Cameron Silver, a global fashion expert, celebrity stylist, fashion influencer and international best-selling author, is the founder of Decades, an acclaimed vintage retail store in Los Angeles. In 2012, he published the industry tome DECADES: A Century of Fashion and has written for publications including The New York Times, Harpers Bazaar, and Departures. Cameron brings his expertise on the history of fashion to speaking engagements around the world, focusing on the past, reflecting on the current state of fashion, and contemplating the future of fashion.
Named one of Time Magazine’s “ 25 Most Influential Names and Faces in Fashion,” he has styled celebrities for major red carpet appearances including the Golden Globes and Academy Awards and consulted for fashion and luxury brands around the world.
Cameron served as the Fashion Director of the H Halston and H by Halston brands from 2015-2020. Bringing extensive knowledge about the history of the iconic American brand, Cameron works with a design team to offer seasonal inspiration and styling guidance in line with the Halston brand legacy and unique design DNA.
Cameron appears regularly on shows such as Good Morning America and CBS This Morning, where he is widely recognized as a fashion and style authority.
Tell us about your upbringing?
I grew up in Beverly Hills as an only child to an attorney and shopping-loving mom.
Where did you find your passion for fashion?
A pivotal trip to Fred Segal in 1977 where I was dressed like a mini Diane Keaton with a fedora and vest. I was a precocious eight year old getting a lot of attention for my style.
When did you start Decades? What is the story behind that?
Decades opened in 1997 (ironically a block-and-a-half west from Fred Segal. It was a total accident. I had been singing around the country collecting vintage for myself and found a ton of women’s that I began storing at my parent’s home. Suddenly, a store was born; rather than a star.
Who are style icons that we should follow on Instagram?
I mostly follow friends but for fashion I like @redcarpetfashionawards and @checkthetag to see what celebs are wearing; and @rachel.elspeth.gross for fashion history
Who are your favorite designers?
Historically I love Halston and Rudi Gernreich.
Currently, in my personal wardrobe I wear a lot of Armani, Dolce Gabbana, and Valentino. There are so emerging designers which I am crazy about; especially, Christopher John Rogers.
Who are your muses?
I would say most of them dead! However I am most intrigued by what my friend’s wear like Valerie von Sobel or Angelique Soave since they both have amazing style.
Tell us about the TV/film projects you are working on now:
I am working on a new fashion and travel project that explores the world through style in the same way others use food.
Tell us about your role in philanthropy:
I am most passionate about making all the Arts accessible from museums to live theatre. I am also interested in helping new fashion designers navigate the industry.
Who is your inspiration? Where do you find inspiration?
I am constantly inspired. It can be waiting by my gate at an airport and watching people pass me and someone has a little “extra” and it makes me smile. Real people are much more inspiring than celebrities. Certainly, visiting museums or watching old movies also provide tremendous inspiration, too.
What are some of your favorite fashion boutiques?
I love The Webster since they do a great job curating and I can always find something. Honestly, when I travel is when I shop. I think SSense does online really well, too.
What are some of your favorite books?
I wish I read more, but “The Mysteries of Pittsburgh” is a favorite. I am really good at buying books and terrible and reading them.
What did you think about the Halston series with Ewan McGregor?
I couldn’t get through the series. I know the history too well and got bored.
Where can we find you?