Others Wait, Lachasse Plunges

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31582, 20 January 1968, Page 2

Others Wait, Lachasse Plunges

(Special Crgpdt. N.Z.P.A ) LONDON, Jan. 18. Hardy Amies was too nervous. Norman Hartnell lacked the courage. Mattli did not seem to budge an inch.

But Lachasse, usually the most timid and uninspired of the London couturiers, literally took the plunge with his spring collections today and left the hemlines four inches below the knee.

With the new hemline was a new shape in jackets. In cardigan style, and collarless with a single row of buttons down the front, it complemented the maxi-skirt admirably. The best example was a whacky blazer ensemble consisting of a collarless jacket in red, white and black stripes, with a white maxiskirt, white beret, and a long white silk scarf flung loosely round the neck. Coats were also given new treatment, with the emphasis on the Mexican-style poncho. "Savannah" was a searing

poncho in red and beige stripes, thrown over a matching beige shift and topped with a scarlet stetson. Classic coats incorporated great belt detail. One slim beige number appeared with a high waist belt at the front and separate hip-belt at the back. In day dresses spotted fabrics made a comeback. The most striking was a long-sleeved navy silk shift, with shocking pink and scarlet spots teamed with a huge shocking pink turban. Other spotted maxi-dresses

were designed with minilength overskirts. Long evening dresses featured enormous floral prints in the most unusual colour combinations. The prettiest was in pink, green, and blue printed chiffon, with large bat-wing sleeves attached to the wrist.

Wheat Ship.—The coaster Kaimai is being converted to handle wheat from the South Island. She is being fitted with partitions in No. 1 hold.— (P-A.)