To Suit Your Individuality

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 296, 10 September 1938, Page 6 (Supplement)

To Suit Your Individuality

Do Not Be A Slave To Fashion, Choose Your Frocks To Suit Your Type

WHY will some people insist on being slaves to fashion when they could look so much better if dressed to suit their own individuality? But for those who can wear the Edwardian coiffure and the romantic picture gowns that go with it, there are lovely creations to reveal the neck and shoulders which occasionally have no straps at all.

pIIANEL is one of the designers sponsoring bare shoulders and strapless dresses for evening, but often you will find her masking the shoulder with a garland of flowers and dressing up the wrists with bracelets and ruched tulle. What could be more romantic than a picture gown of organza, the. billowing skirt fitted to a moulded bodice cut very low, and upheld by narrow ribbon straps? Across the square decolletage are massed nosegays of flowers which are looped across the arms giving the effect of a berthe collar. The Edwardian fashion of wearing a narrow’ velvet ribbon around the neck lias perhaps inspired designers to use velvet ribbon for shoulder straps on lace gowns, and the same trimming is echoed holding in place pleated frills heading the bodice and hemline. Those who indulge in the more

vigorous ballroom dances should temember that double-sided velvet straps are flic best for remaining in position for the matt surface of the velvet seems to cling to the skin, lhere is nothing so unsightly or uncomfoi table as a slipping shoulder strap, therefore if this fashion is to be worn successfully perfect fit must be obtained. This is particularly noticeable when the straps are of tulle. To prevent, stretching, the transparent material should be firmly stitched on the edge. Lace, too, is better if it is mounted on the material used for the foundation of the frock. When a gown is slightly tailored in line and of satin or crepe, the shoulder straps are occasionally seen very narrow in front and graduating in width, from the back of the shoulders. This will prove becoming to tha woman

whose back is not one of her strong points. Narow straps have come into favour since the camisole bodice was introduced at the last overseas fashion shows. They are mostly in chiffon or net and allied to a dark skirt. They make an excellent foundation for the dinner ensemble, as they are far from bulky and sit perfectly beneath those fetching little jackets which, are the vogue of the moment. The woman with the statuesque figure will find that there are other distinctive styles beside the Edwardian picture gown.