London Fashion Notes. Specially Written for "The Post."

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 36, 11 August 1934, Page 19

London Fashion Notes. Specially Written for "The Post."

•..,■'■. LONDON, Juno .15. • England looking for rain clouds is a strange phenomenon. But with officials issuing gloomy warnings of drought conditions one is almost assailed by a feeling of guilt as one rises to greet the glorious sunshine each morning. Those, responsible for the success of the Ascot Meeting uext week are not wondering if the weather will bo fine; they are hoping the courso will not bo ioo much like concrete in spite of their care of the turf, and so upset everyone's'racing calculations.

Fashions have become quite summery, even in London, the heat wave making thin dresses both desirable and appropriate. Tho shops are showing sunshades once more, but they usually grace outdoor functions or when watching* the polo at Ranclagh or Hurlingham. The average woman's life is too crowded, and her hands too busily occupied to make the .return of the sunshade probable. ' ■ THE STfRAW HAI EETUENS TO TAVOUE. In the meantime there is quite a rush for wide-brimmed hats. These are made in every material, but straws predominate.'this year. Most of the straws are fine, but the Baku and other Oriental weaves take second place. Old favourites like Leghorn, Tuscan, pedal straw, crinolines,' and -lace straws- are the smartest wear. Paper Panama is very new fp* the fashionable white hat. ''..■'■

Although felt hats are not being -worn this summer the exclusive milliners have just produced some original pastel felt picture hats to be worn with the garden party type of frock. These have wide, soft brims, usually square, shallow crowng, and are simply trimmed. One in a dusty pink has a deep 'plum-covered velvet band and soft bow. Another in aquamarine blue is simply trimmed with a twist and knotted ends of brown and blue satin ribbons. All the large hats are simpjc,_ a tiny wreath round the crown or aj single cluster of blooms being the only flowers that aT:e allowed, the shape of the brim and the colour giving all the distinction necessary.

EVENING GOWNS WITH SLEEVES. Evening fashions are as important as summer frocks during tho London season, but with the exception of Court gowns there is a great liking for simpler styles and materials. Lace, printed chiffons, crinkled crepes, and many of the loveliest cotton materials aro used for evening frocks that will also do.duty later for country house parties. Pale coloured organdie, with a large over-check of very thin black lines,- has been used for many smart dresses. Unusual patterns in black and white glazed calico have fashioned some exclusive evening models. EmbrOiderie Anglais (eyelet hole) is being mounted over taffeta slips, with a ruche at the edge of the ilaTed taffetas slip to hold out the hem of the muslin overdress. #

Printed chiffons and silks favour tho large separate spray of flowers on a pale ground. Dull heavy laces in a leaf pattern are being used, chiefly in offwhite, beige, ■ or.pale pink shades. Very fine black laces combined with chiffon make those useful evening frocks that never seem to go out of fashion.

Evening necklines remain high, at least in-front; the back can be cut to any depth to suit the individual "fancy. The tops of tho arms are always covered in tho evening this year and a great many of the loveliest gowns have sleeves.

The model I have sketched is a charming.example of all that is flattering in the now mode. Made of delicate black lace and chiffon, and -mounted over a blfiek slip, it would give endless service and with a short tailored coat of black taffetas make a

.lovely ensemble for smart summer wear. A brilliant but-kle at tiie waist ran1 be matched by diamond ujirriiifrs ;ind bracelets, but it needs no other

adornment,or the charm of. lino and simplicity will be spoiled. There,is a movement to make sequins fashionable one more, and I have seen one or two lovely sequin dresses in. the mid-season collections. Many short sequin coatees and short capes are being worn. There seems' less risk and expense attached to se.quins in small quantities, and somehow when they are reproduced cheaply they lose, charm. However, many fashion prophets declared'the ostrich feather would never •bo fashionable again—perhaps not on. millinery.\But\it hag boen used for the most fashionable capes seen at smart evening functions this year, so maybo wo."1 shall, all' siinm'cr in sequins' next year. ' '• ' '-, . ' -The>. cloak' or capo wrap is another smart fashion for everting wear. Long cldaks jin "two -coloured satirist that are

reversible, or dark satins lined snowy ermine that is as pliable as ring velvet. Some of" these cloaks have the small stand-up military collar and fasten with jewelled clasps. Others tie casually with, a soft satin sca.rf neckline.

A cloak that fastens on the shoulder will have- one end thrown over that shoulder; in fact, a cloak to bo successful -should:be worn with an "air" and a sense of the picturesque.

RUTH SIBLEY.