The Fortieth One... and Cameron Silver

Episode 40 and Wendi and Dfernando's guest interview is the King of Vintage, DECADES founder, author and Fashion Director of H HALSTON and H BY HALSTON: Cameron Silver.   

Since fashion philanthropist Cameron Silver opened the doors of DECADES in 1997, the dress code in Los Angeles has irrevocably changed due – in large part – to Silver exhorting his frequently-photographed, trendsetting clientele to “dress up!” He is widely recognized for his impact on runway trends from fashion’s new generation of designers in New York and Paris to the way a constellation of Hollywood’s brightest appear on the red carpet. “I think of fashion, of dressing, as art. I’m not about disposable shopping. Even my day wear is glamour,” stated Silver.

With the new guard of so many heritage houses from New York to Milan seeking inspiration at DECADES, it is hardly surprising Silver is frequently tapped both as public emissary and secret weapon to consult on everything from re-imagining a brand’s identity to navigating its global launch. He has served as an official ambassador for Pringle and Boucheron and as creative consultant to Azzaro. Silver also acted as creative consultant for the global launch of Samsonite’s iconic Fashionaire collection with actress Christina Ricci.

In addition to Silver’s work with fashion companies, he curated the MOCA exhibition, The Total Look: The Creative Collaboration between Rudi Gernreich, Peggy Moffitt, and William Claxton, an exhibit that continues to tour. In Fall 2011, Silver showcased his flair for accessory design via the launch of The Haskell for DECADES “Uptown/Downtown” collection, his collaboration with jewelry maven Miriam Haskell. Partnering with Modern Vintage, Silver designed a collection of statement footwear inspired by the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

Named one of TIME Magazine’s “25 Most Influential Names and Faces in Fashion” in 2002, Silver is a favorite pundit on E! Entertainment, the Style Network and “Fashion File.” Pulling looks from Decades’ deep closets, he styles celebrities for major red carpet awards appearances like the Golden Globes, Independent Spirit Awards and the Academy Awards. He has also written about luxury, from shopping to travel to his front row perch at the haute couture presentations, for Harpers Bazaar, C Magazine, Departures, vogue.com, and others leading fashion media outlets. Silver narrated the acclaimed 2012 documentary VERSAILLES '73: American Runway Revolution about the restoration event at the famed French palace that became the fashion showdown that firmly established American sportswear.

Silver’s passion for good design extends beyond the realm of fashion. He was among the first to recognize the disappearing architectural legacy of Los Angeles’ great modernist homes, and scooped up a crumbling hillside 1930 treasure by icon R.M. Schindler which he spent eight years meticulously restoring. The L.A. Conservancy awarded the efforts, the house was landmarked, and it has appeared on the covers of shelter magazines and in several books. In January 2012, The Art of Elysium recognized Silver as the year’s Visionary and creative force behind their Heaven Gala. Silver also has a professional relationship with the Friends of The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In 2010, he served as the Honorary Chair of the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis’ legendary Dada Ball.

As one of the foremost vintage experts in the country and with more than 2 decades of DECADES under his alligator belt, Silver released the coffee table book DECADES: A Century of Fashion for Bloomsbury Press showcasing an unexpected compilation of the most significant 20th century fashions, as well as many of the celebrities he collaborated with over the years. The book, released in 2012, sold out within 48 hours of release and continues to be reprinted.  

Silver starred in the Bravo reality show THE DUKES OF MELROSE which premiered in March of 2013. Since September 2015, he has served as Fashion Director for H by Halston (where he appears on QVC several times per week) and H Halston, available at Lord & Taylor, Dillard’s, and Hudson’s Bay.

Also on Episode 40, Wendi and Dfernando discuss the HOLLYBOOB sign and they answer listener questions: beard maintenance, daily morning routines, inappropriate 80s song choices at church services and "bad" art collecting.  On the RIPE & ROTTEN REPORT there's dill pickle slices, slow sidewalk walkers, Sacha Baron Cohen and social media rumors.   

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