BETTER THAN THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

When is a coat a coat and when is it a dress?  Sometimes it is both.  And then sometimes it's beyond description.  This James Galanos intricately beaded coat can be worn open with a camisole and tux pants; or, closed up as a dynamic long and colorful gown.  Pieces like this are prohibitive to buy from today's designers.  Throw on a crystal and add a digit to the price tag.  Leave it to Mr. Galanos to give us full on paisley sensational details in a mélange of colors that are thoroughly swirling!  The ultra chic would wear this when feeling ill in their sick bed.

-Cameron

James Galanos beaded & sequined coat, c. 1960'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.

IN THE BEGINNING

This Sunday, Versace will kick off the Haute Couture shows in Paris.  I always love a Versace show for it's hyper-sexy with pimped out colors that exude exceess.  One of Gianni Versace's signature fabrics used throughout his career before his murder in 1987, was metal mesh made by the Australian company Oroton.  Oroton actually popularized the fabric in the 1960s and 1970s for men's and women's clothing and accessories.  The Oroton metal mesh dress below is deadstock (unworn) from the early 1980s and is a simple slip dress in the most seductive of fabrics.  One cannot hide anything in this dress as all is revealed as the mesh embraces every curve and crevice of your body.  This is a very naughty slip dress.  Anyway, can't wait to see how Donatella uses the signature fabric of casa Versace on Sunday.  Follow me on Twitter and Instagram as I will let you know before anyone else does!

-Cameron

Gianni Versace Oroton chain mail dress with green satin trim, c.1980's. Marked size 40.  Modern size 2 - 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.

A QUARTET OF JET SET CHIC.

How was your summer solstice?  Although I thought the solstice was Thursday (it felt like a long day), it turns out that Friday was even a longer day for me and officially deserves being known as the longest day of the year!  When I think of summer, I think linen and raw silk.  And how appropriate that these four identical Ib Jorgensen button down palazzo pant jumpsuits just came to Decades is watermelon,  lime, and baby blue (is there a fruit this color?) linen and lemon raw silk.  Now when I think of jumpsuits, I do not think of Denmark nor Ireland, but Jorgensen was born in Denmark and trained in Ireland opening his couture house in 1957 until its closing in 1994.  All four jumpsuits feature tonal buttons, defined waist bands, and hip pockets.  These are the perfect resort wear uniforms for those that resort.  Probably not for a getaway in Denmark or Ireland, but perfect for something tropical where you can pick a lime or lemon from your bungalow's window.  Get Jet Set.  Speaking of jet set, make sure you follow me on Twitter and Instagram as I will be posting a lot from Paris starting next Saturday at the men's Dior show through the final Haute Couture shows on 4th of July!

-Cameron

Ib Jorgensen Watermelon linen sleeveless Jumpsuit, c. 1960's.  Modern size 4 to 6 SOLD

Lemon raw silk sleeveless Jumpsuit, c.1960's. Modern size 4 to 6 SOLD

Lime linen sleeveless Jumpsuit, c.1960's. Modern size 4 to 6

Sky Blue linen sleeveless Jumpsuit, c.1960'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.

SHAMASK AND I: FASHION AND REFLECTION

During a Decades event in New York City early this year I wore a black "parachute" dress that Cameron and I found in a vintage fashion expo. The dress had an extraordinary voluminous shape with batwing sleeves and buttons starting on the left shoulder and descending to mid thigh. I was in fashion heaven, not only because I am drawn to dramatic modern shapes but especially because this was Ronaldus Shamask. I had never worn a Shamask piece and I always felt like it was the best kept secret. I wore the dress ignoring NYC freezing weather and had an absolute blast. Little did I know that by wearing this dress, in some way I would attract the fashion gods into bringing more Shamask into my world. Cameron was in talks with Mr. Murray Moss, The Moss in Shamask Moss. He had saved some runway samples from the early 80's and wanted for them to go to young people who would discover and appreciate the brand. Now we have over 55 pieces at Decades, from linen dresses and blouses, the silk two tone dresses with cut out details, kimono style coats, and silk pajama sets featuring his signature snaking seam. These two wool skirt suits feature the hidden seams revealing a color contrast and hidden buttons and side pockets. Ronaldus Shamask is and expert of stitching, which often involves minimal seams and a flow that naturally complements the human form. He is inspired by origami and architecture. As fashion is rewritten everyday, it is very important to know who the pioneers were. And it is also important to look and feel good. In Shamask you will experience that and the absolute feeling of being a fashion insider. 

-Eri 

Ronaldus Shamask wool skirt suit in red, Fall 1981, 
Modern size 4.  SOLD
Ronaldus Shamask wool skirt suit in black, Fall 1981. 
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. 

KELLY - A MORE REFINED LOOK

If you are a Kelly woman, this 40cm Hermes Kelly is the perfect bag to take to a business meeting. This Kelly has been gently loved, but box leather ages well and a spa day at Hermes can make this bag look brand new. However we here at Decades do love the worn look on all the Hermes bags. It gives the bag and the carrier character. And more importantly you can't beat the price. 

Hermes Kelly 40cm in black box leather with gold hardware and shoulder strap. Missing lock and key and it comes with it's original box. Stamped D for 2000. 

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.

IT'S GOING TO BE A LOOOONG DAY

Today is the summer solstice...the longest day of the year and the official start of summer!  So bring on the linen.  These Pauline Trigere dresses manage to be sharply tailored AND seasonally appropriate without being boring or basic or beach-y.  The top dress is really a vibrant red (it looks so dull in the picture below) and the baby pink dress is pretty accurate.  With a slight cap sleeve, two slits at each clavicle that lead to a bust dart, these 1960s dresses will never go out of style and always keep you in style.  It's the longest day of the year, so get dressed for it!

-Cameron

Pauline Trigere linen

Red sleeveless dress, c. 1960s. Modern size 6 to 8.

Pink sleeveless dress, c. 1960s. Modern size 6 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.

CHANEL JACKETS NOT JUST FOR YOUR JEANS ANYMORE

I thought Keira Knightly was a beautiful bride wearing a Chanel jacket over her wedding dress.  I think it's a very modern way to do formal, also.  That is why I proposed the YSL gold lurex gown with this Chanel jacket in our previous post.  I just think it's very elegant and effortless way to get dressed up and a fresh alternative to a fur or the ubiquitous pashmina.  This 1960s Chanel Couture jacket (designed by Coco Chanel) has a wonderful shades of gold lurex zig-zag pattern and gilt rope trim.  Yes it's great with jeans, but it's also great over your gown, too.  Chanel jackets...not just for your jeans anymore.

-Cameron

Chanel Haute Couture gold with rope trimmed jacket, c. 1960's. Modern 6 to 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.

THE COOL WAY TO WEAR BLACK TIE

I love lamé. Possibly because in the 1970s as a kid there was always disco in the background, lamé just seems as practical to me as flannel to a grunge kid.  This Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche sleeveless dress is pure gold lamé fantasy but isn't a product of the 1970s disco scene.  Designed for YSL's Winter 1991 collection, the shoulder-padded gown has three rope buttons on the left shoulder that repeat at the left hip, too.  There's an optional gold leather belt that the original owner wore with this gown, too.  I like the YSL styled with this 60s Chanel Haute Couture jacket (more info on that jacket tomorrow). Don't you think it's a very modern and cool way to wear vintage?  Although it's very vintage!

-Cameron

YSL gold lamé metallic gown, Winter 1991. Marked size 38, will fit modern size 4 to 6. SOLD

Chanel Haute Couture jacket, 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.

SAIL AWAY

Once again, Decades is stopping traffic with our latest window designed by Jeff Snyder and "Dukes of Melrose" star Jarred Cairns.  We are honored to have received the archive of Ronaldus Shamask from his early 1980s collections with business partner Murray Moss.  Pieces below are part of the Amsterdam born Shamask's COTY Award Winning collection from 1981.  Shamask may not be the most familiar name to our clients, but I remember selling his designs at Theodore around 1987 when he won the CFDA award.  Shamask's aesthetic is extremely architectural with brilliant seaming that makes what at first glance appear to be simple but is really very sophisticated.  His fabrics are the finest natural linens and silks and although these pieces are nearly 30 years old, they are incredibly directional and modern.  Come visit us at Decades or take a peak at some of his linen pieces on our E-commerce site.

-Cameron

Shamask Original archive now available at DECADES

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.

CAPRI IS CALLING

I have never been to Capri but that is about to change as next month just after the Couture shows in Paris I am plane surfing to Capri and couch surfing at my friend's house.  I am excited to see Capri as my fantasy is that everyone is in Pucci 24-7.  This 60s classic Pucci jersey shift with fun flapper lemon fringe is my ideal of what the chic women of Capri will look like.  However, one needn't meet me in Capri to be the epitome of resort chic!  This is the dress that takes you through the summer day and night; flats and heels; sun and sunset.  Throw it in a zip-lock bag along with a bikini, shorts, and some tees and you can pretty much get through a weekend in the Hamptons.  However, I do hope to see you in Capri, too!  What should I wear?

-Cameron

Emilio Pucci jersey and fringe "flapper dress" c. 1960s.  Marked size 12, modern 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 YOU THINK YOU HAVE AND WHAT YOU DREAM OF HAVING

Hermes has always been the brand with a policy of product not an image. The enduring quality of Hermes products are superior to all. Rejecting mass production has made possible for Hermes to refine each product with a lasting effect. Hermes might never change its logo or its stand on branding, but they are a brand nonetheless. Choosing Hermes we characterize who we are, what we have and what we dream of being and having. This shoulder Kelly is in great condition and known for practicality. The Trim bag is as functional as it is iconic, and what about the chicest weekender the Plume for both him and her. And if you are not in the market for a bag, we got you covered. The lambskin hand painted scarf is as extravagant as it is sublime. And for the horse owners; treat your horse as you would like to be treated. Whip the flies away from your horse's face with Hermes. The horse might not know the difference, but you do. 

-Eri  

Hermes shoulder Kelly 40cm in togo leather yellow with palladium hardware, 2009. SOLD

Hermes Trim bag 31cm blue jean in togo leather with palladium hardware, 1998. SOLD

Hermes Plume bag 45cm in togo leather with gold hardware, 1997. SOLD

Hermes fly whip in red, c.1970's. Length of handle 35cm. SOLD

Hermes fly whip in yellow, c. 1970's. Length of handle 35cm. 

Hermes lambskin shawl with leather fringe and handpainted feathers in gold. 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.