Versailles Fashions

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 154, 26 March 1938, Page 5 (Supplement)

Versailles Fashions

Queen Chooses Styles For London Court

PASHIONS worn at the Court of Versallies by French beauties nearly two centuries ago will be seen in modern form at the English courts this year, according to a writer in the "Daily Telegraph.” The picture styles of those days had a stateliness and charm that appeal to the Queen, who regards them as m suitable choice, particularly for debutantes.

Gowns of this type can hold their own even in the magnificence of the State rooms at Buckingham Palace. The Queen’s views on the subject of dress for the Courts can be ascertained by debutantes and their mothers who go to the Dord Chamberlain’s office in St. James’s Palace. For their guidance officials have arranged to place on view -there six designs of Court gowns approved .by the Queen. Styles for the debutantes, the young married woman, and the older woman are shown. The designs are by the Queen’s dressmaker, Madame HandleySeymour. Voluminous skirts, coming from small waistlines and moulded bodices to almost crinoline dimensions on the groun dare characteristics of the new styles of debutantes, adapted from the modes of the Versailles Courts. Another 18th century touch is provided by immense floral decorations on the skirt, enormous roses or floral circlets being placed here and tKere. Debutantes will choose interesting necklines. Bodices may be gathered and necklines form deep points, and are heart-shaped or square. Older women will wear striking sheath, and Princess styles to which the Court train from the shoulders will give added dignity. Red will be almost the only colour not seen at the courts. It is unsuitable, owing to the red carpet and the many touches of red introduced by means of hangings. Silver, gold and all the pastel shades will be favoured.