COLOR BLOCK

There has been so much color block on the runways lately  that you would think it was a fashion phenomenon that we have never witnessed before, but Rudi Gernreich introduced color block to fashion back in the 1960s.  The example below is from 1973 and might inspire Raf Simons (just got to meet him and he is such a gentleman and an incredible talent to match) or Phoebe Philo.  Who doesn't dig color block?  It always looks right but it's best by the master, Rudi Gernreich.  It's always a Rudi moment in my book and I am certainly partial since curating THE TOTAL LOOK, which is currently on display at the SCAD Musuem in Savannah through 7 Ocotber.

-Cameron

Rudi Gernreich color block dress, Spring/Summer 1973. Marked size 8, modern 4 to 6

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DECADES FASHION FACT: COOL IN CHLOE

I dunno about you, but I'm crazy for Chloé. Founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion, who sensed in a gap in the market between Haute Couture and off-the-rack plain-jane clothing, Chloé from the jump, was a high-end line of soft, exquisitely made feminine clothing with luxe fabrics that didn't conform to Haute Couture rules and regulations but were fashionable well-made clothes that made the woman who couldn't quite afford Dior, stand out in a crowd.

Allegedly, Gaby called this new type of catagory "pret-a-porter". (Who knew she coined the phrase? Btw, Chloé's pret-a-porter lines were so successful, that the couturiers quickly introduced their own versions, with Givenchy being the first to hop on the P-a-P train, with the Givenchy University collection in 1956.) Chloé also made it their business to work with wunderkind designers such as Maxime de la Falaise and Michèle Rosier.

In the mid-60s, Chloé started working with a young upstart designer from Germany, Karl Lagerfeld, maybe you've heard the name. (wink) Several luminous ladies such as Jackie Kennedy, Brigitte Bardot, Maria Callas and Grace Kelly sported Karl's Chloé clothing.

In 1985, Chloé is purchased by the Richemont Group. They continue to hire top-tier talent, such as Martine Stibon. Eventually, in 1997 Stella McCartney is hired to helm the brand. McCartney takes the brand back to it's roots with feminine coquette-ish clothing and accessories. since McCartney's departure in 2001 to run her own label, today's major design players have worked for the brand including Phoebe Philo and Hannah MacGibbon. Upon MacGibbon's claim of the reins, Chloe Sevigny signs the dotted line and becomes a spokeswoman for the house. It is this pairing, not to mention the shared name, which inspired the Decades online team to post Chloe clothing yesterday followed by clothing by Chloé today.

Personally, I have my eye on a vintage Chloé cream skirt with tiered lace at the hem; though a vintage navy dress with embroidery is also calling my name. Sigh. Decisions, decisions.

To shop our specially-picked grouping of vintage and modern Chloé, click here. For a preview, dig the pieces below.

--Lizzy

Vintage Chloé navy dress with embroidery

Vintage Chloé cream skirt with lace hem

Modern Chloé black dress with deep V-neck

Modern Chloé dress with metallic paillette paisley designs