LATEST LONDON AND PARIS FASHIONS.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXXII, Issue 54, 3 July 1873, Page 4

LATEST LONDON AND PARIS FASHIONS.

[From the World of Fashion for April.] We cannot say that this season there are any great or striking novelties ; these indeed only appear at certain periods ; for example, when a fasliion has become extravagant, or has been found very inconvenient — then an entire change of Btylo takes place, followed by a gradual development into all its various forms. We are now in the midst of one of these periods, and apparently the present Fashion contains so much beauty, and is capable of so much development, that its freshness will continue for somo time to come, after which we shall probably again arrive at a period of great change. The Tablier will not be quite so much worn this season ; wo see more of the Tuniqiie styles, open in front and looped up at the sides and back. At times the Tuniques are turned back « revers. The bouffant is still fashionable, but is if anything, not so much exaggerated as in former seasons. Its size is always according to the style or preference of tho wearer. To have it too large is not however considered in good taste. As regards the under skirts, ifc is iv good taste to havo a medium train. There is a great and increasing use of velvet in the trimming of dresses. Bows and bands of black silk aro also very much used. For outdoor wear, Mantelets with small hoods are likely to bo fashionable. Tho Dolman form of Mantelet, with wide pointed sleeves or imitation sleeves, will still be seen — of course mado in silks or other thin materials. The Corsage a Qilet stylo is still considered extremely fashionable, especially in Paris, and when it is suited to a lady's figure, it certainly has a most distingue appearance. A very fashionable style of trimming is composed of loops of cord, starting from rosettes on the shoulders and chest ; this style is in great favour in Paris, especially amongst tho higher classes. In the latest development of this style, bows and loops of ribbon are used in place of the cords and rosettes. Tho sides of dress skirts are now very often ornamented by large bows, either of silk or velvet. In our coloured plates for this month, we have given all tho various styles of sleeves that are most fashionable ; tho most prevailing is that with Mousquelaire cuff. For Evening Costume, the (unique stylo of upper skirt is very fashionable, looped up at the sides, and hoitffctnte at the back according to taste. Spiral folds are very fashionable for the upper skirts. Tho under skirts arc generally finished by flounces, headed by horizontal bouillons. Lace of medium width is much used as a trimming for evening dresses. Tho most fashionable Sorties die Hal are of the Dolman shape. We havo no striking change in the forms of bonnets ; those styles with turned up brims continue to bo tho most fashionable. We have to call attention to a great change in the manner of wearing the hair. The Chignons with their outre exaggerated forms, have quite goue out of fashion, and ladies now have their hair arranged in tho varied aud elegant styles which aro ehown ou our plates.