Delicate Finishings Characterise Early Winter Evening Frocks

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 196, 16 May 1936, Page 23

Delicate Finishings Characterise Early Winter Evening Frocks

With so much studied romanitcism in the air, so many classic lines, statuesque drapes and rather intimidating renaissance effects, it is refreshing to see, and to wear a frock that is simple and gay. Not that I mean in any way to deter from the more formal type of gown. They are as lovely as they are indispensible. Nevertheless, more youthful frocks are excellent contrast Like a breath of fresh air in a stately drawing room, a cluster of violets in a bed of lilies, or the unexpected fragrance of the first spring flower, they are indispensable. Nevertheless, which stimulates the imagination. It is not surprising, therefore, that although as yet the winter is only just beginning, many leading designers should turn from the more important type of gown to such flimsy gaieties as seen in my sketch. Not that these frocks are lacking in dignity—they have an aristocratic elegance all of their own. That elegance lies not in forma] folds or in studied mouldings, but in the exquisitely delicate fin’shings that are their most outstanding feature. In these frocks we have hems that are hand-rolled, shirrings done by hand, appliqued flnish'ngs to the neck of lack frocks, and in floral chiffon frocks, see that flowers have been cut out and carefully worked into the general form of the dress to give it a better line.

The two frocks illustrated are entirely different in character, yet simi-

lar iu feeling. The first is an adorable affair of pale violet chiffon, shirred iu tbo centre front and worn over a violet taffeta slip. Clusters of violets outline the low decolletage and separate violet armlots are an interesting and attractive departure from the usual. The second frock is a springhtly confection in black net that is stippled with patent leather paillettes. Rose ribbon follows the line of the decolletage (which drops to the waist at the back) and ties in a small bow over the bosom. Similar ribbon makes the belt, which also tics in front. A slim black taffeta slip is worn under the frock. An interesting feature of these diaphanous frocks is the ingenious use of that colour contrast which is so expressive of the season’s chic. An enchanting lace dress of lapis blue is cut coat fash’on, with tiny capelet sleeves, a high neck with turn-down collar. Tiny covered buttons go down the centre front, which falls open at the hip-

liue to expose the emerald green satin slip. A daring yet effective colour combination which can be varied with different slips.

One exquisite chiffon frock in jade green has stitched taffeta at the neck, a stitched taffeta girdle and circular stitched taffeta cuffs high on the upper arm. A shirred train ties on around the waist. Another black net dress is exquisite with line tucks and shirriugs. It has a square front decolletage which is finished at the waist at the back with a huge bow. The skirt fits tightly to the knees, where it flares out in circular folds. A huge cluster of pale pink realistic roses is worn on one shoulder. Printed chiffon has taken a new turn in a frock which has an oyster white ground. Brilliant white, together with dull shades of blue, lavender and rose, is printed on it in large floral design. The effect of the sur-printed white is startlingly lovely. The cut of the dress is simple—a crossed bodice with double elbow length wing panels, a shirred panel in the centre front of the skirt, which also falls into enormous fullness at the back, and a cluster ofsweet.peas (echoeing the colour of the frock), caught at the breast.

Lace—particularly in a pearly shade of grey—is a material which adapts itself to this more frivolous mode. We all know the comfort of a lace frock — the lack of crushing and the exquisite way it clings to the figure, falls the

way we want it to, and is able to be worked in unusual shapes by virtue of Its pattern. Ally grey lace to violets bunched at the waistline or caught at the bosom. For a change, wear c it with yellow daffodils or a huge cluster of buttercups. When you are tired of flowers, adorn it with a series of small jade green bows at the back waistline, and let jade green ribbon outline the slip decolletage. i If you don’t want to buy one of these •refresher'” frocks, yet feel the need of a pick-me-up, why not indulge in a flimsy cape or finger-tip circular coat to wear over your plain crepe or satin. A black spot net coat is enchanting over a black satin frock; tiers of violet ch’ffon make a floor length cape that dramatises n parma violet taffeta frock; ruby chiffon is cut in a cape, hip-length in front and falls from a full-shirred shoulder line at the back, in two points which sweep the floor behind —over white, duck-egg blue or jade, this is devastating in effect.