SPRING FASHIONS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 8 October 1936, Page 6

SPRING FASHIONS

A FLOWER SEASON BETTER CLASS OF GOODS SOUGHT GAY SHOP WINDOWS Nelson shops and window displays are gay with spring fashions. The 193 C season in the fashion world is definitely a flower season —in dress materials, frocks, hats, underwear, and even in buttons. There are small flowers in open designs on the darker materials and larger floral patterns on the lighter grounds. Buttons, once quiet and inconspicuous, have come into their own again, with raised floral designs. Neat monotone designs such as miniature butterflies, toys and birds,' are employed in silk piece goods, and the same designs are used for art linens and linens. One drapery store reported a bigger return to better class cottons.

This demand for a better type of goods was confirmed by another shop. “The taste is definitely fora better article,” it was stated. “The price complex is not so acute as it was a few years ago. People do not worry so much about the price and consequently it is easier to sell the goods.” Reverting to the subject of piece goods, it was stated in one drapery, department that kabe and shasta crepes had taken the place to a;big extent of spun silks. Light woollens are still popular for summer coats.

LINENS POPULAR Another store classed linens and linen effects as being the fashion, as they adopted themselves to the popular costume and suit effects. Colours are more in the pastel shades, pink, blue and honey gold. Checks, too, were said to be in favour, as well as spots and modernistic floral effects, and there is a definite demand for uncrushable materials.

The shopkeepers nowadays is faced with the problem of keeping bigger • stocks to satisfy the desire for a great- ' er variety of patterns in materials. Horizontal stripes can now be woven into materials by machinery and this class of fabric is taking its place in furnishings. It is claimed, too, that colourings are stronger and more lasting, and that patterns are improving as better artists are going in for commercial art, and the standard is being raised accordingly.

“With the advance in housing designs more tasteful curtains are demanded,” said a shopkeeper. “The furnishing salesman must be au fait with changes in architecture, as well as changes in the material he is handling.”

There was reported to be no great change in styles in frocks, but the floral type predominates mbre than in previous years, and there is a ten-,. , dency to frilling and fucking in frocks. The showroom supported the . assertion that the public is asking for a better class of frock and also millinery. For the out-of-door type sports frocks jn plain linens and floral.. designs are s beihg- :r displayed,- 5 - ■ wlirle?/ silk locknit is proving popular, mostly in checks and stripes. “Shorts and slacks for women are going to be the . rage this summer,” predicted one store.

STREAMLINED MILLINERY —WITH FLOWERS j' In millinery there are flowers on everything, the head of one showroom said a thing which they have not had for several years. There is a taste for brims, and wider brims at that! “Streamline and modern effects are the fashion in millinery,” was the opinion in another store, “with eye veils and flowers.” Straws (Teagle, Bangkok, Baku and Jack Tar) are amongst the selection to satisfy feminine tastes, and felts in colour are correct,' beige being popular. When he turns to the accessories to complete the feminine outfit the “mere man” is bewildered. Organdi and georgette frills have returned “with a rush,” in neater, different designs; with’ plenty of frills. Geometrical designs, chromium trimmings and exaggerated handles are features of the new handbags. Scarves are becoming popular again, being gayer, and conspicuous in triangular patterns. Belts are of the macraine type or plaited with big buckles in wood, and wooden buttons in all colours.

BATHING COSTUMES AND FOOTWEAR Weaves with fancy stitches have been employed for the latest women’s bathing costumes, and backs are quite low. To go with these there are gold and silver caps with a permanent Jwave effect, and others with modernistic designs. The advent of the sporting season is further emphasised by the displays of sports shoes. Whites for all occasions naturally predominate, many styles being featured. The open, sandal type is popular for women, and the plain, streamlined craze is carried even to swimming shoes. Grey canvas sports shoes for men were a new line that was noted, and in other classes of footwear green tones in women’s shoes have made their appearance.