DO NOT MISS VERSAILLES '73

If you have not seen Versailles '73, An American Runway Revolution directed by Deborah Riley Draper and featuring supermodels such as Pat Cleveland, China Mochado, Marisa Berenson, than you should. The documentary explores a pivotal moment in both American and French fashion, as well as the global perception of African American models in the seventies. Narrated by our darling Cameron Silver the film will screen by the Costume Council on April 22nd at the Bing Theater at LACMA in Los Angeles. Please rsvp at costumecouncil@lacma.org since seating is limited.

WINDOW SHOWDOWN

As the LA premiere date of Versailles '73 is fast approaching, we recreated our own interpretation of how the American models looked in the beautiful creations of the American designers as they competed for recognition at the now infamous Fashion Show in Versailles in 1973. Cameron Silver narrated the documentary, which premiered in Cannes last May. As interesting as it is from a fashion point of view, what happened in Grand Divertissement at Versailles in 1973, is historically and socially important. Not only was this night important to American ready-to-wear designers having an international presence, but also because twelve African-American models at one time in one show representing American fashion industry, caught the Europeans by surprise. Those beautiful creatures like Pat Cleveland, Bethann Hardison and Alva Chinn  helped break the color barrier down. The very next year Beverly Johnson was the first African-American model on the cover of Vogue. 

With our window we pay homage to Halston, Bill Blass and Oscar de la Renta, few of the most important American designers who helped give American fashion industry a voice not only in Versailles in 1973 but for decades to follow. Created by the talented Jeff Snyder and Jarred Cairns, our windows pay homage to a world without color or borders, where only beauty and passion to create, triumphs.

For those who live in NY click here to book tickets for Versailles '73: American Runway Revolution screening at IFC Center. 

-Eri  

Bill Blass rainbow chiffon gown with shawl, c.1980's. Modern size 4 to 6. Click here for more info. SOLD

Halston one shoulder rust-gold crinkled silk layered gown, c.1970's. Modern size 4, waist 24 inches. Click here for more info. 

Bill Blass multicor chiffon gown, c1980's. Modern size 4 to a small 6. 

Oscar de la Renta irridiscent olive draped charmeuse/chiffon evening dress with wrap, c.1980's. Modern size 4. Click here for more info.

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.

MORE FROM VERSAILLES!

Tonight there  is a secret screening of Versailles '73 in Los Angeles.  Although the film had its debut screening during the Cannes Film Festival in May, this time around a lot of my friends and peers will be listening to me narrate the film.  Let's hope people find my voice mellifluous and not dissonant.  I keep thinking about all the designers who were part of the famous fashion revolution.  I actually want to curate a trunk show of all the Versailles 73 designers: then and now.  Here is a great "then" piece by Bill Blass.  Wine printed python chiffon is enhanced with striped of gold paisley-laced thread.  The skirt is a handkerchief hem which yesterday's birthday boy, Jarred, calls "peasant."  You will have to email him at Jarred@decadesinc.com to ask him personally what is peasant-y about said Blass.  I think of it as very luxurious:  sensual python printed chiffon; glitzy paisley metallic stripes; flirty skirt.  Nan Kempner at her finest?  With fall just around the corner, I actually can see Jarred's point.  Perhaps this dress could be worn with suede boots and a great Ulyana Sergeenko coat?

Bill Blass wine snake skin print with metallic paisley long sleeve dress, c.1970's.  Modern size 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.

YOU BETTER START PLANNING YOUR OUTFITS!

There is a lot going on this fall so start planning your outfits and shop Decades!  In September, the wonderful new documentary VERSAILLES '73 will premiere and you know that the pressure is on to be dressed to the Nines when the film comes to your local cinema.  The Atlanta premiere is on 4 September, followed by NYC.  I am so excited to be the narrator of this wonderful project.  But your sartorial demands have only just begun as in October I am going on a world book tour to promote my Bloomsbury release, DECADES: A CENTURY OF FASHION.  I know the best dressed guests on the planet will be attending the book signings so put on your best vintage or soon-to-be-vintage and let's talk fashion.  Honestly, I can't wait to introduce both the movie and book to fashion lovers around the world. I am working on my outfits already.  If you need any styling tips, just email your friends at Decades.  As Vidal Sassoon famously said, "If you don't look good, we don't look good."

-Cameron

UN-CANNES-Y

It was so exciting to finally see Versailles '73 on the big screen at the Cannes Film Festival!  Please find photos from the VIP screening with producer/director/writer Deborah Riley Draper and  Athens, GA fashionista Eva Bowen.  The film will have its general release in the fall, but during the month of July there will be several VIP influencer screenings in Paris during Couture, as well as in Singapore, Los Angeles, and either Beijing or Hong Kong.  The LA screening is on July 25th, so Soho House members mark your calendars as this film will be packed!  We are planning on a screening in NYC during Fashion Week with details to follow.  You can always catch a sneak peak of the film on the http://www.versailles73movie.com/ website.  This will be a busy fall for me between the movie, Bravo show, and Bloomsbury book (which incidentally looks AMAZING) so I am very fortunate to be able to share my love of fashion in so many different media outlets! 

-Cameron

SIMPLY HALSTON

"I think about my life and I've had a wonderful life. Always. I was always a success. I have always had the best workers. I always had the nicest friends. I always had everything I wanted. I have had a great life". Roy Halston Frowick

This month's Decades window pays tribute to Halston, a legendary American designer who revolutionized American fashion. Because Cameron is in Cannes to attend the premiere of Versailles '73 - An American Runway Revolution, a documentary that tells the story of what was to be a fundraiser to restore Versailles, turned into a competition between French Haute Couture and American Ready to Wear. American designers won. This windows, created by the über talented Jeff Snyder, celebrate just that.  

-Eri 

Halston two tone raspberry and blue chiffon gown, c. 1970's. Modern size 4 to 6. 
Halston shift dress in white chiffon, c.1970's. SOLD
Modern size 4 to 6. 
Halston leather sandals in white, c.1970's. Size 7.
Halston leather sandals in black, c.1970's . Size 7.
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.

CAMERON SILVER PACKS FOR THE FRENCH RIVIERA

There is no doubt that Cameron Silver has a fabulous life. After his smashing appearance at the Met Ball, he is en route to Cannes to attend the premiere of Versailles '73 - An American Runway Revolution by filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper, that celebrates the victory of American Fashion in France in 1973 in an iconic fashion face off at Versailles. Narrated by Cameron Silver, the documentary tells the story of what was to be a fundraiser to restore Versailles that turned into a competition between French Haute Couture and American Ready to Wear. Americans won.

 "This is an important film," says Cameron, "not only because it's the story of American designers getting international attention for the first time and kicking ass over the French. But it also has important political overtones, because this show actually broke the color barrier on the runways."

And to celebrate American fashion and the French city by the sea here are some nautical inspired options. Get your hands on these fun inspiring pieces and head for the sea. 

-Eri

Normal Norell sailor in red with white collar and blue tie with belt, c. 1960's. Modern size 4 SOLD

Anonymous sailor top in navy, c. 1950's. Modern size 4 to 6. SOLD

Norman Norell sailor dress in navy with white collar and belt, c. 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.