FASHIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 67, 18 March 1908, Page 10

FASHIONS.

■ - ■ - ft THE VOGUE FDR THE PICTURESQUE On all sides we are greeted with the welcome news that picturesejue modes will once more prevail this season, and that the chief characteristic of the most exclusive fashion will be the careful choice of styles which are individually becoming, rather than those which are '< conventionally worn by everybody, en- : tirely regardless of the fact that they do uot meet in any way their own special requirements. The newest colours for the autumn ! aud winter are charming in themselves, and 'what is more important still, very generally becoming. In every respect, too, there will be a marked absence of [ exaggerated form, for which we should I be duly thankful. In the matter of millinery, as one j might naturally expect, the picturesque keynote is specially insistent. In fact. : many of the most "beautiful hats which I will be worn during the next few months lon smart occasions have been literally and faithfully copied from old pictures. This trend of fashion opens up an endless field of fascinating exploration, and i the result so far of this frank borrowI ing from old-world models must be acI knowledged a complete success. The two very charming and novel hats I which are shown in the accompanying sketches may he taken as types of' tho millinery uf the moment under its'mo.-t picturesque and attractive guise. The : large shape which we illustrate is made with a wide brim, which is slightly stiffened underneath with very soft wire, and which can, therefore, be easily bent about in any and every direction to suit the individual requirements of ihu wearer's face and hot style of coiffure. Then, again, the small toque shown in the other sketch is also on a very soft and adaptable wire foundation, which needs but a little deft handling with a clever pinch here and a pal there to make it an irresistibly fascinating form of headgear. Violet is to be one of the popular ! autumn colours, and a certain shade of j reddish purple. Drowns will continue in favour, and some greens. Velvet hats | are already appearing, being worn with autumn toilet*. Shapes are still large, and most of the new hats have light linings to the wide brims. Later, wings ! will be seen on felts, and taffetas will j have trimmings of net or tulle. j In dress bodices there is little change j ! (writes a Paris lady). The yoke, chemisette, bretelles, and kimono styles still i go on apace, but few kimono sleeves enter into the composition of these new j bodices. The greatest change of the sea- ' son is to be found in sleeves, -which are both long and short. The long sleeves are invariably made of transparent lace and descend to the waist.

The little walking costume is a good design for early wear, and green hopsack is suggested, with galon in which black is introduced, and a black belt. The black tassels are an attractive detail, .and the pretty crossover coatee calls for attention. The sleeve is a deep three-quarter, and the overhanging par: is cut in one with the bodice. 'CHE MILLINERY OF THE .MOMENT.

There still remains to be described that chic little toque which might be worn appropriately by a guest at a wedding. Its chief charm lies in the clever manipulation of those very simple but dainty ingredients - which, go to. its •

making. The whole toque consists, after all, of nothing more or less than a few loops and twists of pale green tulle, held in place on one side by a \\ r atteau wreath of pink roses, and on the other by a diamond "Buckle and a black aigrestte.

This hat is intended for morning wear or for travelling, as it is made in a very fine soft felt, and is practically of no weight at all. The wide brim, too, might be bent down in various ways, and would servo as an excellent protection from the sun. Made in a very pale shade of pastel pink, and with one of the new high crowns, this felt hat is simply but effectively trimmed with a large bird of grey and white plumage.