The Lyttelton Times. MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1911. THE STEPS OF FASHION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15557, 6 March 1911, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times. MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1911. THE STEPS OF FASHION.

The venturesome) ladios who insist upon keeping in tho van of fashion s procession must bo finding the keen interest taken by the public in the “harem skirt” extremely embarrassing. In Paris and New York the wearers of the new garment have been not merely the “ observ’d of all observers,” but. have actually been compelled to take refuge from the excited crowds which surged around them. This morning wo learn that some twenty thousand of the citizens of Liverpool “mobbed” a lady who was displaying at once her courage and her ankles in this latest creation. It is not made clear whether the crowd was curious or indignant, and quite probably it was under the impression, for the most part, that somebody was being murdered or arrested. But, in any case, there really is no reason why communities which have accepted with more or less equanimity the “ Directoiro ” and the “hobble” should be astonished at the arrival of the “ harem.” The mere man may be tempted to suspect that the mysterious powers which preside in the inner sanctums of fashion are not always unmindful of the profits attaching to the making of fine raiment, but of course on such a subject he is not qualified to sit in judgment. In his heart of hearts, however, ho must be glad that the Ladies have undertaken once again to give a fresh aspect to everyday life. A spring which did not bring with it “something new' in shapes or sizes, or colours or other of fashion’s surprises” would be almost ns disappointing as ono which did not “ unlock the flowers to paint the laughing soil.” Hie “ harem skirt” is at least free from the reproach of monotony, and if it makes its appearance on this side of the world wo do not doubt that it will bo worn with grace and discretion. Regarded from a severely practical point of view, it will be much preferable to the absurd garment which hampers the steps and limits the activities of so many women at tho present time.