AN HOMAGE TO A MASTER

Frederic Castet with models wearing his creations. (photo by PurePeople)

It was sad news for us here at Decades to hear that Frédéric Castet, the master of fur creations, died in Paris on June 16, 2011 at age 81. After 6 years at Balenciaga, Mr. Castet joined the House of Dior in 1953 heading the Fur Department for ready-to-wear. At the death of Christian Dior, Castet was responsible for haute couture fur collection as well as ready-to-wear. Because of his creative work he had many followers such as Marlene Dietrich, Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor.

This amazing purple mink coat from the 70's, is one of Frederic Castet fabulous creations for Christian Dior. Soft and lightweight with lustrous guard hairs and dense, soft underfur has a purple leather detail around the collar and will keep you warm and feeling fabulous. Buying vintage is the only way to remain guilt free ...in case you encounter a PETA activist.

Adieu Monsieur Castet!

-Eri

Frederic Castet for Christian Dior mink coat in purple with leather trim detail, c. 70's. Modern 4 to 6. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or todd@dtwo1.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. 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.

FROM THE MID WEST WITH LOVE

When you feel the chill, turn to a mid-West furrier to warm your shoulders. We love dependable vintage furs that add ethical glamour and warmth to the fashionable. The two minks below are both from past era furriers based in St. Louis and Chicago, respectfully. The Schimmel tourmaline mink stole functions like a cape and has convenient hand warmer pockets on each side at the front. The fur is sensually pieced in a curved pattern and could be worn stadium side watching an outdoor football game over a ribbed cashmere turtleneck, or, bare-shouldered over a slinky and revealing gown. A word of advice on evening gowns. If it is bare, you will likely be cold no matter which side of the Equator you reside or the time of the year. When the sun goes down, temperatures drop so a light weight evening fur becomes a necessary option.

The white mink stole is a true shoulder duster. In a regal silhouette that can be worn by "Queens" of various persuasions. The three tiered mink was designed by Louis Berman & Co. of Chicago in the early 1960s. With a hidden oversized hook and eye, this is a hands free-friendly fur for a memorable night out in always elegant white/cream mink. Both furs have been cleaned, reconditioned, and glazed by our furrier so they feel fabulous and are beautifully lined. Recently we acquired a beautiful collection of Vogue magazines from 1960. The furs pictures below were considered the epitome of elegance and luxury. We are delighted to be en vogue.

Schimmel Furs of St. Louis tourmaline cape cape stole, c. early 1960s. Free sizeSOLD

Louis Berman & Co, white/cream mink shoulder duster store, c. early 1960s. Free sizeSOLD

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.