SOME NEW NOTIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 70, 24 March 1938, Page 19

SOME NEW NOTIONS

Always ready for some novel inspiration, fashion was very quick to adapt'the picturesque figures of Walt Disney's new full-length cartoon, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," to its own uses. After decades of being just another fairy story, Snow White has come to life again as one of the most discussed subjects of the year.. . ..,-.■ , ■ ~- ...■:.

In England and America one may eat, use, and wear articles that claim this theme as their inspiration. Silks, seeds, coats, cheese, dolls, balloons, patterns, pencils, hats, and soap are just a few of the widelydiversant sorts of thing that have become, either'for advertising purposes or because of their actual, origination from the clever characters of the film, Snow White "conscious." As far as fashion is concerned the main feature has been the fabrics that are printed with scenes or depict the characters of the story in glorious colours. •

Although this new, development started iri - America, - the great Paris designers were the first to realise its boundlessly attractive possibilities. In almost less time.than it took for'the "Mirror on the Wall" to say that "Snow White is the fairest of them all," an avalanche of Snow White

fashions descended upon a receptive world.

Cartier, the famous Parisian jeweller, adapted the figures of Snow White and dwarfs for little charms in solid gold and precious stones and used them for bracelets and as lapel ornaments to be worn on costumes. Milliners were excited by the quaint little. peaked caps of the dwarfs and designed cunning 'hat's on the - same lines. These usually have high creased crowns and sometimes a little peak at the front, but otherwise no brims. Little hoods made of printed fabric or knitted material are just the thing for children or adults to wear for sport, motoring, or walking in the wind. They fit the liead, but are shaped with a point at the back and the ends that tie under the' chin are sometimes big enough to form a cravat. Printed scarfs and handkerchiefs are brilliantly gay and are particularly popular tied under the chin, peasant fashion, to accompany a frock or blouse of the same print. ■■• ) Women's clothes as -well as little girls' are made from the printed materials that for their refreshingly gay, joyous combinations are artistic triumphs. Children.! wear" them because the lovable characters are appealing, but adults will choose these styles because they' are. something different and because they "make' conversation." • THE MOTHER AND DAUGHTER VOGUE. Mother and daughter, fashions are a great vogue .since the similarity need only be in the matching material, the actual styles of the "frocks being abso-

FAIRY TALE FASHIONS

lutely different, and in accordance with the ages of the wearers. Play suits and beach wear particularly emphasise the trend, but it is not likely to be felt in New Zealand this season, though it is very sure we will feel some repercussion of this world-wide influence before long.

Little girls' fashions are most irresistible. Their entire wardrobe could carry out this theme of gaiety, for apart from little tub frocks of the print, woollen dresses have the whimsical figures of the dwarfs embroidered on them. Underclothes, such as knickers, vests, and petticoats look very attractive with one of these same motifs on each garment. There are pocket handkerchiefs for tiny tots that have a little portrait of each dwarf with his name printed underneath, such as "Doc," "Dopey," "Sneezy," and the rest, for every day in the week. Other ideas are children's rain-capes with hoods and matching umbrellas stamped all over with little dwarfs, rabbits, and gazelles that appear in the film. Handbags are made of the gay print and make a lively accent to plain frocks. Beach shoes have bathing bags to match, both made in the same gay fabric. Little boys' sweaters feature sprightly' embroideries of dwarfs and rabbits cavorting over

them. Housecoats for women and little girls alike have slippers covered in the same material and these are an absolute craze in England and America, though- on the Continent pyjamas of these delightful materials ars preferred for hours of leisure. SNOW WHITE'S FROCKS. ' "The actual dresses that Snow White wears iiave also afforded designers new ideas for little girls' play and party frocks. These are like the fairy tale princess's styles with full skirts and fitted bodices, usually the effect of a blouse being gained by contrasting sleeves, collar, and vest. Rickrack braid and brilliant coloured bindings are featured a great deal on these romantic little frocks. Long skirted party frocks are almost replicas of medieval styles such as Snow White wears. Low pointed waistlines and puff sleeves with medallions of contrasting materials let in. are all very suggestive of this theme. . In the sketch is a little girl wearing a coat lined with gay print. ' Her collar, cuffs, and the impish little handkerchief add a touch to heighten the charm of this very modern outfit. The halo hat with velvet bandeau, drawn at the top of the sketch, was inspired by the ribbon that Snow White wears in her hair. Below is a charm bracelet with all the seven dwarfs and Snow White linked on it. The two dwarf figures show the peaked caps that have been such an influence on the very newest hats and are typical of the motifs that look so well embroidered on adults' ,'sports wear and on children's clothes. M.R.