London Fashions.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 992, 6 March 1891, Page 12

London Fashions.

(FROM OCR SPECIAL, CORRESPONDENT.) I do not think I have given you any ball dresses jet, though I suppose a sketch of what is worn here for evening dissipations will prove acceptable to you. Directly the card of invitation to ball or rout arrives, the deeply interesting question at once presents itself to every feminine mind, ‘What shall I wear?’ it is my pleasant task to try and help you. VVe will start with a dainty little hood, which is made expressly for party and theatre goiDg. It is much more useful than a shawl for thowing over the head. A shawl invariably disarranges the hair; a little hood keeps it snug and tidy, aud does riot in the least ruffle the pretty coils and bangs aud waves

on being removed. The one I sketched is a lovely hood in pale strawberry Bilk, with white ribbon bows, tie, aud small pompoms, such as are now sold for fauoy work. The second sketch is an extremely pretty dress for a dance, in salmon pink net, or crepe, ribbons the same tint, and bunches of white chrysanthemums with their green leaves. Some pretty gloves I also saw of very pale fawn suede with gauging and upstanding frill of gold lace. Nearly all the nets, laces, and tulles for evening wear this winter have spots, either worked in the lace, or in chenille or tinsel on the nets, etc. For those who would consider one of the elegant feather fans too expensive, an equally tasteful one may bo made as follows : Double a piece of stiff white net into a strip about a quarter of a yard deep, and press with an iron to fix the pleats. Cover a small stiok (as handle), by twisting ribbun round ; then fix the bottom of tlio kilt to near the top of stick by sewiog through holes bored for the purpose. Spread the kilt till the corners touch the stick again, where fasten it, and add a bunch of ribbonß and flowers corresponding with your dress.

An exquisite evening dress worn by Miss Ellen Terry might be easily adapted for a New Zealand belle. This gown was of white brocade, opening over an under dress of green chiffon. The long, full, transparant sleeves were of the green chiffon confined at the wrists, and the front of the bodice was draped with the same. The collar and Vandyke epaulettes were of white and gold embroidery, also the waistband. The back Bhould be cut in one piece. The bodice could be made V shape, and puffed sleeves to the elbow, of this chiffon. I will give another ball gown next week ; meantime, Sketch No 3 is a design from a

very distingue and elegant gown in sage green French cloth and black velvet. The skirt is, as shown, perfectly plain with the now usual broad stiffened pleats at the back. The bodice is also plain, except just in front, where it is gathered into the yoke finely, brought down, and gathered in again by the point basque piece, which (with the collar, yoke, epaulettes and cuffs) is of velvet. We do not think our young lady readers could fail to find this design a very successful one, well carried out. A few dressmakers are introducing trimming at the foot of the skirt. If liked three, narrow rows of black velvet, or one deep hem of that material would look very well on this dress. This should not extend to the back breadths, however. With tailor made skirts, the soft, pleated silk jaoket bodices of pretty colours continue to be worn with a silver or leathern belt. Fancy Bilk skirts, spotted or em* broidered in Russian style, are popular for short, jaunty under coat—called, it would appear, ‘ ladies’ smoking jackets,’ probably for want of a better term. These will be turned back with revers of silk, moire, soft royale, or ribbed silk. Fancy cheek cloths in biege, dust colour, and light grey are turned back with twilled silk of similar shade ; the coat of corresponding fancy cloth is worn with a dark blue bird’s eye waistcoat, or white or ‘ bise ’ linen ditto. Roselle.