FASHION NOTES FROM LONDON A POPULAR FABRIC.

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 129, 2 June 1928, Page 14

FASHION NOTES FROM LONDON

A POPULAR FABRIC.

1 (Specially written for "Tlic Post.") LONDON, 13th April. London is onco more recovering its normal serenity after tho influx of crowds of holiday visitors. It always amuses-me to road thaf-- London was "empty" on these occasions, for with tho exception of a few houses of thu great ones being closed, and the shuttered silences of the business streets, London itself as expressed by parks, hotels, and all the places of amusement ia particularly crowded. The Londoner may escape to the country and the beaches, but overy year sees a greater number of provincial and overseas visitors who prefer to spend their vacation in our fascinating old city. Church parade .in Hyde Park on Easter Sunday was a brilliant sight, the kaleidoscope colours of tho frocks and hats rivalling the brilliant greens of the freshly-budding trees and shrubs. A great number of these, early suits and ensembles were composed of tweeds and kashas, and every colour was exploited, although there is a great feeling for pastel shades, which seem to bo achieved by .blending two tones of one colour. There is a perfect craze for all patterned designs. Spots, diagonal lines, geometric figures, ilowerettcs, and petals that suggest the spotted motif, with

rings, and targets, are only a few of the variations which are carried out in every type of material. Theso used in conjunction with a plain material to tone give some very smart effects. The "target" and the "harlequin" stand out as two very individual designs. The first consists of ihie, circular lines of black on a light background, with the'bull's-oyo represented by black spots at uneven intervals. I saw the harlequin design very effectively used Wh plain beige kaslia. The coat of kasha was lined with this new woollen material that looks like bunting, and was in diamond design of black, red, ihid white. Worn over a plain beige frock a wide scarf of the same patterned material tied round the nock, and a close-fitting rod hat to match the red in the harlequin material, completed the ensemble. The spotted vogue has spread to the evening frocks. One evening frock in two shades of green satin had silver spots embroidered all over the surface of the paler shade, whilo a black and

British artificial silk is holding its own most favourably amongst other silk materials for fashionable frocks, etc., rivalling the most expensive crepe tie chine in its beauty, besides being suitable for all pockets. A really delightful evening frock of brocaded artificial silk is,here shown. The fullness of the-uneven flounces on the skirt depict fashion's latest decree, while the mannequin's beauty is enhanced by the ostrich feather fan to tone, huge, drop car: rings, and the latest manacle bracelets.

white chiffon i'rock had large black dots on tho white ground, which were cut out of black velvet. The patterned fabrics are being used iismuch i'or sports suits as afternoon ensembles, and tho short pleated skirt, of some patterned material worn with a short, siiigJe-brea.sf.ed coat oi' a plain, darker colouring, having collar, cult's, and handkerchief to match the skirt, is a particularly smart get-up for between seasons or a sporting race meeting. The addition of a fox fur giving it an added touch of elegance if needed. If there is a predominating colour it is blue at present. Navy and all the softer royals shadings for plain materials, with deft, hyacinth, and even turquoise represented in pastel tones of tweed. The cuff and collar mode is firmly established, for the short tailor-made coat, and the frock that is worn under a longer coat, are all supplied with dainty finishes in the way of line lingerie collars and cults. Thcao 'may be severely or decorated with line stilchcry or incrustations ol! lace. Jloiv quickly fashion's cycle becomes exhausted. 1 was looking at a lovely frock that was worn at Ascot three years ago—really, it would' need very little alteration to make it quite fashionable' this summer. And now we are going back to blouses again. This demure little garment has been making tentative eft'orts to return to favour for some" time, and several "waists" were shown with street suits at the early collections. - Well, some may wolcomo their revival, for there is something very fresh and crisp-looking about a light shirt worn under a, dark walking suit, but not if they are just lucked into the waist—

that lino was a nightmare to all but tho perfectly proportioned. The dressmakers have improved on the old typo of blouse and done away with tho ugly bulge at the wa.ist-line. Instead of being tucked into the skirt, it is shaped into a narrow band, which, however, is hidden by the billowy -fullness of the blouse, and worn over the new yoked skirts they are very pretty and youthful looking. Some have the robospierro frilly colour, and in ivory satin these make an attractive finish to a suit of Atlantic blue that fastens with a single button to show all the frills that graduate from the throat. There seems to be a rush of weddings immediately after Easter, and dress designers pay special attention to wedding dresses when presenting their early collections. Wo have had the rose bride and the silver bride, bub one pageant I liked especially was called "bridal sunshine." Tho bride and her attendants were all dressed in palest yellow, oven to the billowy masses of Mmlls swathed round tho bride's face and shoulders', and her sheaf of palest yellow flowers. They certainly suggested a shaft of sunlight as they trippod down the dark carpeted stops iuto the salon. The sketch T. am sending this week will bo specially interesting to you as it was made for' a Wellington bvide who is being married in London this month by Madame Palmyre, who is associated with Mrs. Loftus Tottenham. As the latter is also so well-known in New Zealand, the. frock will make a special appeal. Made of pearl-coloured satin and cut on lovely long lines, the original slanting neck line being expressed. Again, in the swathed hips drawn into a huge drooping bow. The bodice has a bolero back, aiid a very now note in the trimming is the use of the selvedged edge. The train is encrusted with old Honiton lace, and tho Honiton lace veil is a family heirloom. I wish space would allow mo to sketch tho dainty.bridesmaids' frocks of palest yellow chiffon, all grace and movement, that have been made to complete the bridal retinue. * RUTH SIBLEY.