Art in Simplicity Afternoon Frocks That Catch the Eye

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23025, 30 April 1938, Page 6 (Supplement)

Art in Simplicity Afternoon Frocks That Catch the Eye

„ LONDON, April 8 A FTERNOON frocks assume a greater importance in autumn and winter than at other seasons of the year. Afternoon bridge or the social tea call for something more elaborate than the tailored suit, and so one finds that autumn collections contain many frocks suitable for wearing under a fur coat or a smart top coat of cloth lavishly trimmed with fur. These frocks may be quite .simple in line and material, but are provided with some detail that gives them distinction, or they strike an arresting colour note. A plain dark frock that has a wonderful sash and unusual jewellery will givo more satisfaction, for instance, than a model that is over-elaborately

trimmed. Wool or silk jersey, cloque crepe, crepe-backed satin and wool georgette crepe are a few of the materials used for these smart frocks, which can be worn for many occasions besides the afternoon. Cocktail parties and restaurant dinners often call for a pretty but not elaborate toilette, and many afternoon frocks will prove just right. Self-embroidery is very fashionable at the moment. By this I mean that strips of the dress material: are worked in many ways to give detailed trimming and to strike a note of smart individuality, but still keep the appearance of simplicity. Bows are an-

Special to the NEW ZEALAND HERALD —(Copyright)

other feature of smart dress designing. These may be flatly appliqued on to the" bodice, sleeves or hips; or they may be arrestingly chic as a bold decoration to the shoulder or waistline. 1 have sketched an attractive model made of purple crepe with large bows of velvet at the shoulder and waistline. You will notice that the skirt wraps to form a side drapery. This model would look well in any colour, and the bows could provide a colour contrast. Very smart if the dress were black and bows pale turquoise blue, for pale blue on black is one of this season's smart fads. My second sketch shows an attractive afternoon gown made of crepe satin. This illustrates a very favourite method of working materials, for alternate bands of the bright and dull fabric create the entire design, giving an appearance of elaboration without fussiness. Such a frock could be made in any colour, but is specially handsome in black crepe satin, with diamond or gold ornaments at the neck and waistline. Another model seen with these, also in crepe, had the entire bodice, sleeves and tunic to the knees made of twoinch tucks or folds, very slim-fitting, with a narrow nkirt showing below, and a bow of gold kid at the centre of the neck and waistline.