FASHION NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 173, 22 July 1903, Page 3 (Supplement)

FASHION NOTES.

The Empire gown is being worn just now. The difference lies in the fact that the gown is made all in one, instead of having a marked line, sasn, or what not to indicate the high waist just below the bust. The dress is made to fit naturally, and accurately to the figure, with no accentuated waist, high or long. This Empire gown shows a model of black Chantilly lace over white silk, with garnitures of grapes and leaves. The sleeves are

transparent, long* and opening from the bend of the elbow to allow the lower part of the arm to come through. Chiffons, gauzes and mousselines are being much tucked, and terrible work they prove to the makers thereof, especially the amateurs. There is much puffing and gauging also, and tiny strings, or ropes of flowers for running between the aforesaid, or for heading- flounces.

We are very much visited just now by trimmings of strappings or bands of material, either of piece with the gown, or of leather, silk, velvet or cloth fastened at the ends by buttons. The black and white toilette illustrated in this figure introduces these same strappings. The gown is of black and white tweed; the strappings of black velvet with small silver buttons at each point. The sketch clearly explains how the velvet is placed.

There has been quite a boom this winter in velvet gowna. Combined with introductions of chiffon or lace, they are

undeniably handsome, and though years ago they would have been considered sacred to the dowager, are now worn by quite youthful elegantes, the Parisiennes being particularly keen on them; thus is the spread of topsy-torveydom progressing; the youthful grandmother is assuming simple muslin, and Phyllis hats with wreaths of flowers, while the granddaughter perchance dons majestic velvet gowns.

Turning to coatees —the short pleat* ed or plain sac just escaping' the waist is undoubtedly the wear of the hour. A very smart little model just interviewed is the subject of our sketch in this figure. This is built of the finest black faeed-eloth. The neck and sleeves are finished by a strapping of the cloth and embroidered -with narrow gold braid

Gold cords and tassels tie the little garment at the throat, and a row of tiny gold buttons finishes the sleeves. The pleats it will be noticed cease under the arms, which arrangement gives a neater effect to the figure, for it will be obvious to the initiated that these pleated coatees may look clumsy and flyaway on some figures.