No Spectacular Fashions Seen

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31835, 13 November 1968, Page 2

No Spectacular Fashions Seen

Fashion was far from exhilarating on Cup Day at Addington Raceway yesterday. Most women, although smartly turned out, were there to cheer on their horses and enjoy the sun.

The brightest aspect of the attire was the colours. Lime green, pinks of every hue, vivid orange, lively acquas, coral, gold, and lilac sparkled in the warm afternoon sunshine.

Crisp combinations of navy and white, black and white, and brown and white—blends which' dominate overseas fashion—looked cool and summery.

A black coat, outlined with white, opened to reveal a black and white spotted dress. An ensemble of coat and dress with a brown swirling pattern on white was typical of the abstract designs worn. Two bold prints stood out on a course dominated by silk, linen, light-weight wool, and synthetics (the latter strongly favoured by early starters who were understand-

ably wary about the weather). Both came in linen coats—one was navy with a giant paisley pattern in Kelly green; the other was a lime green, tan and navy Austrian style design on sand. Big, bold horizontal stripes, which have been adopted by Americans, also circulated the course. A petunia pink organzia babushka set off a pink, green and beige striped knitted coat.

When young “swingers” adorn the stands, the sleek simplicity of the older women’s styles is often appealing simply by comparison. Few youngsters were out yesterday, and those who were went casually dressed. One girl wore a green straw boater with long navy ribbons that streamed out in the wind, and a puff-sleeved, Kelly green and navy print dress. A sleeveless lime green linen suit looked youthfully carefree, as did a teen-age patron who tied up her long brown hair with a big pink bow and wore an off-white, pin-tucked linen dress.

Hats were not showy but pretty styles were plentiful. One of the judges in the Millinery Association’s Hat of the Week contest, who has judged similar contests m Auckland, was “surprised and impressed” with the millinery.

Tiny petalled and floral hats, often multi-coloured, blossomed out everywhere. Floppy brimmed Garbos—mostly plain and enlivened with stitching and trailing ties—came in felt and fine straw. Gaily coloured and patterned berets were out in force, and there seems to be some revival of the little pill box.

Now that the relaxation of race day dressing rules is largely accepted—willingly or unwillingly depending on the position and purse—extremes are scarcely noticed. It is not surprising these days to see an elegant Ascottype ensemble in goldembroidered brocade beside a mini-skirted, see-through crochet dress, or a mannish trouser suit. Few Ruffles

There was little evidence of romantic ruffles, but for some of the few who did venture out in them such girlish fancies were a dubious blessing. An occasional wide belt defined the waist-line and the jacket of a gold-coloured suit was cropped off at the waist to top a flared skirt. Mrs G. W. Blaxell, wife of the club’s president, wore an Italian-knit, three-piece suit in sand, with silk, nut browa, embroidery on the revers, cuffs and pockets. Beige embroidery circled the neck-line of the brown shell. Matching felt leaves were massed over her toque, and her accessories were also biege and brown.

Mrs K. C. Meyers, wife of the club’s vice-president, chose a malard green linen suit, and toning Ascot-tie blouse. The wide brim of her hat was swathed in matching silk organzia.