EASY-CARE DRESSES SHOWN

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30682, 23 February 1965, Page 2

EASY-CARE DRESSES SHOWN

Two pleated frocks made from a blend of 70 per cent terylene and 30 per cent linen were modelled before an audience of about 40 men and women in Christchurch yesterday.

One dress had been washed 20 times, the other was new. Only nine in the audience picked (or guessed), after close inspection, which garment had been laundered.

The dresses were shown in a parade of fashion frocks, made in Australia from the new Australian fabric known

as travelon, to demonstrate their easy-care qualities. They will be made under licence in New Zealand later this year. The Australian High Commissioner (Dr. D. Cameron) and Mrs Cameron attended the preview. Introducing the parade, the Australian Government Trade Commissioner for the South Island (Mr M. G. B. Coultas) said it was fitting that the preview should be held in Christchurch on the first day of the Pan-Pacific Arts Festival. Art of Dressing “I have always believed that the art of good dressing is one of the greatest arts,” he said. “I think this fashion parade will make a contribution to the festival.”

When these garments were made in New Zealand they would represent another degree of co-operation between the two countries.

“This co-operation, I am sure, will become a feature of trade and other relationships between Australia and New Zealand,” he said. Compering the parade, Mr N. G. Economou said the new fabric combined the feel of pure Irish linen with the crease-resistance and washability of terylene. The dresses shown could be washed and dried in a matter of minutes and needed only the touch of a cool iron to restore them to their original crisp freshness. The pleats remained knife-sharp and permanent and the dresses stayed wrinkle-free all day. The range included dresses designed with Dior’s latest “feminine look” with the waistline in its natural place. Many had all-round pleated skirts which retained the slim line of the dress.

Others were designed as sheaths, skimmers and in the empire line. Horizontal bodice tucks, sprays of matching lace embroidesry and a tiny neckline bow were features of these classic frocks which can be worn to the races, for late day, early evening or for a morning’s shopping. With the frocks were shown hats to match in colour and fabric. Some were largebrimmed and floppy, others were scarf-draped pillboxes. Fine Cotton Blend A small group of columba bastiste dresses, a blend of 80 per cent terylene and 20 per cent cotton, were also shown in patterned designs. Gaily styled for’late-day and parties, many had fluted or-ganza-terylene collars and cuffs.

All garments in the parade could be rolled into a suitcase and be ready to wear at the end of a journey without pressing. Those which needed a lining were mounted on fine terylene, which does not change its shape or shrink with washing as does artificial silk. The colours shown in both the plain and patterned fabrics were bright pinks, blues and greens, though not as vivid as this season's tones. Several were in warm pastels, such as toast and bone-beige. The fabrics were by Silk and Textile Printers of Melbourne and the garments were manufactured by the Avon Manufacturing Company of Australia.