WHITE CITY TEXTILES

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 95, 23 April 1934, Page 13

WHITE CITY TEXTILES

SOME INTERESTING NOTES

THE QUEEN'S PURCHASES

Some interesting details come from London of the new textiles shown at the Whito City, all of British manufacture.

"Tho Post's" correspondent states that, although some producers did not show on account of the lateness of the fixture, others came forward who had not exhibited before, and, therefore, the inte/est was maintained. A men's wear hall had been added to the usual number, and a little street of specialty Shops, callcc! "Quality Street," displayed novelties of various kinds. Tho Queen and tho Duchess of York paid several lengthy visits to tho White City, and made a number of purchases in cotton yarn fabrics, and two in blue and green art silks for frocks. A new item is a material "which makes things fit," and can be woven into any kind of fabric. It is used for millinery, bathing costumes, and innumerable other things. The Duchess selected a good deal of tweed, with a preference for Shetland. Shb chose a lovely piece in oatmeal colour, and' she watched a weaver from tho Outer Hebrides at work at her loom making Harris tweed. A now kind of blanket liko a raised honeycomb interested her, and two, in blue and pink, w'ero ordered. In the hall for men's wear sho saw for the first timo tho long woolly socks made of pure Angora, such'as Queen Victoria used to wear over her boots when driving. AKT SILKS. The newest art silks, it is stated, have a suede finish, and others show a crinkled surface. A wedding group was most fascinating. A pearl-pink suede locknit was used for tho bridal gown, and pearl-pink "cobbled" satin for one bridesmaid's frock, tho other being of Nottingham lace mado from celanese yarn and pure silk. A charming idea was tho water-lily trimming on the train of the gown. The lilies and foliage wore made from handpainted satin and stitched in a very realistic manner round tho edge of tho train. Even the leaves and stalks were authentic copies of tho colourings and vcinings of the plant. A single lily was carried as the bouquet. Another new locknit material was a striped pique, also with a suedo surface, and a fine lustre running down the ribs. Art silk taffeta in plain and shot designs is mentioned as being "a triumph," and will be used for picturesque garden party frocks, and effective home evening gowns, for the stage and films also. It is stated that the use of Indian cotton has become an important feature of the wcavings. QUEEN BUYS DOUBLE-HEEL STOCKINGS.

It appears that the mechanical shrinkage of cotton goods has been well known in America for some time, but lias only recontly been adopted in England. In a numbor of materials, sucit as "nurse-cloth" and others, this process is going to make a great change to tho advantage of buyers.

Much interest was taken in the Queen's purchases, which included garments in South African jiuro wool and double-heel stockings in dark shades. She also bought a child's jersey and skirt suit in Botany wool, decorated with Mickey Mouse pictures.

A rather amusing statement in regard to the firm which produces these wonderful garments is that tho average ago of tho directors is 38 years, and the result of their younger ideas is that their factories aro working at full pressure, and. tho now goods are found to be immensely attractive.

Her Majesty nnnied one lovely tono of blue "Sandringham," which gave much pleasure. In watching .the mannequin parade, sho was not approving of tho ■ over-trailing skirts. "Tho skirt in each case is too long," sho remarked. "I would prefer it shorter.' 3 While watching a parade of Nottingham lace frocks, tho Queen was told that Paris did not favour this lace. "Then we must set tho fashion," sho declared, "and give- our industry a chance." Sho ordered two of the Nottingham lace gowns to be sent to her at Buckingham Palace.

A now idea in showing the children's frocks was tho addition of a handsome two-tier birthday cake,- lighted with candles. The sugar icing was in tones to match the exhibits.