WHIMS OF FASHION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20235, 20 April 1929, Page 6 (Supplement)

WHIMS OF FASHION.

THIS MODE AND THAT. THE CHIC CAPE. [SPECIAL TO N.Z HERALD.—COPYRIGHT.] LONDON. February 2S. Apart from enthusiastic skaters, most people have found the days of frost a highly exasperating time. They certainly have appr?ciated the sovereign worth of water. The return of milder weather is welcomed, especially by the shopkeepers, for while the Arctic spell was upon u.i no on;! showed any interest in shopping, except, to purchase fuel for the inner man. Outdoor clothes continue to bo more utilitarian than artistic, but fashions for the evening are lovelier than evor. Length and still more length is the rule for frocks worn alter dark. The dipping 1" |(! i s still with us. but often dips so low at the back as to become a train.

ISodices this season are designed to reveal the graceful contours of the figure, and are usually cut, with a verv decollete back. Printed materials continue to be very popular, and some of the embossed chiffons of the moment are lovely, especially when combined with plain chiffon net or tulle, which takes up one of the colourings.

'The frock I. have sketched illustrates this vogue very successfully. The princess bodice of black chiffon embossed with panne flowers in rose and gold and green clings lovingly to the slim, rounded figure and breaks into billowy flounces of black net spotted with chenille. The net is repeated in the new little yoke, and Hie belt of (lowered chiffon is buckled round the normal waistline. This model can be carried out in many variations of colour and material, and you have the correct silhouette for the. evening as worn at present, and likely to continue far into the season. Lace dresses arc very popular for dancers. and appeal to women of all ages. Hows are everywhere. The bow of chiffon, tulle or lace, with long, floating ends, is perched on the shoulder to replace the shoulder flowers we have loved so long. Huge bows form a contrast to tightly-swathed hips, sometimes at the side or again at the back, giving the frock a faint suggestion of the " bustle." From under these bows two long ends escape, which usually trail to the ground to simulate a modified train. My correspondent tells me of an immensely smart black tweed cape worn, by a famous beauty at Nice. This was verv full and circular, and lined with I !a';k and white striped taffetas, and worn with a magnificent double scarf of white fox. Lovely Alice Terry, of screen fame, was wearing a cape of grey-shaded lamb, with a big collar of grey fox fur, and. as there is snow, even in the sunny South, it was a fascinating get-up for a cold day. She had a cluster of Parma violets pinned on the fox collar. Incidentally, al! the fashionable women seem to be wearing Parma violets or a gardenia. Velvet, capes are being shown in the smartest salons, and my friend writes me of three smart women seen together at Cannes Ilall in velvet capes, two being long and circular, but the third hardly knee-length,' and rather tight, with a long roll collar of ermine dyed 'to match the velvet. Then the beautiful wife of a portrait painter was wearing a dark blue velvet dress with long cape to match, with a double skin tie of blue fox. The new collections in Paris promise many capes and cape < coats for day wear, with beautiful wraps' suitable for elaborate afternoon or evening occasions. T have sketched a very new cape, just received, in black velvet, lined white satin, with a huge collar of white fox. which points down the hack in the most correct, manner. This cape, with deep shoulder yoke, is also made in gossamer materia] for evening wraps at the theatre or indoor functions, and seems to indicate the bne that many of these new garments will follow.