fashion file: news up-date

Press, 20 June 1984, Page 13

fashion file: news up-date

In vogue

Paula Ryan

The Australian Marketing Institute has elected one of Australia’s best known fashion personalities Maggie Tabberer, as marketer of the year. This award, known as the Sir Charles McGrath award, was presented last week for the success of the “Maggie. T” label, the style of her promotions and the success in marketing a designer collection for a larger woman. The Australian president of the institute, Mr Ron Carroll said, “Three years ago Miss Tabberer took the almost over-looked fashion sector, the sizes 14 to 24, and put them into designer styles. Today she has created a chain of “Maggie T” stores throughout Australia.

“Her label due for New Zealand release later this year, has been a top seller in the later sizes.”

Maggie Tabberer represented by agent Harry M. Miller, is also a double Gold Logie Award winner, a T.V. host, Radio commentator, fashion editor, and runs her own promotions and publicity company.

London returns as trend setter

Not since the Carnaby St ’6os through the King’s Road ’7os has London had eyes watching. But this summer people again are talking about the street fashion in London. Looks are lively and directional, often even outrageous, with clearly whimsical interpretation. Young London women

are stepping out in very long skirts (often to ankle), with layering the favourite. Shirt bottoms show beneath a sweater or jacket, with an added Tshirt or poplin coat, creating even a further layer. Girls are opting for bright neon colours, and mixing pattens, florals, checks, plaids, and stripes. Dressing as a distraction is almost becoming an art from, and they’re piling on rings, badge pins, and slogans. A la Sixties T-shirts are hot and the new sports look takes on a cycling theme. The kids are sporting biker’s knit pants, a bright T-shirt, jacket, or cycler’s caps.

Important colours for summer

The New Zealand summer collections are well on their way and ’B4 sees several well defined colour themes taking shape. The naturals go right through into rust and khaki, and combining texture with layering. Closely a aligned with this is a section of African printed fabrics used in simple styling or in colonial and safari themes.

The brights are seen in tropical prints or in Bedouin, Bali, and Purjal insperations. Another important theme follows the “Sailor” or “marine” influences — off-white (ice) with navy, red, white and blue and black, with cream. Following them are the new uses of stripes, and checks in sherbet bright shades. What's new in accessories There’s big news in the growing realm of new jewellery, with styles that spring from neither grand jewels nor disposable stuff.

The days of throw away

beads are gone. The trend; more quality in more variety of new pieces, even items that are unseasonal. For next summer, the new looks are interesting textures like a polished crystal cuff bracelet, metal mesh refined jewellery, and wooden and stone pieces. Items are meant to be worn as simple, single statements, and their larger sizes determine this.

Earrings, when worn, are geometric, larger, metallic, or bright and colourful.

Belts are the strongest summer statements, with hip styles taking the limelight. Styling ranges from bold wide shapes in reptiles to classic wide masculine buckled varieties. They will also be seen with small pouch bags attached and worn low on the hip. Some designers are creating woven and perforated leather and Suede styles with big metallic ornamental fastenings.

Hats will also be a statement, and more important than even last season. Ranging from huge wide brimmed styles in wheat straw or shiny bright varieties to jaunty

boaters, sporty caps, and sailor-inspired berets.

Get packing

On a trip — business or holiday, — packing it all in is a far less painful proposition if you have the right luggage. Today lightweight, expandable, softsided suitcases are the answer, whether in hardwearing synthetics, rubber or more traditional canvas leathers.

The new look, trim, finely-crafted carryalls fit without fuss under plane seats, while roomier duffles can handle a long weekend or short voyage. Netural tans and black are luggage’s leading tones. Knit news for men Knitwear is a leading fashion story for men next summer. Cotton reigns supreme. It’s main claim is versatility. It breaths in the heat and comforts in the . evening. As for silhouettes, sweaters for men will be ample and uncluttered. Colours span the spectrum of muted, easily co-ordinated tones, while textures include ribbing and classic cables.