MODEL GOWNS OF WOOL

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28434, 14 November 1957, Page 2

MODEL GOWNS OF WOOL

Surprise Exhibit At Show

Surprise exhibit in a frozen meat company’s display at the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Show yesterday was a group of glamorous gowns designed by leading overseas couturiers. There they stood, within a few feet of frozen lamb carcases, imported on exhibition tn show Canterbury women what can be done with New Zealand wool in the hands of experts. Designed by Maggy Rouff, of Pans, a cream fine wool evening gown, made with a straoless top and full skirt falling from impressed pleats, was the centrepiece. A drape of magenta red wool was swathed over one side of the bodice down to the hemline. Another model, designed by Worth, of Paris, was a full-length evening frock of wild rice wool and opera cape, lined with brown silk. The yoke of the cape was trimmed with brown fur and bronze bead embroidery. The elegant frock was slim-fitting with a sleeveless jacket buttoned to the neck. Wool Lace Gown A cameo pink wool lace evening gown featured a rhinestoneencrusted bodice of deeper tones and the skirt was lightly embroidered with sequins. One wide folded strap of deep amethyst taffeta was matched by a ”>ash and bow on the left hip. An Italian wedding gown modelled from the habit of a medieval nun showed the ingenuity of Italian designers. This magnificent frock of fine cream wool was cut with a long fitting bodice and flared skirt, forming a half-train. A wide edging round the skirt of pearl, crystal and sequin embroidery was repeated in oanels on the skirt.

Copies of period frocks made in wool included a black formal dress of the 1860-1870 period, a sage green “walking out” frock of light-weight wool from the 1870 to 1880 era, and a fawn gaberdine afternoon dress of the next decade.

All the frocks were exquisitely finished and mounted on foundations to give the line required.