SOME NEW NOTIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 75, 30 March 1939, Page 19

SOME NEW NOTIONS

Introducing the Victorian style into the realm of accessories has opened up an entirely new line of thought where these important etceteras are concerned. That handbags hark back a decade or so for origin aids their good looks immensely. After all, handbags were getting a trifle dull and anything to make them newer and more exciting is an improvement. The "dressmaker" feature is most pronounced in handbags as throughout the entire scope, of fashion just now. Squashy shapes that are frameless and pliable are beguiling in such novelty

silhouettes as that of a saddle-bag, stocking cap, Noah's Ark, or a basket.

Silk and cord ribbons are a soft and femininely decorative material for dressy daytime bags which often, allied with suede in a bright colour, are made to incorporate the principles of both a muff and a purse.

A return to the classic styles in beautiful black suede with highly-polished gold frames is the only concession made to the erstwhile stiff and rigid shapes. And in these cases the frames are most exquisitely wrought and elegant in workmanship with conspicuous clasps or fastenings. One lovely classic bag in sober black antelope of.this class has beautifullyjewelled clasps. Others have tops of shell inlaid with gold metal and one, a most striking example of handbag glamour, has a round bar across the top made of black composition imitating onyx set with a delicate design in diamante.

Ribbon figures importantly for evening bags in shirred, tucked, and knotted effects, sometimes with wonderful jewelled clasps or novelty ornamentations.

Metal ribbon is made up into some exclusive shapes, the richness of the medium being balanced by simplicity of style. Several smart and unusual bags are made by plaiting strips of gold and silver kid or cord. One of the best is a bag made a little like a basket of metal kid and fine silk braid with a cluster of rosebuds fastened to the top. The favourite material for practical daytime bags is suede in a variety of colours, and, while believing in big soft shapes, there are many tricky closings that give a stamp of individuality. Some are slide-fastened down the side, some pull together with draw strings and fasten with a snap to make things safe, and others, still pouchy in shape,

THE VOGUE OF THE VICTORIAN

are made secure with little gold metal carpenter's pins.

Suede and faille are combined for dressy daytime bags and patent leather alone or allied with another medium is in great demand.

As to colour, lots of wine is the order of the day, though black is a close runner-up in popularity, with all the plum shades showing well in advance of greys, greens, or browns. Surprisingly enough, pastel tints are much liked when found in bags that use cord or braid in black or navy as a detail.

The influence of the Victorian era and of the Louis XIV period is evident

in modified examples of carpet bags, powder bags, and miniature trunks, all of which are intriguing in their smart style significance. A hand-me-down from last season that goes on to more acclaim is the handbag with a long, large strap-handle, for hanging satchel fashion over one shoulder.

The old favourite rag-bag comes in useful when you contemplate possessing one of the new-type handbags for certain shapes are particularly easy to make if you feel so inclined and nice : pieces of stuff to match up with costumes, etc., might just as well be turned to account, i.e., into handbags !to complete the outfit with the correctly feminine finish. M.R. ,