LATEST LONDON FASHIONS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1194, 18 January 1895, Page 13

LATEST LONDON FASHIONS.

From Oar Own Correspondent. Regent street, December 1. A prettier design could hardly be chosen, by those to whom a toque is becoming, than that forming the subject of sketch this week. It is sometimes difficult to convey a satisfactory idea of colourings and materials in pen and ink sketches, and proves so in this particular case ; but combined with a word sketch, my readers will doubtless be able to form a fair estimate of this stylish little model.

The crown is of very fine fawn coloured straw, edged by a wreath or brim of black roses with yellow centres. On the left side towards the front is a folded knot of shell pink velvet, through which a black quill plume is passed ; the various hues harmonising most delightfully, and proving becoming to most complexions. The suggestion for a useful gown conveyed in my second illustration is a good one for those vs ho during their holiday makings desire to combine as much variety as feasible, without burdening themselves with much luggage ; and who may, like ourselves, have found the inevitable coat and blouse, or Eton or Bolero and same, somewhat palling of late.

This gown can be made in black or navy serge; the skirt perfectly plain of the usual cut, and edged by one row of black military braid. The bodice is cut to waist on the Eton lines, but to all but meet at the waist itself; it is edged entirely round with the same braid, and fastened by loops of tubular braid crossed over three large knitted buttons on either side. The number of coloured cambric and silk fronts, so easily made out of less than a yard of material, to wear under this bodice is legion, and a constantly varied and fresh appearance ensured to the wearer.

Veils for the enhancement of that all important item, the complexion, have been extraordinarily varied this season, and decidedly unique in colour, embracing pink, cornflower blue and many other tints ; the clever Erench actress, Madame IbSjane, making much show of bright violet during her stay in London. The taste of such vivid face veils is, however, very doubtful, the effect can but be bizarre, and after all are rarely any wonderful improvement to the complexion. A very elegant though simple dress suitable for a flower show, or other festive occasion, is shown in my third sketch.

It is composed of white pique, the part of bodice, upper sleeves, and Vandykes on skirt being of coffee coloured guipure. The rib bows, and butterfly bows, are of black velvet; the collar being formed of black velvet folds (collars of this description of silk, satin, or whatever material coincides with the gown, being modish just now), and bonnet of coffee guipure with a beading of pearls and black jet osprey completes the stylish toilette. It has become a recognised business which has increased considerably this past season for ladies to decorate the dinner, supper, and banquet tables of the wealthy with flowers, and it is such a pleasant, suitable employment for those women ol refinement who are compelled from, reverses and misfortunes to earn their living, or at least augment the slender family resources, that many, we should imagine, would gladly take up so congenial a means. From two to five shillings an hour is the remuneration, according to the taste and capacity of the decorator, Roselle.