FASHIONS FROM PARIS

Auckland Star, Volume XLV, Issue 152, 27 June 1914, Page 18

FASHIONS FROM PARIS

(By A PARISIAN EXPERT. ) PARIS, April 18. THE COMIKO MODE. At last some very definite pronouncements have been made as to the new modes for the coming summer, and. although fresh novelties are appearing now almost daily at the principal Paris shops and at the establishments of the leading ooutouriers, some general lines have been laid down as to what will be worn during the next three or four months by those who are anxious to follow closely in Fashion's footsteps. The silhouette for the season has been decided upon, and although on the whole -kirts are shown in infinite variety in the way of draping, they still remain very close-fitting, especially round the hips and again in the region of the ankles, where they are frequently so tightly swathed that they render locomotion very difficult. NEW rOLOfR*S. Those who are responsible for the popularity of certain shades seem to have gone this year for inspiration to (lowers, and to have divided their attention between the whole scale of beautiful pinks ami crimsons to he found in the rose, ami. again, to the yellow blossoms, which usher in the spring, and which include the pale yellow of the primrose and the delicate gold of the laburnum, as well as the more vivid shades of yellow seen in the noble army of daffodils, jonquils, and narcissi. It is true that the yellows anil pinks will lie varied with many exquisite shades of porcelain blue, hyacinth, forget-me-nots and lobelia, but on the whole the colours which will lead the way will he those of the rose and the daffodil. NEW MATERIALS. So far as the new materials are concerned, we find some very vivid contrasts. On the one hand we have the ultrasmooth, soft silks and satins, and even certain varieties of brocade and crepe de chine, which might be drawn easily through the proverbial ring; while at the other end of ihe scale may be seen j the "drnp eponge." which is neither morel nor less than glorified Turkish towelling, even though it may he found in many different forms, and all those new Japanese brocades in Terry velours which are exceedingly handsome in themselves and very effective also when they are combined with plain fabrics in the same scale. Broche fabrics of all kinds arc in high favour, nnd there are ninny charming varieties of china and Pompadour silks patterned with flower bouquets. OUR SKETCH. The separate wrap to lie worn with our one-piece frocks, i s an item which may be added to our spring wardrobe. Silk wraps, plain or flowcrnd, or striped are appropriate with anything, except simple cotton frocks, where a jacket of toile de j Jouy, ratine, brocaded cotton, plush, eponge. or any of -the heavier cotton j novelty fabrics are more appropriate. I In our sketch will he seen a charming I little silken wrap, which has been carried out in dark blue taffetas mousselinc. and j which in the present instance is adtnira'bly allied to a perfectly plain skirt of dark blue an,] white striped delaine, slashed at the .hem, and narrow, while the hat which accompanies this chic toilette isi of dark blue. Tagel straw, the trimming consisting of dull white, silk ribbon, a single white ostrich phinie admirably completing the scheme.

CONCERNING THE NEW TAILORMADES. For the peverer kind of tailor-madn gown, fine navy suitings are still being used. and. in spite of their long-con-tinued popularity. Ihey have always about them an air of quiet good taste, even when the collars and end's are brightened, as they are -'o frequently just now. with touches of brilliant colouring- Shot whipcords and lied tor I cords in new colourings are also being used for gowns of this discription. trimmed with many varieties of buttons, some in porcelain or crystal, and others in the same material as the dress itself, adorned with woollen embroideries. Narrow vests of rough Turkish towelling with raised stripe- in red. blue, green, and while form part of many of the newest, coats in cloth and whipcord. For tailor suits, bone button- of the same tone or mottled in effect, or buttons enamelled ia the exact shade are used. Fewer buttons are being put on tailor-mades now. With a costume made last May. am! one m.i.io recently, the general shape of the skirt was the same, but that .if this season was four inches narrower.