London Fashion Notes

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 148, 20 December 1930, Page 19

London Fashion Notes

Specially Written for "The Port."

24th October.

It would seem as though the ladies of the Imperial Conference are in danger of being killed by • kindness, : judging by the list of social engagements that have boon arranged in their honour. But London is so historically uniquo in the types of entertainment it has to offer that I find most of the delegates are too thrilled'with, the beauty of the buildings and homes, the ceremonial and pageantry, .and- tho gracious welcomes extended to them from Throne downwards to admit any fatigue. One or two of tho ladies have expressed a gentle desire for a few quiet days to prowl round and explore; they would like to get under the surface of things and under the skins of some of the people. . . . . Tho dinner given by the King and' Queen at Buckingham Palaco will long be a treasured memory, and now they are looking forward to meeting the Queen informally at one of her afternoon .parties next week. Lady Londonderry's reception ■ this week showed them private entertaining in the grand old style, which, alas, is fast disappearing under tho exigencies of modern conditions. - ...

This hostess is always an imposing figure when she receives, and on this occasion wore a stately black velvet gown as a background for her magniiicent diamonds, which almost covered the front of her bodice, her all-round diamond crown and immense diamond earrings adding .to her regal appearance. , The cream of the social world—all the shining lights in the diplomatic service, well-known figures in the arts and literature, all combined to give this're-

coption a fascination that was especially appreciated by our overseas guests. London has become gay suddenly, for everyone seems to havo returned to town at once, theatres are packed, anel gay parties for dinner and dance aro filling the restaurants that offer alluring dance orchestras as an added attraction to exquisite cooking. Tho heat has departed, but not the sunshine, so that walking in town is a joy. Women are looking particularly lovely—fresh from holidays and with tho new attractive clothes, lo enhance their natural beauty. We become more frilly and curly each week, but so varied arc tho styles set forth for our approval this season that each woman can follow her own individuality. The all black-black and white craze has a serious rival in the all browns ensembles. Brown tweeds anel jersey cloth aro popular for morning and sports, while brown facecloth cloth coats are worn with lovely afternoon gowns of velvet, crope, and satin. The velvet suit —a slim coat and skirt strictly tailored and worn with a soft satin or chiffon blouse—is just as lovely in the new,dark browns, and rather more youthful than the black which Paris clings to. A brown velvet gown with a muff and cape of sable is a flattering toilette for golden autumn days, while I have seen a brown lace gown, the pattern picked out in minute sequins, that was the most striking evening gown in an exclusive collection. Prune is another good colour which is attracting attention for smart wear. It makes handsome afternoon gowns anel chic evening ensembles, but is not so successful for sports clothes. Tunics are one of the high lights of tho new fashions. These should prove a solution of the problem of using up light crepe dresses in pale blue, pink, or beige, bought for warm sunny days, and, alas, worn so seldom. Light tunics over a dark skirt, worn under a dark coat, are exceedingly new and smart, and may be, any length from the middle of the thigh to several inches below the knee. Let the underskirt be a good bit narrower than the tunic, which should flare slightly above it. , I have sketched one which is typical of this new mode, and which incidentally expresses many of the important points in tho season's fashions. You will notice that more .forehead than ever is shown, and hats haVe a tenelcncy to one-sidedness. Coat collars are casual—whether of fur or material, softness being the effect to achieve. This, again . appears in the scarf neckline of the new light tunic, and the fur cuffs —tight at the wrists but barrelshaped to the %lbow —which are very fashionable on the new coats. In a season of individuality, hats are the most individual of all. One can no longer say I like a hat because of a special feature —but I like this hat because it gives a new expression to my face, a new angle to my head, or because it suits my hair. Frankly, many of the hats are just limp masses of possibilities, which only assume any character when arranged on the wearer's head. They are built round a coiffure, and much of the head continues to show, particularly at one side. Although there is more fullness in somo part of the hats, they are less deep, resting lightly on the head and no longer drawn tightly over the ears. It is difficult to detail the different parts of a smart hat this season, because a brim seems to bo part of a crown, and a crown may bo a complete hat. in itself. The most' formal -hat can probably be tucked into a pocket, and emerge fresh, as though from a baud box. RUTH SIBLEY.