Coronation Emblems

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22723, 8 May 1937, Page 5 (Supplement)

Coronation Emblems

'JpHE most interesting point about the new materials printed in novelty designs for this Coronation year is that the patterns are not too conspicuous. Thus you can have the pleasure of being up-to-the minute by wearing a dress showing Coronation emblems without the self-conscious reeling that you would have in one adorned with huge pictures of the Crown Regalia, for instance. These novel materials are being shown for the first time in all the new season's shades, Coronation red, Coronation blue, and Royal purple, while gold figures as the predominent feature in evening designs. One rayon silk is patterned with tinv heralds blowing a fanfare on their trumpets, while tiny crowns and Royal seals are dotted in between to give the real topical note. Another has on it a row of little soldiers marching with ono presenting arms. Then there is a novel jersey material portraying "Jack Tar." The word "Coronation" in creamy white on a background of Holyrood green cleverly patterns one crepe-de-chine, while a Royal purple silk is covered with groups of Royal plumes. A crown as the centre of a large daisy is a unique of introducing not, too conspicuously the fashionable motif. National Symbols A design that is sure to be most popular this year is one of tinv crowns. Tudor roses, thistles, shamrocks and other symbolic emblems in white sprinkled all over Coronation red crepe dechine. Another material that many will consider most amusing has the Coronation coach, castles, sentries, crowns, flags, and the Rose of England mingled in white against a background of navyblue. . , ... Of the evening materials, one or the most attractive is a Royal purple lame, adorned with silver crowns. A heavy silk fabric in creamy-white is nchlv patterned with golden chrysanthemums

Novelty Designs in Fashion's Realm Special to the New Zealand Herald

—gold, of course, ranks as the height of Coronation grandeur. Two designs which took Queen Elizabeth's fancy and which will, therefore, be chosen by many women anxious to follow her lead, are not so distinctively "Coronation," though the gold in their pattern makes them very seasonable. They are cream satins that have been painted all over to look exactly like Royal Crown Derby china, one a little lighter in tone and design than the other. The patterns are featured in gold, black, brownish-red and deep blue. This type of material is most suitable for evening gowns, tunic blouses, long, formal-occasion coats and hand-bags. It is also particularly appropriate for the new little afternoon and evening coatees that are all the rage just now. The King's choice of material is for sports wear, and is called "sharkskin" weave. It is especially suitable for bathing shorts, because its texture prevents the absorption of much water, and therefore the material does not cling to the figure when wet. King George suggested, when ordering some, that it would also be ideal for hikers' outfits, because they are so often caught

•in a drizzle of rain. Chiefly seen in navy and white, this fabric looks rather like a very fine canvas, the weave being very close. A furnishing fabric worthy of note is called "Coronation ermine." It has an oyster-white background with black motifs like three ermine tails bunched together, and three spots below which ape the "powdering" on the cape of a Coronation robe. A crown is vised in the pattern of another curtain material, but the design is not too pronounced, making it both pleasing to the eye and undated. Economy and Simplicity Many of the new fabrics are inexpensive, so it is expected that the majority of women will be showing their patriotism by choosing Coronation materials for their clothes this year. Simplicity appears to be the ruling note in them, but not to the exclusion of distinction. Suits and gowns have all the dazzlement that we may rightly expect to sec this year, but at the same time the silhouette is sharp and clean-cut, unmarred by bits and pieces. Clearly defined is the square, un exaggerated shoulder-line, the high Empire waistline, and the more or less straight-out skirt, with here and there a flare of pleat. In all styles the backward fullness is predominant. Cream and gold lame is considered the peak of Coronation grandeur and every woman should include one in her wardrobe for the season. I have seen one in every early collection, the majority of which featured a fancy gold pattern, but one simple design stood out as a striking model. The gown was devoid of all trimming and had been made up in the homely stripe. It was cut with a high Empire bodice, fitted waist-line, and long train as a continuation of the skirt. The new, builtup waist-line was emphasised by the stripes forming two inverted Y's, the points of which were caught with narrow gold shoulder straps that joined the backless gown at the waist behind. This beautiful gown was considered typical of Coronation simplicity.

Poppies j The Iceland poppies are coming • out I | One has its bonnet pulled down j Like a little old lady, dressed up in j her best, j Tripping modestly into the touin. j Another bud peeps Jrom the green i oj its sheath, ■ Like the curve of a mischievous j cheek, j While another behind the barrage of j a leaf • Plays shyly at hidey and seek. j Still another, adventurous, slim, ; Stretches up to the dim, mellow j light, _ | Its little green hat on the top of its j headi i Like a butterfly poising for flight, j A fourth wears its cap like a beret j on lop | Of its pert and insouciant face, ■ A t so rakish an angle, one Wonders ! just what i Keeps it so gaminesquely in place, j So they stand in the slant of the soft j golden light : Like children in gay fancy dress; ; Only one with her apricot skirts j frilling out, \ Demure in her grave loveliness, j —Una Auld, Auckland, j