LATEST LONDON FASHIONS.
From Our London Correspondent. Regent Street, April 14. In an age so teeming with new depar tores of every sort and kind, one ceases to be familiar any longer with the sensation of surprise, otherwise it might be aroused in millinery matters by the mixture of flowers and fur on hats and bonnets as now worn. This combination appears highly incongruous and consequently tasteless, but nevertheless is much in vogue at the present time, and I am, therefore — as a faithful chronicler of the things fashionable that be—bound to record it. The model from which my first sketch is taken shows a mixture of sable and violets, one of the least aggressive we have seen. The " cardinal" shape is of brown felt, lined and trimmed with dark violet velvet. Three bunches of violets are placed respectively under the brim of the hat towards the back, on the back of the base of crown, and on the left side of the front of crown, grouped with two Russian sable tails.
There is an endless variety this winter in evening cloaks, there being absolutely no restriction as to material or colour, an immense advantage to that noble army of martyrs compelled to keep up an " appearance " on limited means, as obliging bits of materials at all useable for evening wear, can thus be used up with advantage, that would otherwise continue to lumber up drawers and boxes. One special feature is the smart linings, many cloaks being lined with such lovely broches, satins and silks that one would almost be tempted to wear them inside out. Here, again, is a chance for using up any short lengths of silk, satin or what not lying by that have been considered too bright, too loud, or possibly a little faded when folded, or slightly soiled, as a most comfortable and smart up-to-date lining for a half length cloak. My second and third illustrations are from two elegant evening cloaks, recently seen at one of tho leading modistes, which, if not carried out in toto, may suggest ideas to any of my readers who may be making or having made, a new cloak for festive purposes. The half length was of pale biscuit coloured cloth, with a high " Royal" collar and frill round the shoulders, from whence the cloak falls in full folds. At intervals round the hem, Y&ndykes of biscuit-coloured velvet with
jet sprays embroidered up them are placed, and the whole of the cloak is worked over by a zigzag pattern in black bugle beads, the lining being of crimson satinette. The final design was of old rose-coloured cashmere, with rever capelettes of white moire, and lining of white satin. The fronts, it will be seen, are gauged round neck, thus giving fulness, and the high collar is of the white moire, lined with white satin. Apropos of evening wear, a more original soire is not likely to be witnessed than that given by the Royal British Nurses' Associ- I ation, at Princes' Hall, Piccadilly, in their
annual convesazione, which was so exceptionally successful this time. As (with the exception of a few of the distinguished visitors out of the profession) all tne ladies wore their nurse's dresses—and there are so many varieties amongst the various associations of this always becoming dress —the effect was very novel and out of the beaten track. Unless thus seen en masse, one scarcely realises what an amount of picturesqueness the neat, sober toilette furnishes. The scarlet of the military hospitals was the most startling, of course, but the pinks, greys, and blues all helped to subdue the sombreness of the black, with the dazzling whiteness of the pretty caps, aprons, collars, and cuffs, most effectively. This is a useful hint for a fancy dress ball. ROSELLE.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZMAIL18940608.2.26.8
Bibliographic details
New Zealand Mail, Issue 1162, 8 June 1894, Page 16
Word Count
633LATEST LONDON FASHIONS. New Zealand Mail, Issue 1162, 8 June 1894, Page 16
Using This Item
No known copyright (New Zealand)
To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.
You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.
For further information please refer to the Copyright guide.