Fashion’s Foremost Besides Modelled By Mannequins

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23042, 5 September 1949, Page 6

Fashion’s Foremost Besides Modelled By Mannequins

A feature of the Gisborne Home Guard Band's art and curio exhibition in the Army Hall was a mannequin parade conducted on Friday by Xciusive Gowns.

Nine mannequins were kept busy modelling 60 fashionable ensembles, the property of Xclusive Gowns, while millinery by Miss E. Patchett, of Paramount Millinery, and shoes from Geo. Barnes Limited were indispensable accessories to most of the outfits. Curtains and carpets used in stage settings were the property of the Cash Stores.

A distinctive note was struck with the first model shown, a blank crepe afternoon dress with fitting bodice, pencil slim skirt and three-quarter sleeves, trimmed with tartan taffeta. A tartan taffeta overskirt could be worn with this dress. A cool apple green summer crepe dress featured an open revered neck and a fully-flared skirt accented by buttoned hip pockets. Linen was used for a number of striking suits, which included one of white with navy applique on the coat front, and a full flared peplum. A tan linqn suit showed the new pencil slim skirt, and was effectively trimmed with white. Popular Dove Grey Shade A long-wnisted frock in the newly popular dove grey shade was notable for its accordian pleated skirt and neat bow on the hip, lopped by a simple bodice.

A figured silk in chartreuse and black, worn with a black picture hat, was trimmed with a casual Dow at the neck, and the skirt was finished with three frills. White hailstone muslin was the fabric used in a dainty evening dress with full tiered skirt, rows of lace on the bodice, and a halter neck of blue velvet ribbon.

Black and white were effectively combined in an outfit comprising a black sheer frock with a white broderic Anglaise bolero. An unusual mauve taffeta evening frock was given an off-shoulder effect by tucks which crossed over in the bodice front, offset by a flared skirt and large pockets. Several models for the matron’s figure were shown, including a silver grey dinner gown with sequin trimming. Unpressed pleats at the back gave {ullness to the skirt.

Another ensemble for the matron was a navy and white printed crepe dress worn under a navy wool georgette edge-to-edge coat, while a bridge or dinner gown in the same fitting featured a black skirt with embroidered jacket in pink and blue. For the ‘Teen-Ager

A white crepe 'teen-ager dinner gown was charming with its high neck, cap sleeves and trimming of multi-coloured beading. Another attractive ’teen-age model was of sandalwood crepe, the skirt finished with bands of white lace.

The different effects obtained by the treatment of identical materials was demonstrated by two frocks of red and white marocain, the first having a circular skirt and tucked waistline, while the second featured a cape shoulder line and white hands on the skirt. A chenille suit in a rich cardinal red was notable for its full skirt, gathered at the back and finished with a'peplum of rows of frilling. The coat, close fitting, had a roll collar. A striking frock with slim skirt was made up of wide black and white stripes, and the slim skirt was also featured in a -corded silk crepe in navy, with a white pique collar and crisp white bow on the bodice. A large bustle bow trimmed a cocktail frock of black moire taffeta, made with a very full skirt and three-quar-ter sleeves edged with a wide frill of black taffeta over a frill of white lace. Several mother-and-daughter .outfits were extremely effective.

Beach wear was well represented by shorts, sun dresses and two-piece outfits. Other attractive dresses included a day dress of royal purple crepe, an all-occasion frock of black and white crepe, a soft pink crepe, and a cyclamen georgette evening frock. Wool afghalaine was chosen for a blue suit, and a soft English wool suit of grey was very attractive, featuring violet velvet applique. A suit of pink wool georgette was also notable. Wedding Scenes Staged

For a grand finale to the parade a wedding scene was staged. The bride’s mother appeared first in a prunella dinner gown with a sunray pleated skirt and sequin trimming. Two bridesmaids wore pink and blue tulle frocks with high necklines, cap sleeves and very full skirts, three-tiered at the back and sequin trimmed. The “bride” made an effective entry in a white satin brocade gown with high round neckline cut in keyhole fashion. Long sleeves and a frilled and flared peplum gave added grace to this dress, which was edged with a hem of lace.

The mannequins, who carried out their arduous task with every appearance of enjoyment, modelled the gowns with a pleasing poise and assurance. They were Mesdames Daphne Courtney, Bessie Davy and Marie Wright, and Misses Elvira Courtney, Doreen Steele (Hastings), Avon Davy, Margaret Goodyear, Pat Sweet and small Joan Stewart. A commentary during the parade was read by Mr. G. Forrester.