FASHION NOTES FROM LONDON

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 23, 28 January 1928, Page 15

FASHION NOTES FROM LONDON

(Specially Written for "The Post.") LONDON, 12th December. In spite of the fact that we have really enjoyed two whole bright days, with spring-like sunshine, I daily hear of more and more people packing up and leaving in search of kindlier climates, and I am told it is impossible to book a seat on the famous Blue Train (to the Riviera) until after Christmas. For those of us who must remain in London there are always compensations. Never have the shops looked lovelier, the restaurants gayer, nor do I ever remember such an infinite variety of dramatic fare as we can eiijoy now at the numerous theatres, all beautifully decorated, brilliantly light:-, ed, decidedly cheery places. . Every now and again we get a surprise thrill such as the amazing dress and jewel show I attended a day or two ago at the Mayfair Hotel, organised to display Riviera fashions worn with appropriate jewels. There had been an air of mystery about the invitations, eVeryone "being asked not to divulge the time or place of the show, so that wo all arrived on tip-toe of expectation and in quite the right humour to be thoroughly thrilled. The dresses were the models from the house of "Paul Caret," which name conceals the identity of an English woman of title and a Russian princess.. Their clothes are always exquisite, having perfection of cut and clever restraint in all trimming, gaining effects so subtly that often to the unitiated they look supremely simple, but spell genius to the clothes expert. However, lovely as the frocks were, they were not responsible for the army

of detectives and precautionary measures which surrounded the proceedings. I learned that all the detectives were provided with matches and candles—in case the electric supply was tampered with, although they had emergency men posted by all the electric switches. The ballroom was arranged with tea tables and an orchestra at one end. A carpeted way was kept clear from a curtained doorway through the centre of it, and as the famous toastmaster appeared to announce the items in the parade more detectives placed barriers of heavy gilt ropes on either side of the aisle. Spot lights were turned on the curtained doorway, and as a mannequin appeared wearing a charming cardigan suit and jumper carried out in pheasant colourings there was an audible gasp when it was announced that she was wearing a lovely pearl necklace valued at £20,000. This was the key-note of the whole display, and one readily understood the precautions taken as the prices of the jewels mounted up. One girl in a dainty black chiffon frock had a diamond sautoir which glistened to her waist with two diamond bracelets, and long diamond earirngs. Altogether her jewels were valued at about £115,000, and a figure which mad© even the sophisticated little mannequin thrill! * *" , A throe-string pearl necklace caused a sensation at £100,000. This, by the way, Js the most correct way to wear pearls just now—three graduated rows. While a single stone diamond ring valued at £20,000 and a hat brooch of rubies and diamonds at £5000 were only a few of the sensational jewels worn in what was certainly a unique show. 'There had been great competition for tickets, and I heard 10,000 applications were received for the 000 places available. A very interesting company had collected, including several Itoyal Princesses and innumerable social celebrities whoso jewels could have successfully taken their places besides those exhibited. The great point about' all this jewellery was that the' exquisite taste and workmanship prevented any suspicion of vulgar display even when wearing several important pieces. Alas, they arc not for me, anil I drew comfort from the fact that the manufacturers of imitation jewellery now employ such artists for their exquisite work that wo can all aspire to really beautiful design at the cost of a very few pounds or even shillings. There'was. a-charming little jumper siut in grey and emerald, the skirt cut circular—a very new note for the spring—and the jumper bolted with emerald green and gold buckle, and the scarf hemmed with an uneven design in emerald. Several of the crepe dresses were lovely and I am enclosing a sketch of one which should bo useful. It was in "beige crepe and gold stitching, and shows the short pleated flouwc whicli has a raised lino in front. 1 his is a very special loint, also the tied scarf over a V neck. The bolt of stitched crepe is fastened with a jewelled buckle of topazes which arc repeated in the wrist buttons. The little lint of supple glove felt had tiny pads of plumage in beige and was infinitely bocoming. . Tlie hats were lovely, generally relying on their individual becomingness and colouring for distinction, for in spite of all rumours to the contrary they still remain very plain and almost untrimmod. A close feather pad, a discreet ornament, or a chou of ribbon usually supplying the ncqessary relief. The more ornate ones designed earlier remain in tlie showroom cupboards. Women generally are not yet rcadv lo wear more elaborate sfvlci. —RUTH. RIDLEY.