Russian Fashions In London

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31375, 22 May 1967, Page 2

Russian Fashions In London

(Special Crspdt. N.Z.P.A.) LONDON, May 21. Vodka and “Zhivago” music had their heyday in London last week when the Russians hit town for their first-ever Soviet Union fashion show. The rendezvous, “The Talk Of The Town” was appropriate—the three Russian models flown in for the occasion had been splashed throughout the British press over the past week. Fountains of multi-coloured lights sparkled down on 1000 guests. The press turned up in force. Russian Embassy officials and trade delegations from “all the socialist countries” were present Twelve models in £lOOO

Russian furs leapt from a fibre-glass sleigh into an artificial Zhivagoan- snow scene. Another dozen raced onto the catwalk in a searing white Moskwich saloon. There was even a travelogue in wh>ch a honeyed voice seductively drawled out the delights of the “land of eternal youth and historic achievements.” Bottles of vodka were brandished about with gay abandon, and orange balloons floated everywhere. There was no limit to the gimicks. But nothing could really save the boredom inspired by the actual clothes themselves. A hundred garments were shown, and 90 per cent of them were sleeveless, roundnecked shift dresses in pastel shades with embroidery round hem, neck or waist