LITTLE BLACK DRESS: THE UNIFORM OF WOMEN OF TASTE

The story of the little black dress starting form the 20's courtesy of Coco Chanel and remaining a stable uniform of all chic women through Decades, is not going away. These four wonderful dresses remind us that when a black dress is just right there is nothing else to wear in its place. From Christian Dior to Gianni Versace, from Norman Norell to of course Chanel these four options will freshen up your wardrobe and remain classics at the same time. Try wearing these with flats for a more relaxed and updated look. 

-Eri 

Christian Dior wool crepe dress with satin black bow belt, c.1960's. Modern size 4.

Chanel silk pleated dress with black gold logo button, c.1970's. Modern size 6. 

Norman Norell wool dress with side pockets, c. 1960's. Modern size 6. 

Gianni Versace silk jersey dress, c. 1990's. 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.

FROM CHARLES JAMES TO CHRISTIAN DIOR VIA JOHN GALLIANO

The opulence of Charles James inspired John Galliano for his 2010 Spring Couture collection for the house of Dior. Enough has been said about John Galliano, regarding that infamous drunk rant back in 2012 his fate almost sealed with shame. Regardless of your feelings on the man, John Galliano has been one of the great fashion talents of the last 20 years elevating the house of Dior from 1996 producing collection which have been regularly critical triumphs, creating visual pleasures as well as great clothes. For his Spring Couture collection in 2010, Galliano was inspired by the opulence of Charles James so he created a show worthy of such an inspiration. 

The gown below comes from this collection. Though not quite vintage, it's is definitely an archival piece. The pink satin whipped into a ball gown with pleated train and dusted with crystals is the perfect gown to make any woman feel like Cinderella. And most importantly for those attending, a great option to wear to at this year's MET ball honoring Charles James, America's best couturier. 

As Galliano expressed to the press after the show, he had read that it was actually Charles James who inspired Christian Dior to create the New Look. So voilà, Charles James to Christian Dior via John Galliano in all his splendor. 

-Eri  

Christian Dior Haute Couture nude pink grosgrain evening gown with crystal embroidery, Spring/Summer 2010. Modern size 4. 
To purchase click here. 

Or 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 AND CHRISTIE’S AUCTION

Decades has partnered with Christie’s  in London on a new auction going live on November 13 on Christie’s website www.christies.com/fashion . If you are in the look out for one of a kind vintage gems register to bid and purchase collector’s items carefully selected by the King of Vintage himself. Below is an interview of Cameron Silver with Christie’s if you want to better understand the importance of buying and wearing vintage. 

Why is vintage fashion so alluring?

It's not easy to have original style in the 21st century where everything and everyone is accessible. Vintage is a guarantee to personalise your style. Ironically, vintage dictates modern trends so a vintage wearer is always one step ahead of the fashion pack.

What is the holy grail of vintage for you?

An Yves Saint Laurent Mondrian dress. It would be nice to match it with the perfect new owner.

Which contemporary fashion designers do you admire?

I have very eclectic taste. Right now I am very Haider Ackerman, Rei Kawabuko, Ann Demeulemeester, and Raf Simons obsessed. I think Three as Four is brilliant. On the affordable end, I love COS! I am very democratic when it comes to fashion. I am very eclectic as I find things I love at Tommy Hilfiger, too! Great design and great designers with interesting and successful businesses are my heroes.

Who wears it best?

In 17 years of Decades, we have dressed Oscar winners to your grandma! Everyone can wear vintage. It’s just about HOW you wear it.

What are your top picks from Christie’s forthcoming Vintage Couture sale?

A Rudi Gernreich mono-kini topless
bathing suit, 1962
Estimate: £2,800–3,000

I won’t be surprised if the Rudi signed swimsuit gets bids the minute people see it [and] the Dior gowns are exquisite.

What should collectors be collecting for the future?

Neo Vintage is really starting to trend and there is interest in early Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga, Rick Owens, and I think the impact Mary Katranzou has had in prints as well as so much of Karl Lagerfeld's opus cannot be ignored. There is a lot of good fashion happening right now.

What are your top tips for creating a vintage wardrobe?

Vintage should be your conversation piece so I prefer to buy pieces that make a statement and let your modern wardrobe complement. Don't do basic or boring and step outside of your comfort zone. However, ask yourself when building your wardrobe ‘does this look modern?’ because that's the great magic of vintage: when you get it right, you are the future of fashion.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Everyone is dead: Baron de Rede, Marlene Dietrich, Dirk Bogarde, former Texas governor Ann Richards, Halston, Ebony founder Linda Johnson, Rudi Gernreich, Krishnamurti, Christopher Isherwood, and Grace Kelly, among others.

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 LIKE A MUSEUM

When I fly to Paris for Couture at the end of June for Couture I can't wait to see the exhibit La Haute Couture à l’honneur à l’Hôtel de Ville de Paris.  There are a few friends of Decades in the exhibit including this legendary Christian Dior Haute Couture gown from 1952, called le Palmyre.  Much thanks to Fabio Maria Damato for sharing his iPhone shot from the exhibit he took last week. 

-Cameron

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.

COLICHET

We all need a colichet in our life!  That little something extra like a statement piece of jewelry or a trinket on your coffee table.  It's that unexplainable certain something that you never knew you needed until you first encountered it.  This late 1960s brilliantly knit wool sweater bares the label Christan Dior Colichet and that's exactly what it is: a watermelon rope neck knit with bell sleeves and the most clever geometric pattern.  It's perfect for transitional winter-into-spring weather and Eri styled the sweater with a pair of faded Chanel jeans a la Jane Birkin.  So casual and chic and totally colichet.  Perfect for watching tomorrow's episode of the internationally acclaimed docu-drama that is climbing up the Nielsen rating charts and causing an absolute seismic shift in fashion, Dukes of Melrose.  Please feel my sarcasm.

-Cameron

Christian Dior wool sweater in watermelon red, c. late 1960's. Will fit 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.

FUR FOR SURE

From Chanel to Michael Kors, vintage inspired fur is key this Fall. On runways was shown in all different ways, fur sleeves from Margiela, which reminded us of our Alber Elbaz for YSL fur sleeve cashmere coat available here, colored fur at Celine and Moschino, fur handbags at Louis Vuitton and classic long fur at Hermes. There is also a moral fur debate going on for years now and for those who truly care, here at Decades we believe that there is nothing better than vintage fur. 

Specifically this fox fur in blonde in perfect condition. It will look amazing over any gown for the evenings and super chic over jeans and a white tee. Accessorize it with a great bag, black or brown boots and lots of Chanel gold necklaces and you will put your heart and wallet to rest. 

-Eri 

Christian Dior fox fur in blonde, c.1970's. Will fit size 4 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.

SILVER AND GOLD

Whoever said you can not wear gold with silver, was wrong. That is another fashion myth that Camille Miceli, the super chic parisian who designs jewelry for Dior, would strongly oppose. This Christian Dior top is the perfect mix of gold and silver. The perfect thing to wear with denim for a fun day/night out or with a fitted Alaia skirt for a date night. It is cheap, chic and super modern. 

-Eri 

Christian Dior Boutique sequin blouse, c.1980's. Will fit a small to a medium. 

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.

ANGELINA APPENDAGE

If you buy this dress, please don't mimic Angelina Jolie's pose at this year's Oscars in her Versace Atelier with her right leg so oddly struck out like an appendage with a mind of it's own.  Let is happen naturally.  That's what Marc Bohan would like when you wear his strapless leopard lame print gown with Jolie-sized slit for Christan Dior Haute Couture.  You leg need not have a mind of its own.  Wear the dress, the leg will follow.   A perfectly timeless gown in a silhouette to flatter as long as your leg follows directions.

Cameron

 

Christian Dior Haute Couture by Marc Bohan gold lame strapless gown,  Automne - Hiver 1976.  Approximate 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.

GYPSY WOMAN

Marc Bohan helmed the House of Dior from 1960 to 1989.  He took over after Yves Saint Laurent, but had previously handled designing the Christian Dior London label from 1959 to 1960.  It was Marc Bohan's designs for Christian Dior that graced the runway at the Palace of Versailles on November 28th, 1973.  This Christian Dior Boutique peasant luxe black chiffon dress is likely from around that time.  The off-the-shoulder dress with ruffle over the neck and shoulder is a silhouette that really works on a myriad of  bodies.  There's no confining waist band.  You can wear a bra with it.  Effortless with flats, glamorous with heels. Pile on the jewels or go bare.  The rich-hippie look never goes out of style.  It's always right to look a little romantic and Bohan injected Dior with a youthful and tasteful style that may not have the shock value of other designers of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, but how many of them churned out Couture collections for three decades?  Sometimes not reinviting the wheel and making people look beautiful is the height of fashion.

-Cameron

Christian Dior Boutique black gypsy dress with jacquard chiffon with black satin ribbons, c. 1970s.  Marked size 6, flexible modern size from 4 to 10.

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.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JARRED!!!!

It's Lil' Jer Jer's birthday today.  For those who have not had the pleasure to experience Le Jer Jer in person, he is the ultimate fashion diva.  His hats are always vintage Galanos.  His furs are always Barguzin sable.  And I have never seen Jarred not attached to one of his Hermes bags.  He is just a typical Decades employee.  But not just any employee:  Jarred is on his third decade at Decades.  He began in 1997 and hasn't left since, except when we had a huge fight around 10 years ago but he came grovelling back.  Or did I beg him to come back?  I can't remember.  Anyway, Jarred is the GLUE of Decades.  He can sew a hem of a Dior while changing a light bulb.  He can sweep leaves off our roof in the middle of heavy winter rain while boxing up a crocodile Birkin to a Saudi princess.  He knows where the transformers are for the store and can transform the store with his magical merchandising.  For those who do know Jarred, he would never wear what we styled him today.  It must have been the high from his birthday cake that made him vulnerable to this fashion shoot.  Truth is, the Dior sable cape is actually mine (it belonged to Lyn Revson and I just had to keep it and don't know how or when I will ever wear it.  The HAC is actually from my personal collection, too.  But I am willing to sell it since I have too many.  The hat IS Galanos and is for sale.  Jarred shaves his head so I thought he needed a hat today.  Anyway, we all love Jarred in his curmudgeon, anti-Capitalist, conspiracy theory splendor.  Jarred loves fashion and fashion history and if he ever gives you a compliment on something you are considering to purchase, it is as if the Pope himself has blessed you.  Long Live Jarred Cairns.  The glue of Decades.  The Lil' Care Bare of Decades.  Le Jer Jer, middle aged ballet star.  Jarred we all wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY.  You were a twink when you started here...sometimes things just don't change.  However, Jarred is about to become a huge reality TV show icon because he is the ultimate outsider artist and future Bravo-celebrity as his appearance on our new show will solidify his legend.  Note to self: Buy his art NOW...will be worth a fortune once the show starts airing on Bravo.

Jarred is the original sweet spirit.  The original lollipop and butterfly.  You can trust him with your life, but I can't guarantee his undies will be clean!

-Cameron 

Galanos hat in spiral pattern in gray wool, c.1980's. Size small. SOLD
Dior sable fur cape, c.1960's. One size fits all. SOLD
Hermes 45cm, rouge haut-au-courrois, 1982. Measures 45cmX42cmX24cm 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 NEW LOOK 21ST CENTURY EDITION

Sitting front row at Raf Simons' debut Haute Couture show for Christian Dior earlier this month in Paris, I felt a major fashion moment was happening in the 21st Century...at last!  A "new" New Look in 2012.  Whereas John Galliano waxed nostalgic on his signature bias cuts and retro-full skirted gowns during his previous and now infamous  tenure and dismissal, Raf took the helm of Dior and referenced Monsieur Dior's famous "bar jackets" from Spring/Summer 1947 as chic coat dresses.  He also proposed mini ball gowns, as I photographed below, but worn with slim tuxedo pants in an exceedingly refreshing and modern silhouette that got this jaded "been there, done that" fashionisto quite excited.  

 

I am confident this new silhouette will be oft-copied by other designers and I can give you a bit of a head start on referencing the look by wearing this Marc Bohan for Christian Dior embroidered velvet bustier that is demi Couture.  Although it may not flair in as exaggerated version as the Raf version for Dior above, it gives a hint to the new silhouette and won't cost you around $70,000.  One of the marvels of vintage is that we can give you next season's look...yesterday. 

Remember, if it's in fashion, it's already old.

-Cameron

Christian Dior Boutique by Marc Bohan elaborately embroidered velvet busiter, c 1980s. Modern size 6

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.

CALL ME MAYBE

This "Christian Dior" dress has a weird and wacky label I have never seen before so I cannot confirm it is authentically Dior, but I can confirm that I love the boho nature of the dress and I think you will love the price of the dress.  So cheap!  So chic!  So call me "Maybe Dior" which actually sounds like the name of a fragrance in my book.  Featuring a tomato red chiffon base covered with an abstract floral pattern of ocean green and peach admits the woven lurex polka dots and free form sequins, I love the fitted long sleeves and the pleated skirt.  So chic for anytime of the year.  Festive for the summer, hearty for the fall, golden for winter, and floral for spring.  Now it may not be Dior and there are some sequins that are lose, but does it really mater if you are bohemian chic?  I never keep it secret that I like a long sleeve sexy dress and this one fits the bill.  It does remind me of the glory days of Rachel Zoe and Nicole Richie, too....a style that never goes out of style.

-Cameron

Call me Maybe "Christian Dior" tomato printed chiffon with pleated skirt and paillettes, c.1970's. Size generous modern 4. Some minor flaws.

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.