London and Paris Fashions.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 206, 4 September 1897, Page 1 (Supplement)

London and Paris Fashions.

(From Our London Correspondent.)

EEGENT-STREET, June 26.

Black Greek tulle — veiling very charmingly the brilliancy of a rather crude cardinal or Irish green " bass " straw—promises to be very popular as the season advances and the warmer weather returns to encourage us to wear more ethereal raiment. "However, awaiting the balmier days of summer women who dress sensibhand not as that eccentric lady (with the habit of purchasing hat after hat to find none matched her frock) have adopted millinery of more substantial character. For demi-saison purposes, nothing in my opinion, comes up to a serviceable rough plaiting or rice straw, attractively arranged with ribbons of such a quality that they are not the worse for a good powdering of spring dust, or a

few shower-drops. Plumes can, of course, be added to increase the chic of the hat, as ostrich tips now cost but so little to be curled and generally brightened up. I illustrate a charming model on these lines. The design is a smart round shape in jetblack rice straw, with a fairly lofty crown. This hat is draped with folded coral-coloured faille ribbon, of a very broad make, pinned into a huge rosette towards the front. The pink of the silk is broken by a dagger - shaped ornament in jet, which keeps the trimming just in the right position. Quite at the side is introduced a large piquet of four black plumes mixed with a single shaded one of the coral tint. Under the brim, raised daintily on the left, is a crumpling of ribbon to match the trimming round the head - piece. With this hat might be worn one of the new coloured veils en suite with the pink silk and dotted with chenille spots. This novelty in veiling bids fair to have excellent " innings " during the forthcoming season. But naturally the wearers will have to be very careful in selecting their shades. An emerald tint on a dull southern skin would look simply ridiculous ; but, on the other hand/those with a complexion of cream and roses may

safely indulge ad libitum in light green, faint blue, mauve, and even nut-brown voilettes. For the darker skinned there are all the tones of pink, grey, and even red, though the latter colour always looks "rather showy and aggressive next to the face.

A new crusade has been started to revive the mode of white hose — not exactly such as was worn by our grandmothers, but snowy thread or silk stockings tastefully embroidered with silk leaves and flowers in Nature's colouring. Hose carrying out the tone of the frock is also being revived with marked success.

Something must be written on the subject of tea gowns. These are in vogue just as much as ever, and what is more, they seem to be improving daily as regards artistic treatment. In such a garment, as the modern designer has planned it, any woman can look nearly pretty or, at any rate, powerfully attractive while she presides at her "five o'clock" tray. The latest Empire tea gown is most

ly carried out in soft daffodil art satin with the rich folds broken byscarves of cream lace. These may be beautified by a sprinkling of gold sequins; though perhaps —unless the tea-gown is intended for very grand occasions —the plain dentelie is in better taste. Over the flowing- un-

rucked X velvet, facfngTotcretml^ & A smart tailor-made gown of dart purple doth is the subjfcTX my kS illustration. The bodice, it Si be noticed, is cut Eton fashion and is bound with white kersymS- three white peavl but t O ns finishing either side towards the waist. This i s SoS h >-n rl A ™T tC°at °f White doth, braided military style in white braid fashions- A , „ White moire is being worn by most youthful brides for wedd'ng^golns just now; and a profusion o°f facets also being used. A pretty method of fastening the veil—now well-re-stored to favour-is by a diamond clasp and an aigrette of orange blossom this giving. the additional height to the head, which is such a presentmoment desiderattim.

.Che charming grey cloths, which arc to be the mode for this spring and summer coat and skirt gowns make excellent "going-away". or travelling costumes; especially combined with white satin facings or waistcoat or silver braidings. Black and white checks bid fair to be formidable rivals to the grey cloth. With either, one need not pine for an* exceptionally smart- and becomingspring gown. &

At the last Drawing-room, Lady Edmonstone wore a particularly lovely gown of historic interest. It was of white satin, almost entirely covered with exquisite lace which Avas the bridal wear of the Empress Jo. sephme. The train was blue velvet, beautifully embroidered.

ROSELLE,