All-day living in ‘Focus’

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32701, 2 September 1971, Page 6

All-day living in ‘Focus’

Five months of worki bore fruit for the Christ- j church Plunket Society last evening, when it staged the first night of “Focus,’ ’an exhibition of furniture, flowers and fashion.

“Focus” —which will be held again this afternoon and this evening at the Winter Garden —is a fashion show with a difference, said Mrs R. B. Johnston, one of the organisers.

Christchurch furniture retailers have set up 11 sample rooms in partitions at the Winter Garden, and the clothes shown will be examples of what would be worn in that particular room, from the early morning until evening. Garments will be shown with a backdrop of fabric swatches from a room with the same colour tonings.

New approach According to Mrs Johnston, this is a completely new approach to a fashion parade. The idea was the brainchild of Mrs Johnston and fellow organiser, Mrs P. F. Pocock, both members of the Plunket Society. Twelve professional models who have given their services free, will show the

clothes. These include men’s wear and range from nightwear to formal evening wear. The accent is on “casual elegance.” Four Christchurch fashion retailers have lent 'garments for the parade. Fourteen floral art and gar;den groups have been asI signed a room each for their displays and here again, col- | our co-ordination plays a big I part. The furniture displays ini elude both contemporary and traditional designs and indoor and outdoor furniture. Questions answered ' Mrs Johnston, who is cotn- ! pering the parade, said 500 people were expected to ati tend each evening’s showing. ;The exhibition is also open i today, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1 From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. a panel consisting of Prudence Rothenberg, furnishing adviser to' I the New Zealand Wool I Board; David Robens. an ; architect, and Michael Littlewood, a landscape gardener, ■will answer questions on house and garden. I The evening exhibition be- ! gins at 7.30 and wine and i cheese will be served as supper. It is hoped to raise i $3OOO for the Plunket Society. The picture shows Mrs H. M. Megson, at work laying a table in one of the display rooms.