LACE RETURNS.

Northern Advocate, 2 July 1935, Page 3

LACE RETURNS.

GOWNS FOR ALL OCCASIONS. In recent years, with the introduction of other more fashionable materials, the “old black lace” has been pushed further and further into the recesses of the wardrobe, and almost never got an airing, except in an emergency. And, even then, its wearer felt a little bit furtive about it, because lace “wasn’t being worn any more, you know.” ■’ Even so, there is something about a lace frock which cannot be denied, and so we find it again paying a return call, this time in even lovelier patterns than before, fresher, more fragile, daintier, and as wholly becoming as it ever was. Paris designers have definitely included it among this season’s collections, and, what is even more heartening to the busy woman, whether in a business or private capacity, black is considered as smart as ever, even though the coloured varieties are very much favoured. Quite one of the most popular shades is a deep garnet,'which comes in heavy Chantilly and sometimes in ecru, or Nottingham, showing a leaf design which is so suitable for dinner or semi-evening frocks. Of the more fragile laces which are used for evening frocks, Brussels and Alencon are perhaps the loveliest. Some of these fine laces are like gossamer net, with tiny patterns just showing on the borders; some, too, are sprinkled with sequins or pailettes sewn into tiny sparkling knots, so that they shimmer gleam like dewdrops as the wearer moves. It is safe to include one lace frock in any wardrobe for the traveller. Practically uncrushable, it can be worn on all occasions and with varying ornaments, such as the addition of a long, floating chiffon scarf worn across the throat and falling to the hem of the gown at the back, or, again, a set of earrings and necklet in hand-wrought jewellery; crystal earrings, necklet and bracelets, or with one of the new sequinned capes. Dropped shoulders, a fichu of lace, a cameo brooch, Or a posy of tiny flowers tucked into the velvety belt—all these are characteristic of the period lace frock and are interchangeable. Of the pastel-coloured laces, parchment, egg-shell, cafe au lait, light caramel—all these are good, and can be worn equally successfully by day or night. It is always a good plan to include sleeves in ..the lace gown.