Canterbury homes past and present

Press, 10 October 1984, Page 13

Canterbury homes past and present

Canterbury homes — their architecture, past, present, and in the future — will be the subject of an address by Sir Michael Fowler, in Christchurch tomorrow evening. His book, “The New Zealand House,” recently won second place in the 1984 Wattle Book of the Year Award.

He will be joined by Vic-; tor Pritchett, of Auckland, president of the Interior Design Association, and Mr John Coley, director of the Robert McDougall Art Gallery. Mr Pritchett will have,' some points to make about New Zealand interior design. Aspects of art in the home, illustrated by slides, will be discussed by Mr Coley. The compere for the fund-raising evening at the Chateau Regency will be Pieter Stewart, of Pieter’s •Model Agency. The function is to raise funds for the Fairleigh Kindergarten. Tickets cost ?12.

In vogue

Paula Ryan

I won’t confuse you and your seasonal dressing too much, but next winter starts with a big coat and finishes with new looks in frothy lace.

Winter ’B5 is the season of the “great coat” in big, bold architectural shapes. These will come in quiet colours, or strong bright primary shades along with a generous selection of tweed, plaid and texture.

If you thought coats were “big” this winter ... wait till next year. It all starts with the shoulders, where the new. coats are cut wide and strong. Some are based on the kimono shape with armholes that drop to the waist, kimono sleeves, and wide cuffs. Others are backbelted or swing with a generous cut.

The total look is tailored like a triangle, shaped from an ultra-wide shoulder to a narrowing hemline, but always over-size. The origin of this coat is military, and the newer coats have a mannish feel, softened by martingale halfbelts at the back, or by gentle gathering at the shoulder yoke, or by big patch pockets that break up the straight lines. Winter ’B5 finishes on a high note for evening. Lace is the biggest statement in black, from the tips of hats to rhinestone-studded gloves to tuxedo slippers. Gold and silver will also feature strongly in lace variations, but there will be special, beguiling alternatives based on sportswear shapes reworked in opulent fabrics.

. Dressing gown shapes will be strong, and in complete contrast come hourglass, strapless dresses. One new look that almost breaks all fashion rules is the lace skirt with a fine cashmere sweater, and lace T-shirts with big evening pyjama pants. Lace will not just be confined to evening ...it will appear in pocket handkerchiefs in man tailored coats and suits, and as trim for hats. Next winter is loaded with themes from “swagger” to “romantic” looks from the ’3os, English country looks and even themes borrowed from the "Renaissance.” © 0 ® Le Hook Getting back to the season in hand, one accessory that has hit Paris and London streets is Le Hook ...based on the hooks used on building sites. Originally designed by a Swiss engineer for use on construction sites, it seems to be the novelty accessory replacement of last season’s metal chains. It is at its most “trendy” when contrasted with traditional jewellery.