SPRING CHAPEAUX

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31728, 11 July 1968, Page 2

SPRING CHAPEAUX

Millinery’s mystique has come back along with romantic ruffles and lace, soft curls, and the waistline. While in the grips of winter even the thought of a new spring bonnet is cheering.

Sweeping brims, face - framing crescents, and petals and pleats of pure silk organza provided by a Christchurch milliner for the coming spring and summer .should give women the deceptively delicate allure of a Scarlet O’Hara. After several seasons of caps and cowboy stetsons Mrs Rhonda Knight’s always feminine and sometimes frivolous models are a welcome change. But the “mod” vogue has put hats back on the heads of the young generation; accustomed to wearing casual styles to work they are now prepared to don a more elaborate chapeau for more formal occasions.

The aura of the 1930 s Is apparent in big brims, curving Garbo-style, or turning well back from the forehead. A spray of apricot roses tumbles down the crown and nestles in the brim of a turn-of-the-

century style modelled with a tan satin base overlaid with fine Swiss straw cloth. The wide brim takes a surpising turn upwards to touch the crown at one side. Small Lilies A floppy-brimmed felt tn pale aqua has an added touch which well Illustrates the delicacy of the millinery whether in in-between season or high-summer fabrics. Pairs of small lilies, in deeper blue felt with the petals just turning upwards, look as though they drifted into place. All the models are hand made and many of the felts feature intricate, fine stitch designs. This is used as an intriguing device on a tan, curving brim felt which has a sporty, buckled belt. Brown stitching continues down the brim from the strap and ends at a trim fringe cut out from the brim. Felt Beret One of the few berets also comes in felt—beige—and is covered with brown stitching

The band, and two insets, of chocolate brown silk, are stitched in white.

Although most of the brimmed hats have neat fitting crowns, one model with a narrow up-turned brim has a peak which slants back for 10 to 12 inches. Little halo shapes ideal for the petite woman fit snugly and have back interest. Close fitting turbans combine lime and navy, and" lime and leaf green in intricate swathes. Junior Navy Among deep cyclamen pinks, soft apricot, nut brown, and aqua, junior navy is still a popular colour. A style which incorporates several blue shades has a neat, stitched, upturned brim in navy and the crown is swathed in pale blue silk, and deep aqua and navy Silk organza. Black and white, now a favourite pair overseas, appears in a felt crescent of white with a sou’wester brim stitched in black. Blackstitched twists across the crown add dash.