WTF AND LOVE

I love to buy things that make me question "why am I buying this?"  This may seem totally impractical, but I am drawn to things that confront and confuse me.  Those are the types of objects that make us progress creatively. This Anonymous possum vest is a WTF fabulous example of something that may not have an exact position in your closet at time of purchase, but will suddenly inspire you.  I actually would love to to see it worn a little rock 'n roll: ribbed tank and leather leggings with super angry heels.  How would you style this and how would you describe it?  Yes, it's weird and wacky and totally fabulous.

-Cameron

WTF possum fur vest brown (no label) size 2 (very small armhole), c., who knows! 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.

A SONG, A CITY, A DRESS AND A LEGEND

Most iconic movies have an iconic star in an iconic dress. Jeanette MacDonald shines in MGM's spectacular movie San Francisco with Clark Gable as she sings her heart out wearing an Adrian custom made pink chiffon gown with maribou feathers. Jeanette MacDonald was a famous American soprano in the 20's and 30's and with her fiery ginger hair and pale pink gown she made such a big impression singing San Francisco in the movie with the same title, that now the song is the official song of the city. 

You don't have to be from San Francisco to want this dress, you don't have to be a fan of Jeanette MacDonald (we will never understand why, but we promise no judgement) but if you want to own a piece of American fashion and film history, this is the dress for you. The dress is quite stunning and feminine in a very light embroidered chiffon and soft maribou feathers. The inside label notes that this is the third look designed by Adrian for Ms. MacDonald for the movie. 

-Eri 

Adrian custom made gown in pink chiffon with maribou feathers and embroidery, 1936. Modern size 2 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 BEST FLAPPER DRESS EVER

I don't need to get too descriptive other than confirm that this is the best authentic Deco flapper dress I have seen at Decades in the fifteen long years since we have been making you look sexy.  Sexy this is: a deep plunge of black bugle beads trimmed in crytal "glitzy" strass.  The more daring of you can lose the modesty chiffon panel across the bust and dance the Charleston or whatever the kids are doing these days all night long.

-Cameron

Anonymous black beaded flapper dress with rhinestone bands and chiffon inserts, c. 1928. 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.

Raising the Barre in Dior

  

Happy New Year… Over the years I have been rather quiet on the old blog and I don’t make many appearances nor have I had anything really witty to say but today I have to make an exception. Unfortunately it won’t be very witty, but with the new year in full swing I think we (really Jeff) might have just out done ourselves and set the barre really high with such a beautiful window to start the year off that we may be in trouble. But it could also mean that Two Thousand and Thirteen is going be an incredible year for Decades and maybe just starting off with these amazing Dior Gown’s is what will keep us on point. Another unfortunately is that these INCREDIBLE gowns are a true size ZERO so ladies don’t feel bad because to be honest with you all they should only be worn to an Inauguration or sent straight to a very very special Museum.  Enjoy!  Bravo Jeff!

-Jarred

Christian Dior Paris, Haute Couture gown in gold, autumn/winter 1963. Modern size 0.

Christian Dior Paris, Haute Couture gown in pink, autumn/winter 1962. Modern size 0. 

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.

CARVEN COUTURE

What's in a name?  Madame Carven started her eponymous Couture house because she was petite (5'1") and couldn't find anyone who specialized in small women. In 1945 she went from architecture and interiors to architecture for your elite petite exterior!  Madame Carven aka Carmen de Tommaso turned 100 in 2010!  She retired from designing at 84 and her label is now part of the new wave or reviving storied French Houses as contemporary priced collections that were once affectionately called "bridge."  This is the success of Kenzo and Carven.  Which name next will be revised and made cheap and chic?  This Madame Carven dress reminds of current L'wren Scott and Roland Mouret dresses.  A beautiful silk flocked floral pattern with a very unusual asymmetric neckline and flattering draping over the hip.  It looks both of its era and of tomorrow.  I love the combo.  One need not be petite to apply!

-Cameron

 

Carven Paris flocked satin black and gold cocktail dress, c. 1960's. Modern 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.

THIS IS NOT PRADA

It is vintage Celine. Since the print on print trend seems to linger on and undoubtedly will have a comeback sometime in the next couple of years, why not stock up on some amazing print shirts from 70's Celine. Celine has changed over the years, what started as a children's shoe store in 1945 in Paris by Madame Celine and her husband, is globally today the epitome of contemporary minimalism in womenswear with Phoebe Philo as creative director. In the seventies, after a car accident left Madame Celine stranded on the side of the road near Arc de Triomphe, inspired by the surroundings she created these famous prints. The shield, link and chain motifs inspired by parisian architecture will become the house's signature. The following shirts, all in perfect condition, can be worn with just jeans (short, skinny or flared) or printed skirts and trousers for a more dramatic look.  It is easy to wear Celine and look put together and effortlessly chic.

-Eri

Celine cotton jersey shirt with flower print in beige and bronze,  c. 1970's. Modern size 4.

Celine cotton shirt with chain print in black and gold, c. 1970's. Modern size 4. 

Celine cotton shirt in chain print in light brown, c. 1970's. Modern size 4. SOLD

Celine cotton jersey shirt with neck tie in brown, c. 1970's. Modern size 4. 

Celine shirt in light cotton with flower print in navy, c. 1970'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.

FIFTY SHADES OF OMBRE

Leave it to quintessential American designer Bill Blass to savor the night and deliver a sure-fire hit Goddess gown in ombre shades of a total eclipse of the sky colored chiffon.  The strapless and pleated bodice creates a soft empire silhouette sensually spreading beautiful ombre shades reminiscent of the ultimate sunset (you know the ones we get in SoCal and Instagram is just filled with those magically hued images in tandem).  With a dramatic swag of fabric that we have thrown over the shoulder and can be seductively draped across your arms, this gown delivers the goods.  Wow this is starting to sound like a bad fashion version of last year's best selling novel.  Anywho SEX sells!
-Cameron




Bill Blass multi pastel colored chiffon gown. c.1980's.  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.

CRUSHED

Usually when I think of crushed velvet I conjure up unfortunate images of heavy metal rockers in leggings or Tim Curry.  I don't know why I think of Tim Curry, but I do.  Let's just say it's not my favorite fabric, although I do own a wonderful golden Stefano-Pilati designed men's blazer in crushed velvet that is always met with compliments.  Which brings me to this original Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche cherry red crushed velvet wrap gown.  I do not conjure images of Sammy Hagar or Tim Curry when I look at this.  I think more Dietrich back stage after a show in Vegas.  It's not to suggest this is a "dressing gown" per se, but it has that old Hollywood glamour silent film boudoir vibe, but is made for going out and being comfortable.  Remember: don't sacrifice chic, for comfort.  The two can meet.  As a matter of fact, chic + comfort has made its match in the dress below.  Now have you made your match?

-Cameron

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche velvet robe dress in red, Marked size 36. Modern size 2 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.

BOOM!

They say cockroaches and Cher will survive a Nuclear Holocaust, but I would also perhaps add Karl Lagerfeld.  The ultimate fashion survivor.  Has he ever said no to a gig?  I've recently posted an example of his work for Chloe, but let's not forgot the myriad of brands on his resume: Balmain, Patou, Mario Valentino, Monoprix, Curiel, not to mention Chloe, Fendi, Chanel, H&M, his eponymous collections, and Tiziani.  Tizi-who?  Tiziani is actually the name of the Italian fashion house started by Evan Richards, a very non-Italian former singer born from Jackboro, Texas.  He came to Rome to sing opera, but by 1963 had opened his own house and hired Karl Lagerfeld design.  Lagerfeld stayed until 1969, but left right about the time this dress was made as he quit soon after Elizabeth Taylor engaged Tiziani to design her costumes for Boom! (clink the link for pics of Taylor's auction which included her costumes) in 1968 and Richards wanted to be the sole createur. The best thing about the film are the costumes and this dress is very "Boom-bastic."  Let me dissect this dress for you: square gilt rope neckline with tangerine collar balls attached to a heavy coated metallic burlap with the most insane embroidery.   Well, he was known as the "Beading King" and this spectacular showstopper is worthy of a queen.

-Cameron

Tiziani Roma "Age of Aquarius" embroidered dress c. 1969. 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.

ALAIA LOVES VIONNET

It's no secret that Azzedine Alaia loves Vionnet and has a pretty killer collection of her impeccable bias cut gowns from the 1920s and 1930s in his personal museum.  When this wool coat came in I was seduced by the two-tone wool (matte and shiny) as well as unusual back cape detail.  But honey, that ain't nothin'!  When I opened the coat I realized it was as if Alaia took the footprint of an iconic Vionnet gown and built the coat around it.  Check out Eri's demonstration showcasing the inside of the dress and notice how the internal construction is separate from the outside of the actual cape attachment.  

                                         

Alaia black wool coat. c. 1980's. Marked size 8, 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.

KELLY VS BIRKIN

Are you a Birkin or a Kelly girl? Are you into exotic leather or more casual chic? We have both options for each girl. The Birkin in rouge croco porosus is flashy, but why not flaunt it when you got it!! The Kelly in black box leather has few signs of wear but as it is usual with box leather, it is as easy to restore as it is to show any scratches. Two very different bags for two very different ladies. 

The Brikin worn only a couple of times, is almost brand new and it comes with the original box and all its accoutrements. The Kelly comes with its box and dust bag. It is in good condition apart from some scratches on the leather which can disappear after a trip to the Hermes spa. 

-Eri

Hermes Birkin 30cm in rouge VIF in shiny crocodile porosus with gold hardware, 2005. SOLD

Hermes Kelly 32cm in black box leather with gold hardware, 2001. 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.