FASHION NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 169, 17 July 1907, Page 11

FASHION NOTES.

A PKETTY BALL FROCK.

THE PREVAILING EMPIRE VOGUE.

THE BALL GOWK.

Individuality is the order of the day in the realm of ball-gowns, and newr baa there been a time when the -woman of fashion has been less hampered by castiron rules. The three materials which stand out from all the rest are marquisette, lace, and net, while colours are tar more in vogue this season —except where the debutante is concerned —than white or black. As a matter of fact, black is usually only introduced as a means of setting off one of the rich tints which

are so fashionable to-day, and a ball-gown of pale almond green silk net was worked with long perpendicular band.- cf jet embroidery, terminating it the hem in true lovers' knots, the effect being almost that of a wide-strippd material.

Having at last adapted with enthusiasm, but only after prolonged hesitation, the short-waisted effects which are inseparable from gowns of the First Empire period. Englishwomen srem very unwilling to make any further change in this matter of outline, and many of the smartest of the new walking costumes are arranged with short-waisted coats, cut on the lines of that smart littlo jacket which gives an undoubted air of distinction to the gown shown in our illustration. By way of compromise, the waistline, as seen in the deep band of soft silk ribbon which finishes the bodice, is fairly long, while the coat itself is entirely of Empire inspiration, with a stitched belt of cloth arranged some inches above the natural lina of the waist, and fastened on either side with oxidisod silver buttons set with paste.

GRACEFUL WALKING GOWN. j

A fine . drap souple is the material chosen for this effective gown, while the colour selected is that new shads 'of creamy yellow, which is known .this season as "banana." The skirt is perfectly plain and full, as so many of the new skirts are, but cut so cleverly that it fails in yery graceful foWs, and cannxsily be

gath,3red up into tße left hand wiien the gown is actually needed for street wear. The short-waisted Empire effect of the coat is emphasised by the stitched waistbelt already described, while the coat, is also finished most effectively by a beautiful piece of coloured embroidery which serves both as collar and revers.

This embroidery is carrisd out in freavy silks, and in a conventional design, traced out in many shades of brown, green, and cream-colour. It is outlined everywhere with glittering threads of gold, and finished in front with two large brown and green ornaments, terminating in tassels of gold silk cord. The blouse over which this coat is worn is of banana-colouTed soft satin, with brown, green-, and gold embroidery to match the collar and revers, and a very dainty yoke of fine Cluny luce, with a neck-band to correspond. The touch of bright gold which shinss out so conspicuously still on many of the most chic toilettes, whether for clay or evening wear, finds elegant expression in the novel ehapeau which is sketched with this gown. It is made in the latest mushroom shape, and carried out in soft rice straw, dyed to match exactly the colour of the frock and trimmed in front with a halfwreath of bright gold leaves. Pleatings of brown taffetas mousseline, shot with green and gold, are grouped behind these golden leaves, while on either side still darker brown Paradise plumes sweep over the crown towards the back.