SPECULATION AS TO FASHION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20496, 22 February 1930, Page 6 (Supplement)

SPECULATION AS TO FASHION.

ARTISTIC BLOUSES OF LINE.

TYPES AND STYLES.

[SPECIAL TO N.Z. HERALD. —COri'RIGHT.]

LONDON. January 10. Speculation is rue as to the changes in fashion that the New Year will bring. Will evening skirts grow shortor and day clothes longer'! Shall we bid farewell to the close-fitting cap and tho tiny beret, and will our voluminous skirts develop into crinolines as the pessimists prophesy? I don't think wo need worry unduly. Fashions, like history, move in cycles, tho spirit that' governs swinging first in one direction and then slowly but surely returns to the starting point. For tho past few years thero has been a gradual swing towards' the graceful and picturesque feminino attire, and 1930 will, see tho full. develppment of a style inspired to some extent by the lino and dress rhythm of the " Eighties." Needless' to Say, tho. dress designers havo never had the slightest intention of reproducing tho dresses of our grandmother's' days: • They' will continue to give artistic expression to certain lines that were, in vogue during that era but adapt, them to modern life. The revival of tho blouse is an instance of this fashion' adaptation, 'for the' blouse question has become a very important' one. I remember a few seasons ago—when wo could only think in terms of jumpers —how tho thought of a blouse was an impossible idea. To-day-even though it is mid-winter—-tho vogue for hlbuses is more marked than ever, ; probably owing to tho warm threequarter coats and skirts which fashion has made, so popular.

Satin blouses and coateeS are tho most popular in Paris whero nothing is considered quite so chic-for afternoon wear as a well-cut .tailored .suit of black breitzwantz with white satin blouse, whose softly falling jabot revfers aro fastened at - the neck or the hip with a large jewelled brooch. .. , • :For morning 'wear,, in the l|ome or the office, simple little high-necked blouses with a suspicion of openwork embroidery arc chosen. '

I have sketched ono that buttons down the front, and the Raglan sleeves arc fastened with pearl cuft links. Tho Raglan sleeve is becoming very popular again, being used onco more for dresses as well as blouses aild coats. Morning blouses arc usually of heavy washing silk, striped men's shirtings, and the very new cravat silk in simple designs. Very thick crepe do chines, lame, heavy brocades, velvet embossed chiffon; in fact, any handsome material that appeals may be used for afternoon and semi-evening blouses. Tuck-in blouses are, of course, the newest mode—if your figure will allow you to wear it successfully. My second sketch shows a new model that is a happy compromise between blouso and coatee; infinitely becoming to almost any figure and suitable for many materials. Although white crepe satin is one of the smartest colourings 5 for blouses, pastel shades aro also used. Thus . eggshell-blue, and the palest chromes, ochres, and pinks aro worn with navy," maroon, bottle green, and bordeaux red ensembles. Tho charm of the blouse—which probably accounts for its revived popularity is that one can ring the changes and get variety out of the. same costume by having several blouses with accessories to match in varying l shades that tone with the main colour scheme. Will this be a blue year? Fashion experts are prophesying blue for the favourite colour, and so long as it only applies to fashion —well, it is a very becoming shade. Commercial men and financiers generally feel the last few months of 1929 were altogether too blue for them, and prefer tho rosy tints of optimism to spread confidence to the investor. ' . Blue-grev, deep sapphire, and navy blue ensembles are already bo found amongst the very select early-bird models I have already seen. Harebell _ bluo and forget-me-not tints were predominant in a newly arrived collection of lingerie which included wrappers and bed spreads to match one's nighties. It sounds very superior to have your bedspreads matching your negligee, but tho modern craze for matching does not stop there. One can buy a bedroom set comprising negligee, sheets, pillow-slips; bedspreads, slippers, and early morning tea set, with cosy and napkin, all to match. , , The high waist has invaded our underwear, for everything is belted high while the coat to match applies to both nighties or pyjamas. _ . Sometimes these coats are just straight and sleeveless with a lace inset to form a sash. Others aro as short as boleros—for sitting up in bed in—or are cut much longer with a slight flare. For the bare-back evening dresses these foundations arc cut very much lower at the back than the front —a decided help to those who are troubled bv tiresome roll of flesh that will appear as soon as there is any compression anywhere. =><)<=>o<=>o<=>()<==-0-C=>o<=