $25.  I did not pay $25 dollars for this dress and it sure isn't 1997 anymore.  Those were the good old days.  Alas, this ultra sexy dress is as wearable today as it was in 1997 or when it was designed in the 1970s.  In primary shades of green, yellow, purple, red, and black, this stretch jersey dress has a delicious decollete, bare back, and a car wash skirt that is begging for Angelina Jolie's leg.  This dress is perfect for those staying on in the South of France and are yacht surfing post Cannes.  Perhaps this is the ultimate sexy dress for the summer to be worn barefoot and somewhere fabulous.  Just roll into your Moynat overnighter and go-go-go.

-Cameron

Giorgio S'ant Angelo multi-colored jersey dress, c 70s,  Marked size 12, modern size 4 to 8

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

UN-CANNES-Y

It was so exciting to finally see Versailles '73 on the big screen at the Cannes Film Festival!  Please find photos from the VIP screening with producer/director/writer Deborah Riley Draper and  Athens, GA fashionista Eva Bowen.  The film will have its general release in the fall, but during the month of July there will be several VIP influencer screenings in Paris during Couture, as well as in Singapore, Los Angeles, and either Beijing or Hong Kong.  The LA screening is on July 25th, so Soho House members mark your calendars as this film will be packed!  We are planning on a screening in NYC during Fashion Week with details to follow.  You can always catch a sneak peak of the film on the http://www.versailles73movie.com/ website.  This will be a busy fall for me between the movie, Bravo show, and Bloomsbury book (which incidentally looks AMAZING) so I am very fortunate to be able to share my love of fashion in so many different media outlets! 

-Cameron

CONVERSATION PIECES

From the British royal family to Lady Gaga and Daphne Guinness, Philip Treacy has dressed the heads of many important women. He has designed hats for Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Valentino, Ralph Lauren and for movies such as Harry Potter. From his classics to his extraordinary creations Philip Treacy is generally acknowledged to be Britain'a greatest milliner, and has undoubtedly changed the way we look at hats. 

If you were wondering how to wear a hat, look at Cameron wearing a custom made creation from the Master Milliner himself worn for a luncheon in his honor as well as Sarah Burton. 

For Philip Treacy a hat is a form of expression, and you can trust him to transform and create something seemingly ambiguous into an outburst of creativity. 

-Eri 

Phillip Treacy black hat in wool with asymmetrical wide brim, c.1980's.  Hat size US 7 (22 inches or 56cm) SOLD

Phillip Treacy leopard print hat with asymmetrical wide brim and feathers, c.1980's.  Hat size US 7 (22 inches or 56cm) SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

MENAGE A RUDI

I am excited to share with you that THE TOTAL LOOK: THE CREATIVE COLLABORATION BETWEEN RUDI GERNREICH, PEGGY MOFFITT, AND WILLIAM CLAXTON is traveling from it's current exhibtion location at MOCA PDC in Los Angeles to the South and the fabulous SCAD Museum in Savannah opening on the 22nd of June!    The show has been extended until May 27th in Los Angeles so you have a few more days to see this fabulous show that I am proud to curate.  However, if you can't make it in the next 72 hours, the show will be glorious in it's next stop in one of my favorite cities, Savannah. 

In honor of this wonderful news, I thought I should post three Rudi Gernreich pieces that just came in from one fashionable woman.  The ladder-motif jumpsuit is great for the bold Rudi-lover.  The black and silver mixed motif long sleeve Rudi is iconic in its cubist design.  Finally, the tan and cream Cross-My-Heart dress is signature Rudi.  Such a flattering design that people knock off constantly.  Own the original!  I am also back from Cannes and will share more info about Versailles 73 and future screenings and distribution of the documentary that is so wonderful.  It's good to be home.  I've missed you!

-Cameron

Rudi Gernreich Harmon knitwear ensembles all shown on size four mannequin
Black and white ladder jumpsuit, Marked size 12 SOLD
Black and silver mixed print dress, Fall 1971. Marked size 10. SOLD
Cross-My Heart tan and cream dress, Fall 1973. Marked size 10. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.