N.Z. CLOTHES FOR ROYAL VISIT

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27201, 19 November 1953, Page 10

N.Z. CLOTHES FOR ROYAL VISIT

Women Buy Pretty Frocks MEN ORDERING FORMAL WEAR New Zealand-made clothes which will compete in elegance with any overseas models are expected to predominate during the visit to Christchurch of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh. Some families who have recently been abroad made purchases in Britain or on the Continent, a few are arranging for relatives to send out special requirements, but most of the frocks, gowns, and men’s suits will be made in the Dominion—a large proportion in Christchurch. Local makers have specially imported overseas patterns and New Zealand designers are competing in distinction.

No official invitations have yet been issued in Christchurch and though Christchurch stores have not yet experienced the rush in the North Island where some lists have been announced, scores of people have been ordering clothing. Highlights of the Royal visit for displays of fashion are expected to be the trotting meeting, the cinema performance, and the garden party, but so far the demand for dress is for the garden party. So far officials and their wives, who are certain to have a leading part in the events, have been the most frequent inquirers, but present trends indicate that many citizens intend to treat themselves to at least one new outfit for the occasion. Mantle showrooms are beginning to feel the pressure of business, milliners are being asked to match materials, and men’s outfitters ahd hiring agencies have had more inquiries for formal clothes than ever before in their experience. Once the invitations are out it is expected that there will be heavy demands which may tax staff over the Christmas holidays. To meet such an emergency both men’s and women’s departments have acquired larger stocks than usual of high-grade ready-to-wear clothes.

Interest in Garden Party The Royal Garden Party in the Botanic Gardens is at present attracting most interest from the inquiries about clothing. Garden party clothes are so “special” that these inquiries are easily identifiable. Women are choosing very full skirts, mostly of mid-calf length, though some are a little longer. The materials are organzas, Swiss embroideries, nets, and nylons—all the filmy type of fabrics. Among the prettiest new materials are some full-lace frocks. Pastel shades and floral patterns in gay colours are most popular, but some striking effects are promised in darker tones. Stiffened waist petticoats will also be worn; some of single buckram and others with heavy taffeta frilling. Silk coats, duster and fitting, are available in heavy faille, and there are also some street velvets.

Gloves are the item in biggest demand for the Royal visit. Long ones in light colours are popular, but those selecting short gauntlets are choosing very bright colours. The shoes will be mostly court and light-strap models and there will be some pastel shades on the market. Crowning these clothes will, be wide picture hats—some crinoline straws flower bedecked, others in tulle, and smaller ones with exotic trimmings. Most shops are holding back these collections in the meantime. And the women may carry parasols —elegant long-handled affairs which have just come on the market in Christchurch. It is expected that handbags will be of the box shape. Men’s Wear Even retailers are waiting for a lead on what men will wear at the garden party and other day-time functions. They have read some of the general directions from Wellington, but are inclined to think that the conservative tastes in Christchurch will weigh heavily in favour of dark lounge suits for all but civic leaders. Black llamas coats, grey waistcoats, and striped trousers are being made for morning suits, and some grey toppers are available. There are also black toppers and bowler hats; but it is expected that most men will abide by the dictum that Homburgs are suitable. Official dignitaries may choose black ones, but it is thought that the average man attending Royal functions will favour grey. For both morning suits and full evening dress hiring agencies, here and in the North Island, seem to be meeting as much demand as tailors.

For the dark blue lounge suit tailors have scores of orders, and expect so many more in the next few weeks that some men are certain to be disappointed. In anticipation of this development, retailors have increased their “off-the-hook” lines.

Ties will be plain grey, grey and black flecks, or shepherd’s plaids, but spats are said to be "out.”

INVITATIONS TO FUNCTIONS

DUPLICATION TO BE AVOIDED (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 18.

Arrangements have been made to avoid, where possible, duplication of invitations to the various functions being held during the Royal visit. According to advice received today by the Mayor of Wellington (Mr R. L. Macalister), official action has been taken to ensure that invitations to the various functions should be spread as widely as possible over the community. “Arrangements have accordingly been made so that, as far as is possible, no person will receive an invitation to more than one function,” he said. ‘J This rule will, of course, necessarily apply to the civic reception as well as to other official functions. This will allow a much greater distribution of invitations covering the various functions. It is obvious that exception must be made in the case of certain persons holding official positions, but generally speaking care has been taken to keep the duplication of invitations to a minimum,” said Mr Macalister.