MANNEQUIN PARADE

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23002, 23 April 1940, Page 2

MANNEQUIN PARADE

FUNDS FOR PLUNKET SOCIETY D.I.C. ATTRACTS MANY GUESTS War-time fashions are both practical and attractive, but the home dressmaker. with a wide variety of patterns to choose from, need not be daunted by the new silhouette. This was evident yesterday at the mannequin parade staged in the D.I.C. tearoom to augment the funds of the Plunket Society. The majority of this frocks displayed had been made from “vogue” patterns. Housecoats ranged from an elaborate hooded creation of gold and crimson satin and velvet to the simple flannel variety. Flannel, however, took on a flattering line with bias cut skirt and contrasting lapels and bands. Suits, it seems, are of paramount importance. The new longer-line £oat and wasp-waist were shown to advantage in many of the models. One suit achieved distinction by narrow horizontal stripes emphasising the back fitted line on an otherwise vertical striped coat. Unpressed pleats and a hood gave an air of insouciance to a plaid tweed coat, and back fullness, vandyked into the shoulder line was a feature of a matron’s swagger coat. Subdued overchecks on bright backgrounds. and bright splashes of colour in knopp effects on dull backgrounds were amongst the smartest tweeds. Last year’s high-waisted frcoks were definitely “dated” when the new silhouette appeared in afternoon and evening frocks. Full skirts gathered at the hipline are certainly becoming to the very tall, and for the not-so-tall, the full gathers, placed low on the skirt, are just as flattering. Many of the new frocks had half belts or ties at the natural waistline at the back. The peg top silhouette has much to commend it. One navy model in this style had white piping showing on the large flat bow at the neck and on the patch pockets below the waist. The accompanying felt hat had its brim upturned on one side and finished with a white wing tip. A matron’s black evening frock had several new features, including a rolled girdle trimmed at intervals with tiny rings of diamante. A bridal group was most attractive, the bride’s frock of antique chiffon velvet having a square neck with collar of richelieu embroidery. Her attendants wore salmon and opal blue over taffeta. Children’s fashions were not forgotten, and a demure trio displayed nightwear anti day wear wittv yist as much, aplomb as the older mannequins. These younger mannequins were Joanna, Hamish. and Susan Cracroft Wilson. Others taking part in the parade were Mesdames Maurice Macfarlane, Charles Vestey. Lance Newton, Guy Ronalds. George Francis, Frank Scott, Peter Hall. Frank Reid, Misses Lyndsey Thomson. Joan Whitcombe, Sheila Macdonald. Joan Preston. Mrs Guy Cotterill was commentator, and Miss Ailsa Crompton, wearing an old world frock of blue satin, sang two songs that were much appreciated. Miss Bessie Pollard’s trio supplied the music. Arrangements for the entertainment were made by Mesdames Derrick Gould. Hallows Wood, and Guy Cotterill. Thanks were expressed to the D.I.C. for its generosity in placing its tearoom at the disposal of the committee.

FAREWELL PARTY

Mrs F. C. Newton was hostess at an enjoyable afternoon party given at her home in Aylmer’s Valley, Akaroa, in honour of Mrs Kenneth Le Lievre, Sydney, who is visiting Akaroa for the centenary celebrations. Amusing competitions were held, the winners being Mesdames Ken Le, Lievre. W. A. Newton, and Miss D. Those present were Mesdames K. Le Lievre (Sydney), F. C. Newton, W. A. Newton, J. Ferguson, A. J. Petrie, R. Bruce. A. G. Shuttleworth, T. Masefield, C. Innes. W. E. M. Jacobson, Misses E. Le Lievre, P. Ferris, V. I. Jacobson (Wellington), E. White, M. Jacobson, and D. Leete.