Chat From Paris

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 135, 5 December 1939, Page 14

Chat From Paris

SLEEK AND SLENDER

(By Margi

et Manet.)

Youthful, feminine, trim—-these are the adjectives that apply to the approved summer models. Slendering material—that is the why of the popularity of the matt crepes and every trick to divide width by two. On the face of it this does not always appear to be true. There are, for instance, the wide sashes and bustle bows that are everywhere—but they are never in contrast and only succeed in accenting the hip silhouette to one's advantage. . Take for instance a black wool fabric—light as web and twice as charming as silk. Fit the bodice close with tailored seaming from waist to shoulder and small round neck, flat and high. Place your fastenings at centre back. In these you may have your contrast —not of colour but of surface. Any perpendicular line that occurs in dead centre may shine as it will, for it, too, is assisting the illusion of slimness. Cut your skirt to jaunty just-below-knee length, flared, but with apronflatness in front and Undulations all to the back. Sash it widely with its own material with ends that loop and bunch. ACCESSORIES MUST BE RIGHT. The perfect accompaniment, of course, is the minute hat shape in dullest straw or summer felt, that lifts — both crown and brim —in front audaciously and leaves one side of the coiffure to view. The large floppy bag, that is the indispensable accessory, has its gold filigree fastening matched up with a wide gold filigree bracelet worn over the black suede of your gauntlet, and ear-clips of gold are worn if the hour is for cocktails. Sketched for you is a softly becoming gown which relies for its chic largely on its cleverly-arranged contrast of black with white. Both materials are angel's skin. The bodice, as you see, is cut with fullness gathered to centre high in front and caught with a large round brooch. Heavy piping marks the armholes, and sleeves are full at shoulder peak but folded over and cut away. The sash Is white and looped in front. The back of the bodice is carefully fitted, and the skirt has back, and front seaming, opening at midthigh length into centre fullness. )