DRESSMAKING EXHIBITS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 49, 21 November 1907, Page 3

DRESSMAKING EXHIBITS.

In the matter of dressmaking the difference between the amateur and tho professional is evon more marked than in any other section of the Australian Exhibition of Women's Work. The fact is easily explained. A firstclass gown is vory rarely the work of an individual, and it is on the ground floor, among the trade exhibits, that wo find the work that can compare more than favourably with any imported frocks. Many of the leading shops are represented by merely disolays of lmp«no. Where they have exhibited dresses, made in Austr ilia by Australians, they indicate the high standard pf an industry in which tens >t thour,-'n(ls of women workers are engaged. Many of the dressed shown are something more than fashionable. They are sufficiently artistic to prove tho existence among us of women who' have studied dress making to good effect. Messrs. Wright and Neil are accountable for a typical gown of white organdie. Outlining the front breadth is a crisscross inletting of Valenciennes lace, tho samo design beading the hem of the skirt. Each seam is joined with a double inletting of Valenciennes, while the bodice has a transparent yoke fashioned with narrow lacs set in squares. A very beautiful gown of raspberry coloured ninon is shown by Messrs. George and George. Tho ninon is mounted on white taffeta, the skirt bordered with a band of fine tinted guipuro lace, the same lace being applied to tho top of tho front breadth. An over blouse of tho ninon is outlined with bands of taffeta in a deeper colour, trimmed with French knots. Under this is a guipure of fine lace, with full elbow sleeves. Another gown of special attraction sent in by the samo firm is of cream ninon made up over pink chiffon and cream taffeta. Tho combination of the three materials and two colours is remarkably satisfactory. The folded over blouse shows an underblo.use of lace. A gown, made from material specially choson for the exhibition in Paris is ono of the chief attractions in a fino stand allotted to tho Colosseum. Tho material in question is fine satin striped ninon, showing a raised floral design in mauve and pink velvet. Tho making of the dress is worthy of tho exquisite fabric. The full skirt falls in graceful folds ovor white taffeta. Folded bretellcs show the übiquitous guimpes of fine lace, a green velvet belt outlined with gold, giving the frock an admirable finish. The same firm sends a cleverly made striped ninon with a long panel of laco forming tho front of skirt, and a lace bolero piped with violet velvet, showing a laco underblousc. A typical gown of white crepoline is characterised by a painted design bordering tho skirt—the design being in green and mauve. A kimonon wrap in mauve and green outlined with a band of mauve silk is finished with a very narrow fringe.