VIVIEN LEIGH’S CLOTHES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22587, 16 March 1948, Page 2

VIVIEN LEIGH’S CLOTHES

N.Z. TOUR WARDROBE For her tour of Australia and New Zealand this year, Lady Olivier (Vivien Leigh) has given considerable thought to her clothes. Manufacturers have made available lovely fabrics for her exclusive use, and her wardrobe has been designed principally by Matilda Etches and Hardy Amies. Her hats have been designed and made by Madame Pavey, of Pissot et Pavey. Frock styles all emphasise Miss Leigh's love of simplicity and good line; she favours the new look with skirts as long as are practical. One of the loveliest ensembles combines a romantic d'ustcoat of pale beige gabardine, designed by Matilda Etches, with a loose full back, large collar, full sleeves with turned back cuffs. It is worn with a suit and bonnet of the same material, which has been specially woven. Madame Pavey’s travelling bonnet is a hood with double folds at front, a fitted back covering the entire head, and tied under the chin with narrow folds of the material. Miss Etches has included, among the nine models she has made for the film star, day dresses of red and white, and blue and white striped cotton, and Brussels lace boleros in black and white each fastening at front with a cabbage rose.

Hardy Amies has also made nine frocks for Miss Leigh, and named them all. They include "Primavera”—dinner dress in’ green jersey and patterned rayon, worn with large yellow scarf: “Fur-below,’’ an off-shoulder cocktail dress the skirt of which is entirely plisse; “Crackerjack," a suit of black and primrose worsted; “Betty Martin,’’ a dress and jacket in printed British poplin: "After Six,” a ballerina skirt and tight-waisted bodice in black velvet and fine striped taffeta; “Cosy,” a beige and white coat and skirt, with sunray pleated skirt. Miss Leigh’s clothes include many fine woollens, worsteds, and her selections of gabardine for coats, suits, and dresses made by Miss Etches shows a good sense of present fashion trends. None of the designs are over-exagge-rated; Miss Leigh knows the styles which suit her personality best. She has a favourite hat—a close-fitting skull caD, which she has had made in several colours, but she most frenquently wears the black one.