LATEST LONDON FASHIONS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1163, 15 June 1894, Page 15

LATEST LONDON FASHIONS.

From Our London Correspondent. Regent Street, April 21. When our winter was at its coldest, quite Arctic, in fact, anything at all of a frivolous description in millinery was a hollow mockery ; a close-fitting fur toque or Russian cap, well rammed on to the head, having been the only form of headgear one was able to bravo tho freezing elements in with any decent amount of warmth or comfort; but we may now again turn our thoughts to something leas stolid in style, and a pretty hat jusfc seen in Regent-street will make a good model to start with. The shape, boat-shaped as to brim, and and with high crown, was of very dark green straw. Tho base of tho crown was encircled entirely round by a wreath of Parma violets, the stems of which were all brought up the crown, thus forming a species of coronet above the flowers. In

tho front, towards the left side, an upstanding bow of cream point de duchesse lace was placed, fastened by a jetted brooch. Out of simply scores—or one might, without exaggeration, say hundreds—of designs in evening blouses, it is difficult to select one specially to sketch, but the one chosen as my second illustration struck me as being a happy combination of style and simplicity, which would be very suitable to a girlish figure, and, moreover, not difficult to achieve by the clever fingers of the home dressmaker where economy is ao item. The pretty drawn bodice was in pale yellow silk muslin or chiffon, the neck being cut square, and basque to about six inches below the waist band. The two puffings on bodice, sleeves and waist-band were of "pale yellow surah silk, and we would suggest (as suitable to tho blouse) an accordeon-kilted skirt of the muslin, chiffon, crepe or what-not employed as the thinner material of bodice in pale yellow. Long tan suede gloves would go well with

this tasteful evening toilette, and for flowers, a large bunch of Japanese chrysanthemums tucked in the left side of the belt. Tan suede slippers also, and gold ornaments, if jewellery is worn. I have been saving such a pretty skating costume to send you for your cold weather. It is a Paris model, for though gay Parisians had, no ice at Christmas, they made (hemselves a Palais do Glace in the Champs Elysee3, to which all fashionable Paris flocked, as a substitute for the frozen ponds and lakes of nature, whereon to disport themselves and show off their grace, skill and fascinating toilettes. The fair portion of the lively capital are always keenly alive to fresh openings for

the display of novel and taking costumes, and lost no opportunity in availing themselves of this on©, the gowns, coats and hats seen there being something wonderful to behold. We have no Palais do'Glace; and in this climate of ours there is such a glorious uncertainty it is not much use providing a bewitching " get up "for skating purposes only.

My third sketch, however, is a charming costume, which could be worn with equal success either on or off the ice, should that be nun est* It is composed of thistle-green •loth, trimmed with narrow minx fur. A turban-shaped cap of thistle-green velvet, edged with the fur, is completed by two white mercury wings. White suede gloves are a good deal worn in Paris just now for smart toilettes, especially with gauntlets. When will women temper their love of display by common sense ? The wearing of jewellery in the streets is questionable taste at the best, added to which is an amount of danger proved over and over again, yet another instance having occurred in the case of a Mademoiselle Darantot being almost strangled for her diamond earrings while leaving the Opera Comiquo after dusk. Bosellb.