Campaign For Maxi-Skirts In Britain

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32114, 9 October 1969, Page 3

Campaign For Maxi-Skirts In Britain

<N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright)

LONDON.

Skirts are definitely coming down, British fashion magazines are now proclaiming.

Publications which sneered at the lengths displayed in the Paris shows have moved to the side of the advocates of the well-covered ankle and a maxi revolution. “Here’s to a long warn winter . . . and about time too,” says “Honey,” a magazine aimed at teen-agers.

Many women’s publications, from the sophisticated “Nova,” to "Petticoat,” have joined in a campaign that the look for this winter is “decidedly maxi.” The more maternal “Woman” and “Woman’s Own” have even run knitting patterns for maxi cardigans. These are thigh length, knee length and ankle length at some of the more adventurous boutiques. Sweaters are almost thigh length, and are being worn with wide leather belts over tube-shaped maxis. The look is long and lean, with skirts generally going nearer the ankle than the knee, and shiny fabrics in man-made fibres are popular.

But classic tweeds and wools are still in, and Biba's a trend-setting boutique, is showing matching tweed maxi coats, skirts and trousers. Maxi scarves are also available—and are 9ft long. Although at the close of a

long sunny summer maxis are still comparatively rare on the streets more can be seen daily and the stores claim they are selling fast. “Miss Selfridge,” says it has been having “staggering sales —7OO in five weeks.” Peter Robinson’s says it has been getting increased orders every week, and Harrods says its maxis are going like the proverbial hot cakes. Whether the trend will last until next summer remains to be seen, but if the female press and the stores are to be believed, there will not be a blue knee in sight this winter.