SOME NEW IDEAS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 82, 7 April 1938, Page 19

SOME NEW IDEAS

EASTER BRIDAL STORY

(Written specially

for "The Post.")

There was a time when a coronet lavish with gold and gem embroidery, of orange blossom and dress embroi- is bordered with a band of fur. deries of seed pearls were a part of NEW STYLES IN FLOWERS. every bridal regalia. Though these Whereas the bride carries a formal ... ~ . „„„ „ f ;ii mn .f sheaf of Easter lilies, a novel arrangeromantic decorations are still most ment . g enorm = ug popular, there has been a growing bloom which the bridesmaid holds, tendency during the last few years for This is typical of the added interest more variety in this attire, without, that can be achieved by novel floral however, departing from the classical h <° = £ «*% and traditional styles that have become gown itsell The i engths of wide satin the accepted source of their inspira- ribbon fastening up the formal types ti on of bouquets have returned to popularThis season many of these changes 'St^tX*™!^ "^ will climax in popularity, and though An occasional fichu neckline of rare this means that there will be a be- old lace is clasped at the front in the

wildering number of styles for the prospective bride to choose' from, there will be the added advantage enabling her to select something particularly suited to her personality. Without restriction, wedding fashions cull their inspiration from1 every "age or clime, and whereas the medieval and Empire styles have been holding full sway, they are now supplemented by those from other eras. Predominant trends are those of the Gibson Girl, Velasquez Spanish, and also the Pompadour days. Some of these types achieve the modish ('corseted look" by supple corselet tops or waistbands, even occasionally boning them, and. these remind one of the stoutly-fitting tops to circus women's costumes, especially when they are embroidered with sequins. Other noticeable influences are the slim, reed-like silhouettes featuring softly-swathed drapery that is so reminiscent of the ancient Greek mouldings, and yet is the most modern expression of all. For these supple gowns the sumptuously regal fabrics of lame, metallic brocades, and the humbler, yet equally effective, crepes and jerseys are used. The more bouffant types require stiffened, delicate stuffs, such as net, lace, and organza, to give them their characteristic fullness. SHORTER TRAINS. On all frocks there is a tendency towards shorter trains, or in some instances none at all. The long flowing creations favoured for several seasons now show a marked decrease in popularity, as the abbreviated, streamlined versions are mofe easily managed and expressive of all the current fashion trends. This influence is also felt in the accompanying veils, which follow any length desired, to trail on the ground or to wreathe about the head and shoulders. Some versions reach as far as the ankles at the back and barely cover the face in front. Others are made like Madonna hoods, to frame around the face with embroideries and trimmings of sequins, sometimes these being in pastel colourings as well as silver and gold. Although embroidered veils are still fashionable, unadorned lengths of tulle are the'vogue, or else, if the veil is short, a precious fine old lace can be used with most decorative and exclusive effect. Sketched is a classically simple wedding gown made of heavy white mat jersey. The veil that is draped over a small peaked cap, like a medieval "hennin," has the gathers caught by strands of pearls and organge blossom at the back of the head, from which it falls in graceful folds over the short train of the frock. About the head is an extra aureole of finest tulle, like a filmy halo, hardly distinguishable. The bridesmaid's gown of white stiff broche is developed in the Gibson Girl manner with full-shouldered puff sleeves and , a crinoline skirt. The nipped-in waistline and high neck show further influence from this same period. Her cone-shaped headdress,

demure old-fashioned manner .with a quaint little posy of rosebuds and for-get-me-nots. A picturesque and unusual gown decorated with ribbon bowknots over the front of the skirt might have one or two sprays 'of fresh flowers pulled through them here and there. Topknots, or coronets, of real flowers form the most beautiful and ever-fashionable headdresses, for though in fact the flowers die, the memory of them is timeless and will never ( date or seem absurd in years to come. FASHIONS FOR THE BRIDE'S MOTHER. Fashions for the mother of the bride are most attractive, with the present seasonable styles that express much dignity and grace by way of long sleeves, high neck, form fitting, yet on cleverly-arranged lines, to play up the older worhan's best points with a flattery that ninons and other summery materials cannot rival. I, Fur makes a luxurious trimming on gowns suitable for so important an occasion, the long-haired types being used with velvets and woollens alike, either as a separate cape or jacket over a frock or in bands around jackets of costumes. Hats and muffs are a smart note, giving a dramatic touch of splendour to an otherwise severe ensemble. Exemplifying fur trimming would be a gown of ruby red velvet draped suavely over the waist and hips and worn to the church under a long cape of moleskin with revers of the ruby. A hat and muff of the same fur would be part of this costume. Huby red or cornflower blue are very becoming variations from the usual blacks, browns, and navys in which many women still imagine they can only look their best.. Lace dresses in these colours, with loose, swinging jackets, often have lush trimmings of fur dyed to tone. Hats trimmed with ospreys, flowers, and veils register the necessary amount of formality to go with these ensembles. Little toques and draped turbans of the dress- material, combined with metal brocade in the same colouring, are elegant styles to wear at an evening wedding. STYLES FOR THE DEPARTING BRIDE. The bride will go away in a costume of velvet or soft woollen in any colour under the sun that has taken her fancy, though preferably blue, in one of its husky or more defined shadings. This may have an accompanying fur jacket or cap decked with irresistible snippets of fur. ■ A delicious fantasy of a hat, very suitable for a departing bride, is a little Watteau shepherdess bonnet tipped well forward over one eye and held on by a bandeau on which a spray of fresh flowers has been secured with one or two pearl-topped hatpins. This dreamlike concoction would be, with any going-away costume, a fitting conclusion to all the pageantry that had gone before. —M.R.