Celebs, fashion folk fete Miriam Haskell for Decades collection

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Miriam Haskell, the costume jewelry brand that has been around since the 1920s, has gotten a glammed-up 1970s-style revamp, courtesy of Decades. Not that the jewelry line, started by Haskell in 1926, needed much -- chic women such as Joan Crawford, Lucille Ball and Coco Chanel (a fellow fan of costume baubles) were customers of Haskell, and the brand has continued to appear on women who appreciate the detailed craftsmanship (each piece is still handmade in New York) and affordable price tag.

It was the heritage behind the Miriam Haskell line that attracted Decades owner Cameron Silver. “We went through the Haskell showroom and archives and the stuff was amazing,” said Silver, who was clad in a black velvet Louis Vuitton tuxedo jacket and custom Miriam Haskell cufflinks at the Tuesday night celebration for the launch of the collection. “Seeing everything and learning more about the incredible history of the brand made me have much more reverence for the house. Miriam Haskell really revolutionized costume jewelry and she was this incredibly liberated young woman to start her own business.”

Expanding on the deeply rooted DNA of the house, Silver collaborated with Gabrielle Fialkoff, president of Haskell Jewels, to create the Uptown/Downtown collection. “We haven’t done a collaboration like this in, well, decades — no pun intended!” said Fialkoff, who initially met Silver when they spoke on a Council of Fashion Designers of America panel about costume jewelry.

The Uptown pieces are all gold in color with layers of clear and iridescent beads and some metallic embroidery. Downtown has an edgier feel, but still with an overt sense of glamour, done in a dark silver-rhodium color.

There is a definite ‘70s flare, mixed with a touch of Art Deco, running throughout the collection, seen in large Swarovski crystal links, angular statement necklaces and fringy gold tassels hanging off a braided gold belt.

“I said, ‘Let’s just sex it up,’ ” proclaimed Silver about his direction for the collection. “I love the toggle clasps and Swarovski crystal rings. All these were elements in the Haskell canon but had to be looked at with a fresh eye. Even the button earrings would look fresh on a young woman.”

A few of Silver’s friends came wearing pieces from the collection, working the vintage-inspired baubles into more modern-day looks. Kristin Davis wore a bold necklace with a flirty LBD, while Alice Eve paired some intricately designed drop earrings with a strapless, red vintage Moschino number and super high Brian Atwood pumps.

Prices for the line range from $250 to $1,500 and are available now at the Decades Boutique on Melrose Avenue and at Nordstrom starting in November.

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-- Melissa Magsaysay

Top photo: Christos Garkinos, Alice Eve, Kristin Davis, Liza Mae Carlin, Cameron Silver and Gabrielle Fialkoff at Miriam Haskell for Decades launch event. Credit: Stefanie Keena

Jewelry, from top: Miriam Haskell for Decades Downtown Gunmetal and Quartz cuff, $600; Miriam Haskell for Decades Downtown Gunmetal and quartz pendent necklace, $680; Miriam Haskell for Decades Uptown Gold and crystal necklace, $800. Credit: Miriam Haskell