HAUTE COMFORT

"To me the whole point of a caftan is freedom. Men have been striding across the desert for thousands of years in them looking marvelous and being comfortable. There is beauty and sensuality in comfort; that is the caftan's appeal. Here is one of Rudi's caftans. It was made of silk and lined in silk. That's all. It slipped and slid around the naked body and felt like a thousand baby's hands caressing me."
-Peggy Moffitt

Rudi Gernreich purple, orange and white silk "sumo" caftan with hidden pockets and fully lined in silk, Resort 1967. Will fit sizes 2 to 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.

MY FAVORITE PUCCI EVER!

I think I am on the longest book tour ever, but I am grateful to be hosted by so many lovely people who all seem to have the most divine closets on the planet.  Take for example, this vintage Emilio Pucci dress.  While being hosted by Atlanta's Nina Cheney she chose this incredible 60s sheath from her relatives closet and I feel in love with her and the dress....so much so that I asked her if we could have it at Decades.  I am rather persuading :) and the dress is here.  A scale pattern of psychedelic colors etched with swirling ribbons, this Pucci is in a textured fabric enhanced with gold lurex and the first time I have seen such an unusual fabrication for Pucci.  

It's been said that the only animal that will survive the December 21st Mayan Apocalypse is the cockroach.  I like to think the only designer who will survive said apocalypse is Emilio Pucci and certainly as evidenced is this design: Pucci is Forever!  This is a great dress for Miami Basel.  Who's going to wear it for one of the 2000 parties happening next week?

-Cameron

 

Pucci lurex enhanced multi colored print c.1960's, tag marked 12, modern size 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.

SEEK SEQUINS

Your relatives may think a Christmas sweater is the answer to dressing in the season, but I suggest something with a bit more panache and...sequins!  This Pierre Cardin mock-neck long sleeve "mermaid" dress has stripes of sequins in gold, purple, aqua, and amethyst set against a base of black sequins.  This is a perfect late 1960s hostess dress that may be based in mod styling, but hints at the decadent 1970s disco culture of the next decade.  A truly effortless dress that is instant glam without a lot of fuss.  Throw it on with heels or flats, strong eyeliner, a lip tint, and look super sexy.  Relish the fact that you are in vintage Cardin. 

-Cameron

Pierre Cardin sequin gown, c. 1960's size 4-6. 

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.

NOSTALGIA

Looking at this fantastic Giorgio of Beverly Hills hippie couture dress that has a print worthy of a Klimt painting with quilted cuffs, shoulders, and waist makes me nostalgic for the great Rodeo Drive retailer that really made such an impression on me as kid growing up in 1970s Beverly Hills.  Was it the pool table, the bar, the yellow and white striped awning, the club-like atmosphere, the leather chairs and couches, or just the eclectic inventory, A-list client, and equally venerable staff that inspired me in my retail career?  Giorgio certainly has helped mold Decades so it is with great pleasure every time a piece comes to us with the original Giorgio label.  Luxe Hippie looks never go out of style.  It is one of the venerable trends of fashion.  It is actually trend-less.  I can see a myriad of women wearing this dress and I wonder who will be the lucky owner of a dress not only from Giorgio but also from Decades?  Isn't that double provenance?

-Cameron

Giorgio floral print chiffon long sleeve gown modern, c. 1970's modern size 4-6. 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.

SHOP DECADES

As a fashionista, blogger, and avid vintage fashion lover, Eri is an invaluable asset to us here at Decades.  I am excited to announce a new section on our shopdecadesinc.com website where Eri will personally select her favorite vintage items each week making them available to purchase directly from our site!  From one-of-a-kind Haute Couture finds to rare and beautifully selected clothing, handbags, and accessories, Eri will be giving all of our avid blog readers the opportunity to make these beautiful treasures their own!  Be sure to check back each Friday to see the new and personally selected vintage items Eri knows that you will love to add to your own closets straight from the vintage team here at Decades. 

-Geoffrey

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture maroon velvet and satin ruffle dress, c.1980's. Modern size 4. 

Moschino red black and white leather present box bag, c. 1970's. Measures 6.25"x6.25"x6.25". 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.

WE MISS CAMERON

Because Cameron has been on a glorious book tour and has been visiting more cities than I can count, we miss him dearly here in Los Angeles. And because he is in DC today and tomorrow (click here for more info on that) we thought we would dedicate this blog entry to Oscar de la Renta. Why? Because Oscar de la Renta dressed many first ladies and signifies American luxury and elegance. And maybe we will soon see Cameron in the White House meeting a very stylish First Lady. 

-Eri 

Oscar de la Renta Houndstooth cape dress, c. 1970's. modern size 4-6. 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.

WHAT'S ON MY DESK

Ever wonder what the most powerful leaders, business execs and celebrities keep on their desks? Haute Living biweekly “What’s on My Desk” feature takes a look inside the offices and at the desks of the world’s most influential power players.
Click here to read what's on Christos Garkinos desk.

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.

DOWN THE GARDEN PATH

"Yves Saint Laurent has a fifty-fifty deal with the street. Half of the time he is inspired by the street and half the time the street gets its style from Yves Saint Laurent. His vehicle to the street is ready to wear, but behind it all are the superb designs of his couture workroom from which emerged the most beautiful and dashing dresses of the last quarter century. He is without any question the leader in all fashion. Follow Yves down the garden path, there is always a pot of gold at the end"

-Diana Vreeland  

Yves Saint Laurent wine satin and lace dress with sash c. 1970's. Marked size 38, 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.

BLACK AND WHITE OR BLACK AND PINK

This beautiful dress coat with a pink sash is as dramatic as it is classic. Upon the first look it could be a Yves Saint Laurent, or a Lanvin but this is Chanel Couture from the 60's. With Madame Chanel still living and very much involved in the business, the House of Chanel saw many designers come and go during this decade, up until 1982 when Lagerfeld was announced as the creative director for the Couture collections with Herve Leger heading the ready-to-wear. We are so programmed to black and white as the signature color combo of Chanel today, but there is nothing more classic as black and pink.   Chanel has been in business for over 10 decades for being very french and very classic. 

If you are planning on going to an opera or any black tie event, look no further. This Chanel is what you should wear.

-Eri 

Chanel Haute Couture black dress coat with pink belt, c.1960's. 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.

RED OR BLUE STATE?

Tomorrow I fly to Dallas for a book signing party and then fly on Wednesday to DC for our exciting Hu's Inaugural Ball Salon.  This dress would have been ideal to take to 1600 Pennsylvania but it just arrived which means any Inaugural Ball party hoping fashionista should snag our red Valentino evening dress directly from Decades and wear it with a blue shoes, white clutch, and gold jewels.  Actually kidding about the accessories as one needn't be too red, white, and blue, but you can never go wrong with a perfect Valentino red dress to show your proud stars and stripes.  Anyway, looking forward to seeing friends in Dallas and DC!  

-Cameron

 

Valentino Boutique red crepe jersey one shoulder gown, c. 1980's.  Marked size 6, 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.

OSTRICH KELLY

This Hermes Kelly 32cm in forst green ostrich with gold hardware doesn't need a lot of words. These images would be enough for a bag this beautiful. It is in pristine condition and comes with its own dust bag. 

Hermes 32cm Kelly in ostrich forest green with gold hardware, 2002. 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.

ONE OF A KIND OR ONE OF ITS KIND

Join Cameron Silver to explore fashion's decades and decades of fashion in this year's New York Fashion conference which will focus on "One of a Kind" iconic individiuals and institutions whose contributions have played critical roles in defining modern fashion. Artisantry, makers and materials that are as extraordinary as those who create from them objects of compelling and enduring beauty, from gemstones to rare metals to textiles. Central to the questions of what makes something "one of a kind" is the paradox embodied by vintage; Is a garment one of a kind or one of its kind? And how does standing the test of time create the iconic?

For tickets click here and enter promo code silver or call: 646.485.1952

The conference presents a unique opportunity to meet authorities from the fashion world and if you have not yet purchased Decades; A Century of Fashion by Cameron Silver , the books will be available at the conference as well as a chance for a personal book signing.

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.

BYE BYE BALENCIAGA

Daylight Savings Time had me up at 5 45 am PST this morning where I read on WWD.com that Nicolas Ghesquiere was leaving his post at Balenciaga after fifteen years as Creative Director.  He has actually been at the house since the mid-90s where he handled less glamorous components of fashion such as licensed designs and making funeral clothes for the Japanese market.  The dress below is likely from the period when Ghesquiere has first joined the House of Balenciaga, but may not have his actual talented touch.  This dress does however demonstrate the modernity of Cristobal Balenciaga which continued after his death in 1972.  A flawless black duchess satin dress with flattering and elongating seems that literally burst from the bust.  I am excited for Ghesquiere's next venture as he has proven himself to be one of the great talents to emerge from the 1990s and certainly his last few collections were exciting in their complete modernity.  His final collection which was met with raves managed to manipulate the iconic ruffles of Cristobal Balenciaga but in a thoroughly modern way.  His "moto" bag has transitioned from "It" bag to classic and I was always impressed with what I saw within a Balenciaga boutique: just the right mix of commercial, editorial, and artistic fashion.  Sort of what this dress is all about, no?  Did the clothes sell?  Fashion insiders said the collections were unsuccessful at retail, but one that is for sure: Ghesquiere for Balenciaga has always flown off the shelves at Decades since he is the epitome of a future collectible designer.

-Cameron

Balenciaga black satin gown, c. 1990's.  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.

THE LADY WORE RED

I feel like leather is making a major fashion comeback.  Between those perfect The Row leather leggings to essential motorcycle jackets, leather is a fashion staple that could very well be in its height of fashion at present.  Being in fashion is one thing, but being OUT of fashion is the ultimate in chic in my option.  After all, if it's in fashion it is already old.  Decades is all about being out of fashion because it's the past that dictates the future.  This baby's bottom soft leather red suit by Yves Saint Laurent has strong shoulders and a nautical gathered grommet waist cinch along with a perfectly chic skirt.  It is your mother's leather suit, but it isn't because you will wear it in a perfectly fresh way.  Take the jacket and toss it over a thin cashmere tank and a pair of jeans.  The skirt will be effortless with a denim jacket, turtleneck, and red soled boots!  You get the picture...

-Cameron

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche red leather skirt suit, 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.