ENGLISH FASHIONS

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 49, 26 August 1922, Page 16

ENGLISH FASHIONS

NEW BATHING DRESSES, f

Most remarkable bathing costume* are mentioned by a writer in the -"Tatler," and though New Zealanders, so, far, have been practical and Sensible in their neat Canadian coftumes of stockinette, it is interesting to learn what English bathing centres haye b*en viewing this season.- The writer says:— It is interesting' to notice the. clever manner in which our most' erratic of all goddesses, Fashion, manages to let common-sense predominate in her commands; especially is this the case in the matter 'of bathing attire. Swimming suit*'6fc fine black silk stockinette wifl be worn by the leaders of fashion at Dinard, Deauyille, e.tc.; they will be reinforced with elaborate tunics of taffetas, and will partake of the character of an overdress. Those who wish to be in the swim will be well a,dvised to seek inspiration from: Fish's clever drawings. In striking. contrast to these will! be those. arranged with old-world fichus, which will bear a close resemblance of the Dolly Varden style of dress. Many of the tunics will be enriched with unique embroideries, the colour schenrts of which- baffle description. Shells will be introduced as well as dried seaweed, and all kinds of fish will be expressed in silk. These tunics will be slit up at the. sides and edged with i tiny frill*. Very effective are' those with a Paisley printed cross-over bodice and plain short taffetas .skirt. Naturally these affairs never make the acquaintance of the' sea. Generally speaking, bathing wraps are of sponge cloth, .trimmed in a variety of ways. Sometimes theyjare stencilled, at others embroidered with a coarse wool, while others are treated with a process of Batik dyeing,,which is more novel than attractive. The india-rubber cape is making a tentative bid for favour; with the exception of, a deep yoke it is entirely composed of 'fringe. Another novelty is rubberised silk—the same material of which the featherweight eilk macintoshes" are fashioned. ■

-Jt is hardly likely, but there isa feeling in some quarters that velvet bathing dresses will be worn by one or two "well-knowns." A notable artist in dress has created a black velvet tunic, the skirt arranged with five white gores; by the aid of these the tunic fits well over the hips, and is remarkably full in the vicinity of the knees. To wear with it is one black and one vhite stocking, the same idea being repeated in the sandals. The cape that accompanies it is of the burnous character, fashioned of blaclc velvet and lined with white. . Instead of the regulation bathing cap, a velvet sun-bonnet completes the picture. Ever s.o much more practical and quite as attractive are the gingham frocks, with turned down white lawn collars and neat cuffs.