DON'T DO BASIC OR BORING

I am not a believer in basic or boring.  Let me rephrase that.  I have no problem with basic, but I just don't like boring.  Take for example this Givenchy silk dress.  It's very basic in it's silhouette: a sleeveless scoop neck shift with a wide sash belt.  However, it refrains from being boring because of the pop-ish primary floral print.  Suddenly this day dress will have you day dream of running barefoot through a wild flower patch.  Reality comes calling.  Just wear this effortlessly through summer with sandals or princess heels and bring a little joy into everyone's life around you since a flower a day, keeps the doldrums away!

-Cameron

Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique silk floral print dress, 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.

NOT JUST FOR NIGHT

When the temps go up the Pucci come out.  And when we mean Pucci, it's not just the luxe silk jersey, but also the licensed pieces for Formfit Rogers made in nylon that are durable against the elements of sand and sea.  Throw this dove grey gown over your maillot and you can go from bain de soleil to Il Sole in the time it takes to button this dress up.  True, these were originally made as lingerie pieces, but it's the 21st century and no one will balk if you are unmentionables are showing. 

-Cameron

 

Pucci Formfit Rogers night gown, c.1970's. Marked size M. 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.

VANCOUVER BOOK SIGNING

I will be at Bluebird Thursday May 30th

6 to 8 pm

signing copies of DECADES: A CENTURY OF FASHION

RSVP ASAP TO BLUEBIRD.ALBERNI@VERTISFASHION.COM OR CALL 604-257-0700 FOR MORE INFORMATION

BLUEBIRD

1056 ALBERNI ST

VANCOUVER, B.C.

 

WWW.BLUEBIRD,CA

-Cameron

BBQ SAUCE

This Memorial Day, I suspect many of our American clients are in their backyards grilling up a storm.  I am at Decades selling up a storm.  I also wanted to blog something that is begging for some BBQ sauce to drip on it.  Getting the sauce out of the dress is another conundrum, however.  Giorgio Armani is not a label we often accept at Decades, but when it is right, there is no question as to why Mr. Armani's business is a multi-billion dollar phenom.  Yes he brought us the relaxed suit, but Armani is more than one who manipulates masculine codes in shades of wheat.  This striped day dress wraps and sashes but also has a collar, strong shoulder, and slight puff to the sleeve.  It's the type of dress one wears to a Malibu BBQ with sandals, Aix in Provence cocktails with espadrilles, or to a luncheon at Michael's with Manolos.  It's chic.  Too chic for BBQ sauce!

-Cameron

Giorgio Armani red striped silk dress, c.1980's. 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.

DECADES IS A MUSUEM

People constantly tell us that Decades is like a museum.  However, you are able to BUY our collection.  This Arnold Scaasi dress was featured in an Ohio State University Museum exhibition in 1998, but now we have it.  Scaasi said this dress was made to uplift a woman's spirit and when Eri tried it on (check out her Instagram for pics of it on her modeling said dress @flaneur_eri) she said it made her feel amazing, too.  How can you not fall in love with this iridescent tomato red brocade strapless gown with a tulle bustle?  It's Cannes-tastic!

-Cameron

Arnold Scaasi red strapless gown with bustle, c.1980'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.

HATS OFF TO TURBANS

Whether you are a maharaja, Catherine Baba or Kate Moss, turbans have always made a fashion statement. From the 40's film noir to 70's YSL, to last year's Chanel men's turban, this head piece made of cloth is a status symbol to some and definitely a chic look for  many women. These two turbans with drape custom made for Bullocks Wilshire in orange and chartreuse jersey, can dramatically change any plain outfit. Take a hint from one of the most stylish women, Loulou de la Falaise who was famous for her folkloric accents and especially her turbans. Turbans in any shape, are here to stay and when you are having a bad hair day, wearing a turban is an elegant and quick solution. 

-Eri 

             

Custom millinery Bullocks Wilshire turban hat in chartreuse jersey, c.1960's. SOLD
Custom millinery Bullocks Wilshire turban hat in orange jersey, c.1960's. 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.

DOUBLE THE CUFF

From Coco Chanel to Diana Vreeland wearing matching cuffs has always been a statement of stylish women. Like armor worn on the wrists, the double cuff exudes power, it's more chic and more expensive looking. These vintage Yves Saint Laurent in leather and bronze are the perfect stylish set of balance and eye pleasing symmetry. wear them with any outfit and they will add immediate glamour. 

-Eri 

Yves Saint Laurent bronze and leather adjustable cuffs in brown, Spring/Summer 1987. Width 2.5 inches.

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.

ARE YOU STRONG ENOUGH?

This Paco Rabanne Haute Couture chain mail and disk multi color jacket is not for a wimp.  The wearer needs to have a strong spine as it's HEAVY METAL.  The brave soul will wear this bare (please don't have a hairy chest as those hairs will get stuck in the links!), but a bodysuit or beautiful La Perla bra will solve the problem.  This is a show-stopper, so when you get an invite that says "Creative Black Tie" or "Festive Attire", just throw this on and you will stop traffic.

I do hope you understand my hairy chest joke!

-Cameron

Paco Rabanne disc jacket c. early 1970'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.

LEONARD ISN'T PUCCI

Many call Leonard the French Pucci, but both esteemed Houses have distinctive prints.   In 1958, at the encouragement of Jacques Leonard, Daniel Tribouillard opened Leonard Fashions and by 1960 had secured a very unique printing technique.  Eventually the orchid became the symbol of the house famous for it's ultra light silk jersey dresses weighing just 150 grams!  Leonard is not as ubiquitous as Pucci and hasn't been able to be reborn as brilliantly as Peter Dundas has done at for the legendary Florentine fashion brand.  However, Leonard still has a bit of an insider exclusivity which makes this velveteen jacket of marigold-based florals (Leonard is often inspired by Japan) so special.  Just like the silks, this year-round velvet, is ultra-light weight and totally season-less.  Perfect for brightening up any and every day!

-Cameron are you following me on Twitter?

 

Leonard print velvet coat, c. 1970's. 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.

CHANEL REQUIRED

Do you own a  Chanel suit?  Now, do you own a Chanel Couture suit?  Next question, Do you own a Chanel Haute Couture suit designed by Coco Chanel.  If you answered "yes" or "no" to any of the above questions, you need this suit regardless!  Call me crazy but this is simply a stunning Chanel Haute Couture suit from the 1960s designed by Coco Chanel.  It's not a heavy wool boucle and is spring ready, but certainly festive enough for the winter.  The three piece ensemble includes an iconic jacket and skirt along with a matching tank. There are so many ways to wear this suit.  Naturally, as a total look it is the epitome of elegance.  Split it up and the jacket can be paired with jeans or the tank with short-shorts.  The skirt with a cashmere-silk Loro Piana twin-set makes these an essential for spring travel.  This suit can be-to-cocktail and with the touch of gold thread I rather love the jacket over a gown.  I even own a few men's Chanel jackets so get with the program and get this Chanel!

-Cameron

Chanel Haute Couture cream silk and gold lurex suit, c. 1960's. 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.

SUPERSIZE IT

Summer is just around the corner and in order to dress up any simple outfit you will need bold jewelry. What better option than vintage Yves Saint Laurent, the master of color and statement pieces. Wear any of these necklaces with a simple tee shirt or a man's crisp white shirt, and it will bring modernity and elegance to your look. No matter what your taste is or your favorite color, there is an options for all. 

-Eri 

Yves Saint Laurent necklace in tan and red wood beads with oval gold metal "cage" eggs. Spring/Summer 1989. 

Yves Saint Laurent necklace with plastic nuggets in ivory, beige and tan with purple plastic "Maltese" cross and gold textured metal orbs, Spring/Summer 1985.  

Yves Saint Laurent necklace with red glass caviar tube beads multi strand with five gold metal crescents, Spring/Summer 1984. 

Yves Saint Laurent in metal gold and plastic in green and black beads, c. 1980's.  

Yves Saint Laurent painted "coral branches" inlaid with Swarovski crystals, mother of pearl and resin "nuggets", Spring/Summer 1984. 

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.

CHARLESTON BARBIE

The king of sequins and beads has done it again. This flapper style dress in art deco style beads and sequins from Bob Mackie comes with a matching head piece. You will turn heads, feel sexy and dance the night away. Daisy who?

-Eri 

Bob Mackie beaded deco minidress with matching head piece, c. 1980'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.

LIQUID SILVER

Gianfranco Ferre's designs walked the line between fashion and architecture, combining opulence with careful tailoring. Simplicity was his signature, like his famous simple white tailored shirts. In contrast, the Ferre woman was never simple, she was an Amazonian creature in high heels bursting with confidence and sex appeal. This mini dress smothered in caviar beads and crystals creating a liquid silver effect is far from the simplicity of the crisp white shirt. Be simple with styling it; just a pair of high heels and confidence and you are sure to make an unforgettable impression.  

-Eri 

Gianfranco Ferre knit mini dress with caviar beading and crystals, c.1990's. 
Will fit modern size 2 to 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.