RUSSIAN FASHIONS

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31754, 10 August 1968, Page 2

RUSSIAN FASHIONS

(N.Z.P.A Correspondent) LONDON, Aug. 9. The most attractive exhibit at the Soviet exhibition, which opened in Earls Court Stadium today, is a dark, tall male model called Sacha. Sacha, a 30-year-old pantomime producer from Moscow, leaps and dances along a giant cat-walk with five other Soviet models three times a day, showing off a kaleidoscope of Russian fashions. Unlike many of their British counterparts, who mince self-consciously through their steps, the Muscovites are gay and natural. FURS THE HIGHLIGHT The highlight of the show is, of course, the fur. Sacha shows a glorious

beaver great-coat with matching Cossaek hat; one of the girls appears in a stunning, slim-fitting, orange suede coat, with white mink trimmings at collar and cuffs; a third marches on in a white sheepskin skirt, and a navy suede shirt with white sheepskin collar.

The Soviet Union, it is obvious, dresses for warmth. Coats are high-collared, with wide, studded leather belts and hem-lines on the knee. Suits in thick tweeds have straight skirts and hiplevel jackets belted in contrasting colours. Dresses are uniformly long-sleeved and high-necked in warm colours. FRINGED SHAWLS One innovation which could catch on here is the wide fringed shawl which is worn draped over the head and shoulders. It should deal with any draught For ski-wear there are slinky black ski-pants, a black and white striped sweater.

and a white mink coat. For “space-wear” there is a dazzling silver plastic, all-in-one boiler-suit. And for “at home" there is a wide, triangular orange poncho worn with scarlet trousers and a six-inch-wide belt. Evening wear is dramatic: a simple white wool shift encrusted with mother-of-pearl, a cocktail dress in old gold velvet with gold metal trimmings twined round the bust and neck. For later day wear there is a black and gold mesh skirt with high-ruffled gold skirt, and strings and strings of gold beads. Altogether it is a good look at the Soviet scene—and as far-reaching as their space ships.