YVES SAINT LAURENT: STYLE IS ETERNAL

Take a sneak peek into Yves Saint Laurent’s studio as the first YSL exhibition ever is to be held in UK this summer. The Bowes Museum and the Foundation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent – which is headed up by Pierre Bergé, the designer’s partner – have collaborated to bring the retrospective, entitled Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal to Britain. The exhibition will run from July 11th to October 25th and will be held at Bowes Museum, a stunning castle near Newcastle in England. Not only will their be props from his studio, also his sketches will be available to the public eye. And for those who can't make it to London you can still shop these vintage pieces. 

-Eri 

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche chiffon peasant blouse in blue, c. 1970's. Modern size Small. 
Yves Saint Laurent Fourreur leather coat, c. 1980'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. 

BUY LESS, MORE SMART!

When all else is fails, why don't you just get it right...very right and put on some vintage Yves Saint Laurent?  The stores are filled right now with marked down spring inventory.  Frankly, I am amused by things that were deemed so essential several months ago by the big books and bloggers and editorially celebrated now relegated to 65 percent off because let's be real...some of the stuff was just hideous! 

You can scoop up a ton of bargains that may not be bargains when you bring the pieces home and realize "yup, everyone was right...this is butt ugly" OR invest in a piece of Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture.  This lace and navy crepe gown is a simple strapless silhouette in the perennially chic nautical combo of navy and white.  The belt is intact and you can edge up this gown with a pair of whimsical shoes by Charlotte Olympia.  This is the summer dress you should invest in.  Don't get too seduced by mark-downs.  I have a closet full of them and trust me, they add-up!  Be less, more smart!

-Cameron

 

Yves Sant Laurent Haute Couture dress in blue crepe with white bodice, c. 1980's.  Modern size 2-4. 

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.

FALL FORWARD

From chunky Dior knits to slick Burberry coats, from Chanel leather boots to vintage fur hats and dresses, Decades has you covered this Fall. Mixing vintage with modern we put together some looks to inspire you. This Yves Saint Laurent vintage wool coat with a hood, it's the perfect cozy piece that you will always wear, either over jeans for a cool day look or at night or the office with knee high boots. Refresh your closet this fall and invest on important outerwear pieces, leather boots and furs.  You can shop the looks online now here and thank us and your wallets later. 

-Eri 

Yves Saint Laurent wool coat with hood and silk lining, 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.

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.

A SEQUIN SWEATSHIRT

The Scottish cashmere makers have fallen on hard times as more men opt for the casualness of a cotton sweatshirt versus the luxury of a soft cashmere pullover. Plus the Chinese cashmere is cheap and chic, but Chanel has always used Scottish mills. This is one of the reasons Karl Lagerfeld brought his Chanel pre-collection to the Highlands in an effort to bring awareness to the traditions of cashmere and wool weaving.   If you want to go full the opposite of casual, then opt for a sequin sweatshirt as it is so tremendously nonchalant and rather decadent at the same time.  Sweatshirt dressing is all over runways today from Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga to Alexander Wang for, well, Alexander Wang.  If Ghesquiere's "dorky cartoons" were inspired by corporate culture (which may explain his decision to part ways with the House of Balenciaga) and Wang's sweatshirts are street-referenced, then what will you say of a black and silver sequin sweatshirt?  I say it is inspired by the nightlife and glamour.  It may seem particularly perfect for this festive season, but I want it worn with a pair of casual shorts this spring in addition to glamorously with a pair of tuxedo pants.  This is daywear for night owls.  It's the way I love a woman to dress and of course it is by Yves Saint Laurent!

YSL Black and silver sequin blouse, c.1970's. marked size L (but really will work on a modern 2 to 10). 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.

DOWN THE GARDEN PATH

"Yves Saint Laurent has a fifty-fifty deal with the street. Half of the time he is inspired by the street and half the time the street gets its style from Yves Saint Laurent. His vehicle to the street is ready to wear, but behind it all are the superb designs of his couture workroom from which emerged the most beautiful and dashing dresses of the last quarter century. He is without any question the leader in all fashion. Follow Yves down the garden path, there is always a pot of gold at the end"

-Diana Vreeland  

Yves Saint Laurent wine satin and lace dress with sash c. 1970's. Marked size 38, 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.

THE LADY WORE RED

I feel like leather is making a major fashion comeback.  Between those perfect The Row leather leggings to essential motorcycle jackets, leather is a fashion staple that could very well be in its height of fashion at present.  Being in fashion is one thing, but being OUT of fashion is the ultimate in chic in my option.  After all, if it's in fashion it is already old.  Decades is all about being out of fashion because it's the past that dictates the future.  This baby's bottom soft leather red suit by Yves Saint Laurent has strong shoulders and a nautical gathered grommet waist cinch along with a perfectly chic skirt.  It is your mother's leather suit, but it isn't because you will wear it in a perfectly fresh way.  Take the jacket and toss it over a thin cashmere tank and a pair of jeans.  The skirt will be effortless with a denim jacket, turtleneck, and red soled boots!  You get the picture...

-Cameron

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche red leather skirt suit, c. 1980s.  Marked size 40, modern size 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.

WHAT NOT TO WEAR TO HEDI'S DEBUT?

Apparently if you really wanted to piss off the new regime under Hedi Slimane at the renamed Saint Laurent Paris guests were encouraged NOT WEAR anything designed by Stefano Pilati for today's runway debut.  It is strictly verboten, according to many people involved with the relaunch.  I cannot confirm if it was the same situation with anything designed by Alber Elbaz for Yves Saint Laurent during his all-too-brief stint.  Nor have I inquired about Tom Ford looks.  Lately, I have been searching for pieces by Alber since he only designed three collections for YSL in the late 1990s.  Perhaps it is his 10th Anniversary at Lanvin and his triumphs at this house, that has made me very fascinated about his stint.  Certainly, Alber is regarded as one of the supreme talents working in fashion today.  He spent pivotal years with Geoffrey Beene in NYC before a quick year at Guy Laroche in 1997, the year Decades opened and the year I first became familiar with Alber Elbaz.  Tom Ford booted him out of YSL when Gucci Group took over YSL and TF took duo Creative Director control of both YSL and Gucci.  Alber did a quickie at Krizia before landing safely and successfully at Lanvin.  It's the YSL year of Alber that really gave him critical acclaim and I remember when Chloe Sevigny attended a slew of Award Shows in 2000 as a nominee for "Boys Dont Cry" that Alber's name became a bold one.

This red leather wrap trench dress is a perfect example of why Alber Elbaz for Yves Saint Laurent really put the charming designer on the trajectory as a fashion star.  He took the familiar codes of YSL (trench, leather, color red) and mixed it all together into a thoroughly modern and wearable and ultimately timeless silhouette.  

All eyes and ears are Hedi Slimane's debut in Paris for Saint Laurent Paris and it appears that Hedi went very retro 70s YSL hippie chic Hollywood hills but in his signature skinny silhouette..  If you want to keep the fashion cognoscenti guessing, start wearing the strictly limited pieces Alber designed for YSL.  A surprisingly large number of people have no idea Alber had three collection at YSL.  When someone asks you what you are wearing respond with an all-too-intelligent: "YSL by Alber Elbaz."  You just might hear a "say whaaaaaaaaat?"

-Cameron

YSL Rive Gauche by Alber Elbaz red leather wrap coat dress, Fall 1999, marked size 38. 

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.

LEATHER GOODS

With his last collection at Yves Saint Laurent, Alber Elbaz brought in a controlled collection with a lot of black leather details such as in gloves, the leather dresses and the leather bibs shown under big fur coats and tucked in under pencil skirts. Alber Elbaz brought a modern take on the YSL house's timeless chic. More than a trend, leather is a staple in a chic woman's wardrobe. There are many ways to wear the bib or this long sleeved top. Wear these with wool pants or wear the bib over a chiffon blouse to combine the hard and the soft. For a more austere look simply match it with leather trousers under a leather trench and you can make Morpheus proud.

-Eri  

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche black leather long sleeve blouse, Fall 2000. Marked size 38.SOLD

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche black leather bib, Fall 2000. Marked size 38.

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.

OMNIPRESCENT

May one ever have too many vintage Yves Saint Laurent blouses in one's closet?  I think not.  Why you must own silk secretary blouses, and shells, tuxedo blouses, linen camp shirts, and of course lots of peasant blouses, like this black silk one with gathered round neck and cuffs in the lightest crepe.  There are infinite ways to style this.  On a hot day like are having in LA, it is ideal paired with a white skinny jean.  For a dressier moment, picture this with a tuxedo pant.  Come this fall, I love the look with a pair of Jitrois stretch leather pants tucked into those amazing Brian Atwood crazy up to the thigh boots for a strong transitional look.  The peasant look NEVER goes out of style.  Trust me.

-Cameron

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche black silk peasant blouse, c. 1970s. Marked size 34, flexible 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.

UNWRITTEN

Natasha Bedingfield stopped by the Lumia 900 Lounge last night at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE for Nicki Minaj concert wearing a vintage Yves Saint Laurent "YSL" logo dress from the early 1990s and an extraodinary vintage Yves Saint Laurent necklace from DECADES!  We had fun playing dress up before the concert.  Eri made perfect selections for Natasha. 

-Cameron

YVES SAINT LAURENT HAS CHANGED THE NAME

With Hedi Slimane as newly-appointed creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, changes have already started to happen. YSL is about to have a new name and being rebranded as Saint Laurent Paris.
For Slimane this move is to recapture youth, freedom and modernity, just as the founder of the fashion house, Yves Saint Laurent did when he created Saint Laurent Rive Gauche in 1966.
And that is why this variation logo dress by Yves Saint Laurent from Summer 1988 is more important today than it was in 1988. it features very prominently the YSL interlocking logo on a red raw silk strapless silhouette with a lace wrap/apron on the waist and hips with a point d'esprit red floral motif. The wrap may be sensually tied at the back for a very sophisticated Spanish-style look.
However you tie it, you'd be glad to own a piece of history!
-Eri

Yves Saint Laurent Variation red strapless raw silk logo shift with lace apron wrap, Summer 1988. Marked size 38, Modern size 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.

YSL BLOOM

Spring is definitely in full bloom and all we can think of is picnic on the grass, flowers and print dresses. This Yves Saint Laurent silk dress in pink, tan, white roses and trumpet flowers on a green ground might inspire us to do just that. 

-Eri

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche flower print silk day dress with self sash, c. 1970's. 

Marked size 40 (shown here on modern size 4 mannequin). 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.

YVES SAINT LAURENT

"When you feel good in a piece of clothing anything can happen. A good dress is a passport for happiness."

"Seduction: love yourself a little to be loved a lot. A woman's most beautiful makeup is passion."

"Nothing is more beautiful than a naked body. The most beautiful garment a woman can wear are the arms of the man she loves. But i am there for those who have not had the good luck to find that happiness."

-Yves Saint Laurent

Beside being the most celebrated and influential designer of the past 25 years, Saint Laurent understood what beauty and style were and he created clothes that reflected his sensibility.

This leopard silk evening gown is a perfect piece which captures the animal side of a woman and at the same time, her elegance.

For modern YSL pieces please visit decadestwo.com and check out the flash sale online only.

-Eri

Yves Saint-Laurent Rive Gauche leopard evening gown, c. 1980's. Marked Size 36. 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.

ICONIC YSL

This picture was taken in 1968 when Yves Saint Laurent opened his first YSL Rive Gauche boutique in Paris. His best friend and muse Betty Catroux (left) is wearing the same tunic we just got in today.

There are some times when you see a piece so iconic that is impossible to resist. This YSL Rive Gauche Safari tunic is a classic must-have even now 40 years later after Yves Saint Laurent opened the doors to his first ready to wear collection. A versatile piece that can be worn in Summer or Fall, this safari tunic is a piece of fashion history copied and interpreted over and over again but as we believe here at Decades; there is nothing better than the real thing.

-Eri

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche original safari tunic in sand, c. 1968. 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..