FUR REAL, GURLFRIEND

I don't know about you guys, but I'm kind of sick about hearing the qualifier "fashion must-have" next to something I need like a hole in my head, say a cropped neon pink fur and feather jumpsuit or orange vinyl leggings or for that matter any kind of jegging. Sigh. Remember when jeans were jeans and leggings were leggings?

Not that there's anything wrong with wanting to wear a fuschia and chartreuse sweatshirt that zips up into a hooded face mask with a cobalt lucite harness. It's just that those types of things are not essential. Believe me. You will get way more mileage out of a classic trench, a white button down, and/or a grey cardigan hand knit in the softest cashmere than a hat made out of crustaceans.

But I will say that the crazy kinds of clothes--the ones that might have Anna Dello Russo's approval--those are the things that make fashion fun. If you can't infuse humor into your dressing, you're not going to have a good time when you get out of the shower and stand in front of your closet. Fashion has an amazing ability: the potential to transform. And it does that through the fantasy it can offer, as well as the reality it provides. After all, you do need clothes. I mean, you might get busted for wearing your birthday suit to the bank, depending on where you live.

So, I'm not going to waste your time by trying to explain why you need an Hermès mink blanket. But what I am going to do is suggest, that in addition to evoking glamour and luxury, this baby will definitely lend itself to building a little fantasy in your home life. Think about stretching out over this baby at the end of a hard day, the delicious juxtaposition of folding it over your case-study couch, heck, why not even call your mate and tell them you two are up for a round of playing Ski-Lodge in the Alps" while kicking it fireside one cozy winter eve? I suggest wearing a pair of lederhosen and not much else. Now, that's a fashion fantasy, girlfriend.

--Lizzy

DO A DECADES DRIVE BY . . .

. . . To check out our amazing new windows. Then park and come in and shop a bit. The windows were designed by the inimitable Jeff Snyder, who in conversation with Cameron Silver, was inspired by the confections of Erno Laszlo. Jeff's style, cheek, sleek and always refined, often harkens back to elements from Decades past (how fitting) while the end product on each project remains the épitomé of modern aesthetics. We chatted with Jeff and found out all about his process for creating the Erno eye candy as well as windows past. Here's what he had to say.

1. When designing, do you let the clothes determine the "story" or do you have a particular concept in mind and then pick the clothes from there?
It's really 50/50. Sometimes an amazing collection pops up, such as the Lyn Revson collection. Or like with the Laszlo collection, we knew we wanted to deal with Hollywood icons, which is fitting, considering that it's awards season. And sometimes, it's just something I imagined, something abstract and/or more conceptual.

2. How do you design the windows to fit the Decades brand? Is there a particular aesthetic or vision that says Decades to you?
I think that the Decades look is and my personal preference is to keep everything simple, elegant and modern. I make the windows about showcasing the clothing and so keep all design elements chic and well composed.

3. Who are your design heroes?
My design heroes are the beauty and laws of nature. That's what makes me feel balanced and inspired. Of course, seminal Southern California designers such as Neutra, Eames and Schindler come to mind but really I am moved to create more by observing things like geometric fractal patterns occurring naturally in a wave or a canopy of leaves overhead.

4. Living in L.A., there's vast landscape and architectural beauty, from a beaten-down old craftsman up in Laurel Canyon to the jacarandas that bloom twice a year. Do you look to our city for inspiration?
L.A. affects me every day. The light, the wind, the grandness of nature that exists within the ramshackle chaos of it all. The wildness of the plants, the palms, the flowers and the buildings that seem as randomly to crop up between the foliage; the craziness of it makes me feel free. It is such an aspirational city. There is so much hope and possibility in Los Angeles.

To contact Jeff Snyder for upcoming design projects, please call Decades at 323.655.1960 ex. 106 for Jeff's contact information.

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GOING GRES

Gres godess gown currently in exhibit at the Musèe Bourdelle in Paris.

How many of you fear turning gray? I have surrendered to the gray that creeps up on me and I notice the white hairs near my sideburns and temples. I guess it's a rite of passage?

A preferred right of passage is owning a Madame Gres. I think most people would prefer a Gres hanging in their closet over some gray hanging on their head! This Madame Gres gown is in ivory jersey with spectacular pleating over the bodice which is a signature of Madame Gres Goddess drape technique. The skirt gathers from the bodice and releases so you can spin like a whirling dervish! But what of the optional shoulder swag? One arm goes through the jersey shawl and the excess fabric can be wrapped around the back to gently grace your opposite arm. Another option is keep it hanging off your shoulder just like an ancient statue that so influenced the great Gres.

Madame Gres (Gres Paris label) Haute Couture ivory pleated Goddess gown with arm shawl. Modern 4 to 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, so may offer you a high level of personal service.