Wednesday, October 31, 2012

A COLLIER FOR YOUR CONVERTIBLE CLUTCH

Does anyone still eat candy?  I mean it is Halloween so if you plan to trick or treat, how will you eat the carbs?  Perhaps one way to monitor your sugar intake is to use this vintage Hermes ostrich convertible clutch with a fabulous collier de chien clasp closure?  There are only so many Tootise Rolls, Abba-Zabba, and Chunky bars you can fit in it!  We particularly love it because it is a style that hasn't been seen before at Decades (and it has been fifteen years); it is a perfectly neutral natural ostrich tanned ostrich color, the hardware is good and gilt;  and you can use it as a shoulder bag or a clutch so it's a two-fer!  I am on the Dukan food program so no candy for me.  I rather spend my money on Hermes. Hermes is very Dukan: protein and no carbs!  Be safe tonight.  Boo!
-Cameron






Hermes CDC in ostrich leather with gold hardware, X stamp for 1994. It measures 6.5' x 10' x 2', shoulder strap is 39' long. 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.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

DECADES IS VERY GREEN PARTY!

I doesn't matter if you are a Democrat or a Republican, we all love cashmere!  And Chanel cashmere is particularly desirable, isn't it?  Sandy is on everyone's mind, but so is our forthcoming election and I am feeling very Get Out the Vote so if you are a US citizen please do your civic duty and vote either absentee or at a booth.  What could be more chic than to show up at your polling station in a Chanel cashmere twinset?  Ah but it's not a cardi and pullover twinset.  Rather it's a cardi with a skirt.  Together it is very Ronald Reagan 80s, but imagine the cardi with a pair of leather Row pants.  Chic, no?  And the skirt needs a Rick Owens tank and a Cerre leather jacket with tights and moto boots.  Why, you can wear this Republican or Democrat and the nice things it is vintage, so very Green Party too!
-Cameron





Chanel cashmere sweater skirt suit set, c. 1980s.  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.

Monday, October 29, 2012

STORMY WEATHER

To our dear friends on the East Coast, we hope you are safe and sound against the stormy weather of Sandy.  Having lived on airplanes for the past six weeks, I am delighted to be in sunny LA at present and am hopeful my book tour can continue on Thursday pending the wrath of Sandy!  The other delight is to be able to blog about all the collectibles that have come our way in the last few weeks that I am enjoying viewing at the store.  I chose this cream fringe custom dress from the House of Nelson because I think Nelson's design could whip up quite a frenzy with the shimmy of this wiggle dress.  These fitted silhouettes are always sexy on a curvy bod that likes to make men go a little mad.  Could be a cool girl wedding dress too.  So if Sandy is blowing up a storm, let Nelson take you away to somewhere fabulous that won't screw up your hair 'do.
-Cameron
PS Hope you bought the book





Nelson custom original ivory fringe dress 1960'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.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

THE CHANEL OBSESSION

This is the year when Claudia Schiffer is appointed as ambassadress of the House of Chanel, and as Chanel had become a hot property so did she. This was the decade of the supermodels and truthfully Chanel's revival. There is no denying than there is a real Chanel Obsession, women collect it, adore it and they pass it on to the next generation. There is always the element of romance with Chanel as well which makes the perfect wedding dress, especially Chanel Haute Couture for all the brides who have a flare for the extraordinary. 
-Eri 










Chanel Haute Couture chiffon gown in nude with a black velvet detail and rose, Fall/Winter 1990-1991. 
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.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

HOME SWEET HOME






































While Cameron is off on his phenomenal book tour, I am taking the Decades trunk show on the road to my hometown of Detroit.

 I love Motown!  It truly is a beautiful city, with amazing food, architecture and importantly, fashion.
Some of our biggest names in fashion—Diana Ross, Veronica Webb and John Varvatos-to name a few are native Detroiters.
 And I’m going to get my fashion fix while in the Motor City.
 On Thursday October 25th, I will be attending Fashion Across the Decades-a fashion show fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan.  Decades gowns will be featured in the presentation.  For more info go to charityfashionshow.net
 And then on Friday October 26th, and Saturday October 27th, the Decades trunk show opens in Grosse Pointe Farms at the Hill restaurant on Kercheval Avenue .  I’ve carefully curated the selection, and cannot wait to see my hometown reaction and hope you can make it.
 Side note: does anyone have an in with Mother Nature?! I land on Wednesday.  76 degrees. Sunday I’m going to the World Series (Go Tigers!) and it’s going to be a blustery 35. 
Packing is going to be a real situation.
-Christos

Thursday, October 18, 2012

FOREVER IN BLUE JEAN

Money talks
but it don't sing and dance and it don't walk.
And long as I can have you here with me
I'd much rather be
forever in blue jeans.
Honey's sweet.
But it ain't nothing next to baby's treat.
And if you pardon me
I'd like to say we'll do okay
forever in blue jeans.

-Neil Diamond











Hermes Birkin 35cm in Blue Jean Togo with gold hardware, marked G for 2003. 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.

GARCELLE BEAUVAIS HOTTER THAN HOT


Last night was an only in LA moment.  95 blistering degrees.  And yes, The Third Annual Autumn Gala.  That’s fall for you in Hollywood.
 The event featured a fab re-creation of the 2013 SS J Mendel runway show, benefitting the Children’s Institute.
 My date for the evening was the gorgeous Garcelle Beauvais (from TV’s Franklin and Bash, and the upcoming Flight movie—playing Denzel Washington’s ex-wife—I hear it’s amazing!)
 Garcelle is one of Decades favorite clients and friends.  We’ve been collaborating on her red carpet looks for over 10 years—and she’s become a fixture on the best dressed lists.  Doesn’t hurt that she is drop dead gorgeousJ.
 Last night we hit it out of the park.  She lit up the already hot party with her J Mendel fur bolero and  sexy Victoria Beckham dress  plucked from the racks of Decades. 
 It was an anything for fashion moment.  Fur. 95 degrees. Wall to wall people.
 Mr Mendel was so taken by her look that he asked that she come to his trunk show today to have something personally made for her.
 That, my Decades friends, is hot beyond words.
-Christos

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

WHAT WOULD CARY GRANT WEAR?

The reason you have not seen Cameron's posts on this blog lately is that he has embarked on a world book tour promoting his book Decades: A Century of Fashion.
As part of the book tour Cameron Silver stopped by CBS News this morning to talk about his new book. If you missed it you can click here  to watch the full interview with Charlie Rose, Norah O'Donnell and Gayle King. If you have not purchased the book yet you can do so on amazon.com and for a signed copy you can order at Decades. Cut tall and slender, the book features 200 archival images of vintage fashions that still look stunningly modern. It is a bubbly, beautiful, spirited volume that will make you see style in a totally new way. 
Look who got a copy already; the king of the American media himself, Regis Philbin!



























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.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

DOUBLE THE BOW DOUBLE THE FUN


Just like Mrs. Obama's Norell black dress worn to celebrate Christmas, this is another perfect option for any winter festivities that you might need to attend this year. Elegant and chic this Traina Norell is done in such clever and modern way that it simultaneously inspires and makes you feel the not-so-obvious innocent optimism. The bows, not one but two, the crinoline skirt and the tea length are what make this one of the best LBD we have seen in a while. As Christian Dior once said back in 1954: "if you need to chose the perfect dress for a festive event, chose black". And is clear that the First Lady knows best.
-Eri







Traina-Norell black cocktail dress with double bows, c. 1960's. Modern size 2.

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.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

COCO CAMEO

From Tom Binns to Dolce e Gabbana, from Miu Miu to the Princess Victoria of Sweden on her wedding day, everyone has been sporting cameos for a while now. Hand carved for centuries this Edwardian vintage trend is alive and well. This Chanel piece is Coco's cameo and is one to treasure.
-Eri 






Chanel cameo cuff,  c.1980's. Size Small.  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.

Tuesday, October 09, 2012

VERSACE IS HEADED TO COACHELLA

Every outfit looks better if you belt it. And what better way to belt a dress or your jeans than a vintage Versace belt. The V-girl has always been created to perfection, her hair and make-up loud and perfect, her clothes clinging to her body unabashedly. But for next Spring things took a turn, The Versace girl is headed to Coachella with her tie dye tee dresses and belts, she is relaxing a bit. There will be no outfit complete for Coachella or otherwise, without a belt and safety pins. 
-Eri 






Versace gold metal with safety pin detail,  measure 34 in. c. 1980's. SOLD

Versace silver metal with coin and safety pin detail, measure 34 in. c. 1980'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.

WARM AND CHIC IN GUCCI

Fall is here ....even in Los Angeles!  Here is a Gucci long sweater in beige with the iconic racing stripe and an attached shawl to keep you warm. Gucci's history has been filled with iconic images and most importantly the green and red racing stripe, born from the canvas strap used to hold saddle's to a horse's back. The stripe, inspired by a Tuscan tradition was developed in the 50's and has since become one of the hallmarks of Gucci. Used in accessories, clothing and even car interiors, as in Cameron Silver's Gucci personalized Fiat 500. The racing stripe has definitely made a come back especially with the new Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini. The stripe has returned, but for those who never forgot the magic of Gucci and want to be part of best dressed fashion bunch, here's the original. 
-Eri 




Gucci knitted sweater with iconic racing stripe, c. 1970's. Marked size 46. 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.

Friday, October 05, 2012

DECADES BOOK TRAVELS ABROAD

If you are in Berlin or Toronto you have a chance to meet Cameron Silver and attend his presentation of his recently published book "Decades - A Century of Fashion"

Saturday, October 13th,  3pm - 5pm at Quartier 206 Departmentstore 
Friedrichstrasse 71 Berlin Tel: 030 2094 6800



Tuesday, October 23rd, 6pm - 8pm at Pink Tartan Flagship Store 
77 Yorkville, Toronto, Canada Tel: 416 967 7700



Click on the images above for more info and click here to check out the exclusive preview of the book and to pre-order your signed copy. 

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.

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

I HOPE @HEDISLIMANETWIT DOESN'T READ THIS

Okay I've digested the Hedi Slimane debut for Saint Laurent or whatever he wants to call it.  I have also read the reviews, the blogs, and of course the Twitfit between Cathy Horyn and the rather ornery Mr. Slimane.  My initial reaction to the show was surprised as everything was so retro.  Although I am a purveyor of vintage clothing, when it comes to 21st century fashion, I want it to look 21st century.  As I've further considered the show, I have found it to be too much of a greatest-hits collection styled skinny.  The clothes really looked like the way girls who shop at Decades already dress: they snatch a vintage YSL blouse and wear it with a pair of crazy skinny jeans, epic heels, and often with statement necklace and hat.  It was very LA-LA land.  In that sense it was very successful...for any designer other than someone of Hedi Slimane's calibre and repute.  It would be an acceptable show for a contemporary brand who wants to reference 70s boho YSL and make it look like something to be sold at Barneys Coop.  I guess I just expected Slimane to manipulate the revered YSL codes into something all together fresh.  Dare I say, the way Raf Simons did in a very short period of time for his Dior Couture debut. 

The good thing about the collection is that all the savvy fashionistas out there will be wise to come to Decades and pick up the original inspirations which will be much less expensive than the Slimane-Laurent prices (they are quite high and buyers who have called me to consult on the saleability of the collection are in a quandary: do they buy these expensive clothes that look like they come from Decades?).  I liked everything in the collection because it reminds of Decades.  Buyers may be confused, but the looks are good looks, they are just looks we have seen worn by folk a lot over the last ten years.  Just let me dress you and let's let Mr. Slimane take his time to get his feet wet.  I didn't like Ricardo Tisci's first collections at Givenchy.  Now I love them!  Maria Grazia and Pier Paolo didn't work for me initially at Valentino, but now I think they are doing a splendid job.  I guess the lesson to be learned:  if you are going to reinvent the wheel with re-branding then the expectation is your collection must follow suit and be ground breaking.  I think had Slimane not made such drastic moves and more smoothly transitioned, perhaps the reviews would have been more kind.  I am excited to see where he goes for fall.  Slimane is super talented and I love wearing his original men's looks for YSL from 1999.  I say give him a few seasons, before we throw him under the bus.  However, I would suggest Francois Pinault has a talk with the Saint Laurent press team.  Sounds like they are amateurs!

In the meanwhile, check out the Slimane and the Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture original.  You choose.
-Cameron





Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture chiffon lurex blouse, c. 1970's. Will fit size 2 and 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.