Spring shine

Press, 20 September 1980, Page 10

Spring shine

Every now and again you go to watch a fashion parade and come away saying to yourself: “That was fabulous.”

Just recently I seem to have been to a few of these, and this week’s invitation to Olivia’s spring showing was no exception. Some effort had obviously gone into putting a rather special pizzazz into the presentation. To give you some idea of the atmosphere: the boutique setting somewhat resembled a page from American “House and Garden” with its white cane furniture, finger palms, and pastel, chintz-covered tables.

Sherry was served from dainty, silver trays, and to complete the feeling of spring it was a beautifully w'arm, Christchurch day.

The fashions were feminine and flowing so the models didn’t model, they “drifted” in super,soft to the classical music.

There were loads of pastels (some definite, some subdued), layers of pearls, shiny straw hats, and dainty drop earrings. Swimwear and looselyfitting sportswear launched the parade, followed by a selection of “Aurore” garments from Auckland. All these garments, (exclusive to Olivia’s in the South Island) were classic and elegant. The Aurore designers import all their own fabrics, specialising in fine cottons and pure silks for summer.

The majority of their styles featured flowing skirts, big sleeves and blouson shapes. Shoulders were sometimes pleated and gently padded. None of the garments were heavily structured or tailored.

Another exclusive label, “Alice” designs by Kay Austen, from Auckland, had obviously been very influenced by French and Italian summer styling.

These knitted garments in fine cotton and pure wool yarns were simple but quite outstanding in design.

One striking garment in this range .was a slinky, black, silk knit dinner dress with fine shoulder straps and small, open pleats falling from the hip. A bloused, loosely-fit-ting top had been designed as an evening cover-up. “Fanny Buss’’ handpainted silks, made into this season’s late afternoon and after-five

dresses, drew special enthusiasm from those present, as '"d some of her block-painted designs. Here her team of designers had carefully incorporated the delicate colours of spring flowers into the boardered designs. Each of these designs was a one-only, with the painted silk created for each garment.