In 1997, Cameron Silver — who has earned the moniker “King of Vintage” — opened up Decades, a Melrose Avenue boutique filled with handpicked retro frocks from Dior to Chanel.
Before long, the carefully curated Los Angeles storefront began to welcome a roster of Hollywood A-listers. Gwen Stefani, Nicole Kidman, Chloe Sevigny, Jennifer Lopez, Jada Pinkett Smith, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Gwyneth Paltrow, Michelle Williams, Julia Roberts and Marisa Tomei — among others — have all rocked treasures from Decades.
From film premieres and Met Galas to award shows and magazine cover shoots, looks put together by keen-eyed Silver continue to surface on celebrities.
Silver — who grew up in Beverly Hills and travels far and wide in search of unique high-end pieces — is credited as catapulting vintage to the Red Carpet standard it is today. He has had a lasting influence on runway trends as well as the Los Angeles dress code.
The day-to-day antics of his shop were captured on film in the 2013 Bravo TV series “The Dukes of Melrose.”
From serving as fashion director for H by Halston to acting as creative consultant for the global launch of Samsonite’s Fashionaire collection with actress Christina Ricci, Silver’s career continues to evolve. But, at the heart of his life’s work is a desire to connect with clients and revel in the ethos of fashion as timeless art.
Taking a break from Cali life, Silver has been staying in Boulder, and from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 11, he will host a book signing at Pearl Street Mall’s clothing shop Weekends for his 2012 release “Decades: A Century of Fashion.”
The oversized, 10-chapter book that pays homage to iconic ‘60s looks by Jackie O and the flannelled grunge aesthetic of the ‘90s, is a staple for anyone who has back issues of Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue lining their bookshelves.
In addition to copies of the colorful coffee table book, the fashion guru will be bringing some hand-selected pieces of couture that will be available for purchase. He will also be offering up styling advice. Shoppers can peruse rare gems from Decades and peep the new spring collection at Weekends.
We caught up with the owner of the famed store to find out about his early love of fashion, what visitors can expect from next week’s intimate trunk show and why he considers Boulder’s street style to be a cut above the rest.
Daily Camera: Do you remember a time when you knew fashion would be your career path? Any early childhood aha moments?
Cameron Silver: The aha moment was in 1977, when the film “Annie Hall” was released and my parents took a very precocious 8-year-old me to see it. Soon after, I procured a fedora, vest, grabbed a tie from my dad’s closet, rolled up the sleeves on a white shirt that I tucked into my khakis and my parents took me to the iconic Melrose Avenue store Fred Segal. Every sales associate thought I was the cutest thing, so I recognized that style got you attention. I didn’t know I would end up working in fashion at that time, but it was certainly an auspicious moment.
DC: What brings you to Boulder and what are you most looking forward to about your upcoming book signing at Weekends?
CS: I have a great friend here in Boulder and she invited me to visit. I have fallen in love with the city and everyone’s style. I am completely inspired. I can’t wait to chat with more locals and forge more friendships, since I don’t want to leave.
DC: I know that in addition to copies of your book you are bringing some collectible vintage items for folks to purchase. Can you let us in on what we can expect from these unique treasures?
CS: I am bringing just a handful of iconic pieces ranging from Karl Lagerfeld-era Chanel jackets, to 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche blouses and other surprises that will work with the recent spring arrivals at Weekends.
DC: I’m curious what you think of the fashion you’ve seen in Boulder? It’s sort of a running joke that all we wear are yoga pants, but I think the Front Range is more eclectic than that when it comes to style.
CS: Boulder has incredible style and I have been telling New York editors that the zeitgeist of fashion just might be happening in this city. There are also terrific regional designers and the local retail scene is strong. I love how people mix up great technical outdoor fashion with vintage to create a distinct look. Plus, I am crazy for how people mix up colors. Yesterday, I saw a young guy in purple velour drop-crotch sweats, with a green puffer and a yellow beanie. He looked so cool.
DC: You’ve worked with so many notable creatives, as far as collaborations go, and you’ve dressed some of Hollywood’s finest. Who are some people on your bucket list that you’d like to work with in the future?
CS: I am lucky to have styled so many iconic fashionistas. I’d love to work with every member of the cast of “Bridgerton” and Anya Taylor-Joy of “The Queen’s Gambit” is spectacular. If our First Lady Dr. Jill Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris want to work with me, I would be honored.
DC: Do you have a favorite decade of fashion?
CS: Oh, it’s the 1970s.
