FASHION'S FANCIES.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1874, 19 March 1913, Page 3

FASHION'S FANCIES.

TEA-GOWN IN NOVEL FORM London, February 2. The Frenchwoman commences to tire of the usual form ot' the teagown and has set her fancy on sombre colours and quite a different shape. The Egyptian and Persian mantles are the chosen typ^s. Her tea mantle is chose according to the decoration of iicx - walls, and grey, white and neutral shades are at the moment the most approved of tints. With these the fur border is the correct trimming. Later on as the season advances this will of course, undergo a change. This tea-gown is much more sensible than the elaborate creations we are accustomed to. The aim of the hour is a simple gown that is easy to slip into when a woman comes in from tedious visiting or golfing and other fatiguing sports. It is no relief to be helped into an elaborate tea-gown, but to be able to slip your arms tnrougli a gown with no apparent sleeves and just fasten across with one huge clasp or button is in itself a boon. This gown can be made perfectly charming when fashioned of any of the lovely brocades and beautiful fabrics now showing everywhere. BLACK A GREAT FAVOURITE. Black for these tea-gowns is quite the craze. Oue gown is broche velvet, cut in a deep point, clinging about the hips, finished at the back in a pointed train. This was bordered with skunk, the sleeves, which were simply openings for the arms to slip through, being trimmed with the same. Another gown, also in black, was arranged very cunningly by means of two wide draperies of charmeuse, crossing at front and back, with no trimming whatever. Perhaps the great fancy for these black gowns has an origin which is not far to seek. A woman, and especially a Frenchwoman, knows the charm of black against the skin, and, above all, the lovely background it makes for her pearls. THE SLASHED SEAMS. The slashed skirt, owing to the narrowness of the tailor suit, is considered quite an essential feature. These openings are, however, to be treated with discretion, appearing near the side or back seams. The front or centre slashing is reserved almost wholly for evening gowns. FAVOURITE COLOURS FOR YOUNG GIRLS. White and soft shades of red, verging on the Venetian reds, are fancied for girls. During the early spring the sleeves will mostly be long, gradually reverting to the three-quarter and even shorter length later on. RIBBON NOVELTIES. The characteristics of the new ribbons are richness of colouring and very large bold patterns. Large designs, poppies and orchids and roses, are typical. In the velour ribbons dark floral effects will be specially in favour. Moire brocaded ribbons with floral backgrounds in rich tones, too, will be used for millinery.