THE DUCAL VISIT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12534, 22 June 1901, Page 5

THE DUCAL VISIT.

GLIMPSES OF' SOME SHOP WIN- . ’ DOWS.

AT MESSRS STRANGE AND CO.’S,

Yesterday the' chief sights of-the town, ap.aH from the'street- -deebrations, were the drapeiy window®, exquisitely furnished with the choicest materials by artistic fingers, , so as * to provide abundant interest for the thousands of sight-seers who thronged the pavements during the day. At Messrs Strange and Co.’s first place must be given to the heliotrope window, which, by coirimon consent, was considered very beautiful by all who saw it. Framed . ins diaphanous drapings of pale mauve ohiffon, which hung in gauzy folds in the background, stood an enormous horse-shoe, composed entirely 'of . hundreds of white York roses. Across the centre the letters G and M, the initials of the names of their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York,.stood out in clusters of rich purple violets,, with lovely effect. Festoons of cobwebby lace gave added softness to the whole, and the charming new toques in, admirably mingled tones of purple, or black and white, illustrated the correct thing to wear just now as half-mourning. Another window devoted, to evening wraps is gayer in tone. Here wax figures display the charms of lovely opera and ball wraps. These three-quarter capes, with high collars in delicately tinted brocades, bordered with cosy white feather edging or fur, are deligntful to look at. One, of rose pink brocade, with an iridesceii ground, trimmed with white Thibet fur and pearl embroidery, was eminently attractiveso, too, were the handsome feather fans lying near. Winter daygowns fill another, window, where a wax model, garbed- in one of the tailor-made costumes for which this firm is famous, shows the dainty cut of a pretty Eton coat and skirt of purple cloth. Equally interesting are the windows revealingfan up-to-date drawing-room, with its harmoniously. blended tones of bronze and cream, and one cannot help noting the charm of the cabinet of old oak, which is brightened by costly vases of rich warm purple. In the Charmingly-furnished bedroom seen at another window the eye is at once arrested by the very lovely toilet set and candelabra of choice Dresden ware. Needless to-say, the handsome carved walnut wardrobe, dressing-table and washstand, with its top of rose marble,. that furnish the room are charming specimens of the work turned out by this enterprising firm. . AT J. BALLANTYNE AND CO.’S. At the fashionable shop in Cashel Street a different note is struck. Here sombre reminders of the national loss appear in. the costly black,, and purple brocades which form a background for the fine picture of her late Majesty placed in the, centre of the window. Just beyond, the gloom is lightened by rich folds of royal purple velvet and ermine,,while around are draped in wealthy folds'brocades and silks of wonderful texture and thickness. Passing on, a'window arranged in lighter vein meets the ©ye. It is no wonder that the. crowds are thickest here, ,for these toilets are well worth the admiration they receive. Splendid cream or rose pink brocade ball dresses, over which fall the rich folds of wraps of costlier brocade: Temptingly displayed . just near are other brocades in the piece, and among these is a superb piece o* ivory fabric fib for the rob© of a princess. - In these days of uncertain showers the umbrella occupies a prominent' place in , public regard, and Messrs Ballantyne have; recognised this fact by devoting a whole window to various descriptions of this most useful article: Here .one learns that the correct one to possess is of- course black, but the handle may, be as ornate,as fancy dictates. It may be finished, if very choice, with’ a miniature- portrait in enabl'd, set round- with gold, or it may end in a fluted" column of sedate green, or even in burnished silver. Altogether there is much that is novel and interesting to the discerning eye of woman on fashionable thoughts intent in these artisticallyarranged shop windows.