Parade Of Children’s Fashions

Press, Volume C, Issue 29621, 18 September 1961, Page 2

Parade Of Children’s Fashions

Children modelled the latest fashions for childI ren in a delightfil par* ■de organised by the Christchurch Free Kindergarten Association on Saturday afternoon. Minute bikinis for three-year-olds stole the show. Of pink and white checked gingham, one was patterned with tiny pink rosebuds. The brief top was gathered with shirred elastic. There was a bikini for boys ■ as well in green cotton laced with white cord at the hip. For older girls between five and 12 years the swim-wear was very feminine with cancan frills, short-skirted styles and even broderie Anglais trimming. Sportswear for older boys featured a new shade called nugget gold. This burnished colour was seen in an abstract design on a set of olive green shorts and shirt in poplin; also in wind-jackets and plain shorts. Sailor outfits for brother and sister of kindergarten age were enthusiastically received by children and mothers alike. A trim pleated skirt with a white middy top was worn by a girl while a navy and white striped shirt was worn by a boy. Town-wear Fresh, cool cotton frocks for town-wear were shown in smart, practical styles. Full skirts were worn over frilly party petticoats in stiffened nylon, necklines were demure with Peter Pan collars or

slightly scooped. The most striking dress shown in this section was in shades of turquoise, jade green and lilac with the predominant tone picked out in a wide, waistwhittling cummerbund. There was a preview of winter wear for boys with dashing olive green corduroys junior Ivy League trousers and warm fisherman’s knit jerseys. There was a scarlet cotton and wool dress with long full sleeves and a sashed waistline for a seven-year-old girl. Dainty shorty-pyjamas for boys and girls were worn with tailored dressing gowns and pretty brunch coats in, the nightwear section. Many of these featured animal motifs on the soft materials.

A party frock that could have been designed by Dior, drew iwmy admiring comments. In junior navy sheer, the circular skirt was sunray pleated and the bodice was trimmed with a soft Bertha collar and a dark red rose. For toddlers there was a glamorous selection of embroided -organdie and nylon dresses, sashed with selfmaterial or satin and finished with puffed sleeves. Fifteen boys and girls took part in the parade and other children gave short dance interludes between sections. The parade was arranged as a prelude to the association's Daffodil Day on September 22. It was opened by the association president (Mrs A. F. Johnson).