Fashion luminary Cameron Silver has (and does) wear several very stylish hats that comprise his impressive career. From opening Decades, Los Angeles’ preeminent destination for vintage designer clothes, in 1997, to penning his artful and encyclopedic book, “Decades: A Century of Fashion” in 2012, and then appearing on his own Bravo TV reality series in 2013, the well-known personality has and continues to do it all, with the through line to all of his endeavors being a deep love of the art of fashion.
Photo courtesy of @cameronsilver
Whether wearing one-of-kind runway looks, delving through clients’ closets for rare gems or now, serving as the fashion director for H by Halston, Silver appreciates the brilliance and timeless nature of an item.
He appreciates those same qualities in an actress and her red carpet look, and here shares his thoughts on who he’s looking forward to seeing stroll for cameras this awards season, plus the celebrity with the most impressive collection of estate jewelry.
Q: Is there a specific actress or actor you are looking forward to seeing on the red carpet this awards season?
A: Well, I always love Cate Blanchett because she understands the Art of Fashion and has style that is inspiring, isn’t boring or predictable, and has positioned herself as an actual timeless iconic. I also love Jane Fonda because it’s fun to see her showing the newbies how it’s done at 78!
Q: Do you have a favorite Halston red carpet moment from a past awards show?
A: Lauren Hutton at the 1975 Academy Awards is so effortless in her Halston pleated halter, which is repeatedly referenced by designers such as the Prada worn by Lupita Nyong in 2014.
Q: How would you describe your personal style?
A: Eclectic.
Photo courtesy of @cameronsilver
Q: When did you become interested in vintage fashion and accessories?
A: My parents dragged me to auctions as a kid so since I was quite young.
Q: Do you have a favorite era or style of jewelry?
A: I like the clean lines of 60s and 70s jewels.
Q: Do you have a favorite jewelry designer or brand?
A: I have always loved the Venetian jeweler Codognato because it’s not ubiquitous. Recently I’ve fallen in love with the French brand Mellerio.
Q: What do you look for when selecting pieces for your own collection of jewelry and accessories?
A: Big, bold, and conversation starting.
Q: Do you wear jewelry everyday?
A: I almost always wear either a David Webb or Hoorsenbuhs ring as both travel with me.
Q: Is there a certain piece you never take off?
A: I always remove my jewels at night.
Q: How can someone wear estate jewelry and make it look modern?
A: Throw a 40s brooch on a denim jacket rather than the lapel of an Adrian suit for a modern look. I love when people wear something very precious in a care-free manner.
Q: In your line of work you’ve probably seen some amazing estate pieces. Describe the most impressive piece of estate jewelry you’ve come across.
A: They are all in Jennifer Tilly’s closet. Her collection of estate jewelry is unsurpassed. She really has amazing taste and her Bulgari brooch formerly owned by Elizabeth Taylor is phenomenal.
A Bulgari Diamond and Pearl Brooch, centering upon a 1.78 carat F/SI-2 pear shaped diamond, in 18k gold, c. 1980
