THE FASHION WORLD

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 113, 6 February 1937, Page 6

THE FASHION WORLD

American Styles Brought To London “American styles are credited with a growing influence on fashion, so much so that several New York houses have now established small shops in London to sell their merchandise exclusively,” said Miss Yvonne Lawrence, New York, who arrived at Auckland by the Wanganella and was interviewed by the “New Zealand Herald.” Under the name of “Jane Swift,” Miss Lawrence is a contributor of fashion notes to many large American women’s magazines. She has also worked with the late Patou, Schiaparelli aijd Worth ns a mannequin, and of late has done a considerable amount of dressdesigning in New York. The American women of to-day desired to break away from the tradition that Paris was the home of good dressing, Miss Lawrence said. Gowns designed by Americans were becoming Increasingly popular among the women of the United States and through their simplicity and faultless cut were establishing a new standard of dress. The American aimed at smartness, comfort, ami variety, and was achieving it. For some time American women had been well known for their smart sports wear. This was probably owing to the heat, and most of the social activities in . New York were by the seashore or in the country. People who had lovely homes in New England, Newport, or Long Island, retired there to give garden parties, entertain house guests, attend horse shows and fairs, and attend dances. All this called for a certain type of dressing.

American dress-designers were now introducing into more “dressy” costumes the smartness that had characterised their sports wear. The summer wardrobe was based on coolness and attractiveness with tailored linens or crepe de chines with plain hats and accessories for day wear. Evening wear was definitely picturesque yet embodying the simple smartness of tailored suits. The American had always loved the suit, in white sharkskin linen or natural silk, Miss Lawrence said. Daring, yet nearly always right, in her colour combinations, she added to the attractiveness of the suit by the careful choice of accessories. Unusual accessories were treasured by the American.

“Good dressing is really not as difficult to achieve as most people think,” Miss Lawrence continued. “Before a woman even thinks of her clothes she should first consider her grooming and her carriage. Upon such a foundation even the worst clothes achieved a certain air. -“There have been too many ‘do’s’ and ‘don't’s’ already written and said about dressing, All that is required after grooming and carriage is to remember to dress simply in good materials which are well cut,” Miss Lawrence said.