Cameron Silver was advocating for sustainability in retail decades before it was fashionable. Known as the “king of vintage,” Silver opened his Los Angeles boutique — aptly named Decades — in 1997, bringing vintage treasures from iconic brands like Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Hermès to discerning shoppers with a taste for luxury.
This month, Silver is taking his treasure trove on the road with a stop at Park + Eighth's flagship boutique, 4804 Camp Bowie Blvd., in Fort Worth. His trunk show will take place from 10 am to 5 pm March 25.
“It’s taken 25 years for everyone to catch up with what I’ve been advocating,” says Silver. “Though, when I originally opened Decades, it was less about sustainability and more about uniqueness and storytelling. As we’ve become more aware of how the fashion industry works, the advantage of pre-loved and its sustainable benefits have created a tremendous added value.”
While stores and services specializing in buying and selling luxury fashion have become ubiquitous in recent years, Decades is unique in the sheer quality of its assortment.
A bona fide expert on 20th-century fashion — he’s even penned a coffee-table book called Decades: A Century of Fashion on the topic — Silver has a keen eye for rare pieces that feel contemporary, regardless of their age.
“I don’t do basic or boring,” says Silver. “I look for vintage pieces that look modern. Condition is also paramount.”
Renowned for its collection of vintage home furnishings, artwork and antiques, Fort Worth's Park + Eighth showroom provides a fitting backdrop for Silver’s fashionable finds.
“Cameron and I are a good fit because we both love and appreciate the value of good design and the ‘green’ of repurposing quality vintage,” says Park + Eighth founder Christina Phillips. “There’s just a special feeling about finding a one-of-a-kind treasure. Like the Gucci jacket I purchased from Cameron a few years ago … it turns heads every time.”
Cameron will be on hand at the Fort Worth trunk show to share his expertise — and if all goes well, procure a few special pieces for the Decades collection.
“I’m always excited to return to Fort Worth,” says Silver. “We’ll have some Chanel, Dior, Fendi, and Versace — pieces you never knew existed and now desire. There will be some nice matchmaking taking place.”
Decades boutique in Los Angeles.
