What’s the best vintage clothing to buy? Get insider advice from Cameron Silver, the ultimate vintage connoisseur !

We all love a good piece of vintage around here. As a matter of fact, having the opportunity to chat with Cameron Silver, the ultimate vintage clothing connoisseur, owner of the super fabulous Decades boutique (you’ve seen the luxe loves on many a red carpet, and the star of Bravo’s ‘Dukes of Melrose‘ reality TV show) has me thinking.

Thinking of some forgotten vintage finds in my closet.

Timeless pieces that I want to start revisiting, like a YSL smoking suit, a Geoffrey Beene emsemble (better as separates), my mom’s Rudi Gernreich jumper, and a lacy Victorian jacket.  That’s the best part of really great vintage, it’s like an old friend that you want to celebrate in a new way for years to come.

Let’s hear the master’s tips on the best vintage clothing to include in your wardrobe in our exclusive interview with Cameron Silver. S.H.

>>Discover: Vintage Home Style Inspiration via Paris

We talked to Cameron about what to look for when shopping vintage, what to avoid, what is the best vintage clothing to buy, and what makes vintage a smart option in this day & age of fast fashion.


FoS: What elevates a certain piece (besides designer), to an iconic status? How do you hone in on forecasting future classics when you look at current fashion?

CS:: Something that captures the cultural zeitgeist of the season along with becoming an editorial favorite as well as shifting the state of fashion has a strong chance of becoming iconic.


FoS: How would you prescribe managing the perfect balance of mixing the old with the new?

CS: Never wear head-to-toe vintage unless you are in a period production of a play or movie. Let the vintage be the conversation piece and mix it with your modern to keep the look fresh.


FoS: Where do you see the future of the vintage market heading as the current market hi & lo continues to flood with products?

CS: Things become vintage at some a breakneck pace. Something a few years old is suddenly considered neo-vintage if the piece was limited in its production or the designer/brand is no longer in business.


FoS:Even if solely for inspiration, which five designers past & present, would you say are ones to make an impact in fashion history?

CS: Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Rudi Gernreich, Halston, Rick Owens

 

FoS: Are there any key vintage pieces or styles you think every woman should consider?

CS: The perfect LBD aka little black dress, vintage YSL jewel tone blouse, a great goddess gown, dramatic costume jewelry piece, an iconic status handbag.

 

FoS: When shopping vintage (outside of Decades of course), what red flags do you look for on condition?

CS: Avoid moth holes, odor issues, and arm pit stains. Cant save it.

 

FoS: Aside from the red carpet, vintage has become a practical, accessible and fun part of everyday dressing, are there any common mistakes or things to avoid that you’ve taken note of?

CS: Your vintage needs to look modern. If you focus on selections that look current and realize that vintage dictates today’s trends, I am confident your selections will be wise.


Up Close:
Cameron Silver is a world renowned designer, red carpet trendsetter and owner of Decades; a high-end vintage boutique that brought a new standard to everyday dress in L.A.

Eastern residents will be able to enjoy the rare opportunity to hear Cameron speak & shop his collection in-person at a specially-cultivated Monclair, NJ trunk show on April 9th at the Montclair Arts Museum’s “Luncheon, Lecture and Trunk Show” celebrating their centennial on April 9th from 11-3PM. For the chance to hear his journey through fashion and shop Silver’s line from DECADES, tickets are available at www.montclairartmuseum.org.

Scroll to Top