NOVEL FASHION

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 41, 12 November 1936, Page 7

NOVEL FASHION

Real Flowers for Hats

NOVEL fashion that began abroad is that of wearing real flowers as trimming for hats. The idea is very attractive though the degree of success with which it could be carried out would largely depend upon the type of flower, and the style of hat. Some flowers would, for instance, be of themselves quite unsuitable, both as decorations, and because they do not last well. It would be essential for the flower to be one which is known to possess lasting qualities, and which will stand a few hours or so exposed to the sun and weather. There are many such flowers, the only requirement is to be sure of them beforehand.

And then there is the question of arranging them so that they will give decorative value to the hat without being in the least ridiculous. Successful hat-trimming with real flowers is one of those fashions which depend upon skill and artistry in the arranging. Otherwise the effect would be garish rather than attractive.

The flowers perhaps would have to be treated in some way to give them a measure of resilience, so that after a few' hours’ expdsure they would not show signs of droop. For this, a cunning use of flowerwire might be necessary, but care would have to be taken that the wire could not penetrate and spoil the fabric of the hat. And then, again, there would be the question of possible stains from flow'er-sap which can be most destructive.

Some flowers exude more sap than others; with some types of flowers the sap is sticky and has almost indelible properties. Such flow'ers should be avoided, or, if they were used, care should be taken to wrap the cut stems, leaves, etc., with waterproof paper, such as silverpaper. This measure must be taken, indeed, with every flow'er. Similarly, flowers might actually stain through contact of the petals with the fabric of the hat, especially if the petals were wet. Leaves, also, might have staining properties. Forethought and consideration would have to be put into the matter, or damage might result. It might be as well to try the fashion in experimental form with some very old hat, in order to see how well it worked.

From a decorative point of view, the value of real flowers as trimming would be unquestioned. There are many ways in which they could be arranged—in tiny clusters, as encircling wreaths, in sprays. This would largely depend on the size and style of the flowers. An ordinary-sized rose, for instance, might be rather large for wreath trimming, especially on a small hat. It would tend to look ridiculous, unless very cleverly arranged. But there are a host of tiny flowers that would be quite suitable.

By using real flowers, it would be possible to trim the same hat in many different ways for many occasion's. The colours of the flowers themselves would lend aid to this plan. A black hat, for example, might be trimmed with pink flowers one day, variegated flowers on another. mauve flowers on a third, and red flowers on a fourth. The whole fashion would give women a chance to exercise their ingenuity and skill in the choice, preparation, and arrangement of the blooms. Again, the wide-brimmed, shal-low-crowned hat would lend itself well to trimming with one type of flower, while a small hat would be best suited, perhaps, by another. Even flowers of two or. three different varieties K could be used together, provided the wearer took into consideration with each, individually, the possibility of sap and leaf or petal stains, wilting, etc.