FASHION PARADE TELEVISED

Evening Star, Issue 23421, 11 November 1939, Page 4

FASHION PARADE TELEVISED

SOME INTERESTING DISCOVERIES VARIOUS CLOTHING SHADES FOUND FAVOURABLE Citizens of Greater Cincinnati had their first peek a t television and technical observers gathered information on their reactions during a public WLW demonstration recently. The effectiveness of contrast in clothing and of continuous action before the camera was noted by members in charge of the six-day demonstration. Technical equipment did not provide actual television broadcasting. Instead, the iconoscopes, or television cameras, were located on the fourth floor of a department store and connected by coaxial cable with receiving sets on the ninth. . The bright contrasts ,in plaid clothing worn during television fashion shows by young girls wore most pleasing to observers ; such variation of hues will bo desirable when regular telecasting begins. Solid colours were used with varying success. Deep red eventuated as “a dirty-looking grey” in television receivers, yellow and pale blue turned out to be a very light grey, nnd dark greens and dark blues showed up black. Light grey garb was described as “ very attractive.” Interesting characteristics of men’s clothing as translated by the iconoscope also were noted. Dark suits with white shirts televised as a neat-looking black and white, while lighter suits had a tendency to show wrinkles. Elaborate make-up worn found necessary in getting maximum effect for performers. In eliminating highlights and aefleetions under the four banks of light, a’ brown powder base was employed. To bring out the face depth and features of girls between 20 and 25 years of age dark brown lipstick, together with eye make-up, was utilised. Younger girls wore a lighter shade of* base powder and blue lipstick, along with brown eyebrow pencil and shadow above and below the lashes. Ornamented dresses caused trouble. It was found that sequins; bright metal pins, and rhinestones tended to reflect light into the camera, resulting in a slightly fogged picture. The demonstration disclosed that black and' white printing is not satisfactory under the television eye. The spaces between black letters, though a technical illusion, seemed to be of a darker shade than the rest of the background and produced a ■“ smeary ” appearance. Dark brown letters on a yellow background were used successfully, providing sharp contrast and doing away with all shadows. Personalities appearing on the shows worked in front of' a white “ gobo,” or background. The gobo acted as a light reflector.