Paris in the Mirror

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 83, 4 October 1930, Page 19

Paris in the Mirror

Written for "The Post" by Germaine.

PARIS, (3th August. THE SEASON OF BARGAINS.

TJiis is the season of bargains. The woman whose money is limited, and who must yet dress well, .keeps a close eye just now on the unobtrusive little paragraphs which appear in most of the daily papers, to the effect that "So-and-so" (a well-known dressmaker) "is selling off his or her summer models for cash." And she visits, each in turnj selecting just what clothes suit her. type and her purpose most until she has purchased her : autumn outfit. It' she is sufficiently strongminded she does not buy a frock or coat just because it is cheap; it must have a definite place in her scheme of things. One or two1 evening gowns, with perhaps a cloak, a morning dress or suit, a smart ensemble, and a pretty afternoon frock hang together in her wardrobe within a short time, all of beautiful fabric, and exquisitely made, and all bearing the names of dressmakers whose clothes usually sell for thousands of francs, and who have sold theso' models tor probably a few hundreds. TEWER TRAINS TOR EVENING GOWNS.

The evening, mode still holds .the most important place, in the, new • fashions, and, although the revolutionary changes of■ last ■ season ,are now an established fact, -there- are many differences *■ of opinion as to length.- One thing, how-

ever, seems to'have-been decided—it it that since- gowns must obviously be selected carefully -for' different. occasions, the ;designers >are ready to make our choice, as; easy; as "possible for us. There are.ia'.consequence fewer, gowns with trains ;than-;last; season,-while the majority certainly; ;do< not. lend ' themselves as• mats ;fpr: other' people 's feet. This- fact .was: made-clear to' me at the autumn collections,,' and ■I; have also remarked ■that -~ the /skirt long* all the way round- for evening is definitely accepted. No.one makes any bones about. it, and everyone says, "I'll have the

Iskiifc very, very long." Those models whicli trail in the back and stop tin inch or two below the knee in front are quite out of date. Most frocks are so snugly fitted, over the hips that they look .to a casual observer as though the wearer will find it difficult, if not impossible, to sit down. It is a groundless fear, and it only goes to show what technique has been achieved by the, designers, although it is wise as a matter of fact to seat oneself with all possible dignity when wearing such a **own. NEW TYPES OF AFTERNOON GOWNS. Women may find themselves slightly bewildered by a superfluity of types in the afternoon gowns this season. There are little frocks the simplicity, of which is not-lost by reason of their slightly longer skirts, and which : can be worn at any time. " There are moie-formal gowns which may be worn in the early afternoons, but only on certain occasions, otherwise they may appear, too elaborate,- and there are certain very formal gowns .whose function it is to do double'duty for late :■ "ternoon and early evening, and which j.isiy be worn from 5 o'clock onwards. One of the chief reasons why the newlong skirts for afternoon, or evening will "take" has nothing to do with their practicability, or the question of hygiene, it is simply that they arc such a complete change from the, shorter sports and out-door costumes. A woman has the pleasant feeling of changing her character,as she changes from her tailor suit into a gown which falls to her ankles;'or trails, at least part of it—^over the floor. She is invested again with that mystery which is Eve's principal role. In other words, she is dressing for her. part and she enjoys the fun of it immensely.