A SUCCESSFUL PAGEANT.

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 35, 9 August 1930, Page 18

A SUCCESSFUL PAGEANT.

The D.LC.jiu the enterprising manner for which it is famous, has been running a scries of dress parades this week which it is safe to'say. outshines anything of the sort ever before attempted in Wellington. . ..... . A stage, erected across one corner of the beautiful tea rooms, carried but in. its curtains the dominant colour scheme of green and cyclamen, and was finished by a most effective framework of bronze. -

The tables -were booked up for each, day before the end of Tuesday's opening, and the crowds.of interested spec* tators demonstrated their appreciation of the shows by frequent applause and audible comments of approval.

The original note was contained, in the scries of tableaux with which each day's parade opened, illustrating tho evolution of dress in England, accompanied by a short • explanatory talk. First canic Eve, just before the famous episode of; the fig leaf—a young, attractive Eve, absorberl, in the contemplation of the fatal apple. Then, plunging into the world's wardrobe, seven *of the better known periods were drawn out and shown in the most perfect detail. Tho colouring of these dresses was lovely, and the posing of each-figure most artistic. The frame within a frame, as it were, was disclosed at the curtP'us were drawn apart, and a Wind rolled up to show each tabloau. The periods were, after Evej Early. English, Elizabethan, 1774, 1755, 1830, 1880, and 1910. "■■■■■ -■•■ ■"'- ;

The early English lady wore, the steeple bat, the .hanging, sleeves, and what was pointed.out as the ancestress of oui- bridge jacket. The Elizabethan was resplendant in ruff and farthingale, stiff' brocade and lace headdress. Then carno the Pompadour; of George lll.'s reign,- with a beautifully mounted "head," and ."tuckup" dress; a languid lady in an Empire dress, graceful, delicate, verycharming. The Victorian period began with "■■ a real round Miss Crinoline," the dress beautifully carried out in dainty blue flowered silk; and went on to the bustle costume, very attractively, posed, complete with tiny hat and parasol. The last' ■ dress was the sheath hobble of 1010, so amusing and grotesque-to us now, but which will gain, no doubt, the' adjective "picturesque" as; time goes on. ■ ' ■ ; ■ '• "'■ After that' the curtains closed,-and reopened on the most spring-like scene imaginable —a wistaria-covered trellis, with palo blue-green backing like early evening sky. From the centre opening the mannequins appeared in the 1930 spring model gowns, one after another, first showing the dresses from each anglo on the stage, then descend' ing the steps and paradiug round the room between the tea tables.

On Tuesday thcro were street' coati and dresses only; on Wednesday evening and afternoon gowns and cloaks; on Thursday sports wear, with a few of Tuesday's things again by special request; on Friday afternoon and evening there was something of everything. There have been lovely things each day, far too many to mention in detail. The newest note was displayed in the pinspot materials, the, auto-tweeds, and flamingo silks, and in the little capes that grace the backs of so many of the coats and dresses. ..■■-, A most successful pageant it has been, reflecting the greatest credit; on. t the greater D.I.C. An event that will not be easily forgotten* ■•. "' • (Published hy Arrangement.)