LATEST LONDON FASHIONS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1201, 8 March 1895, Page 14

LATEST LONDON FASHIONS.

From Our Own Correspondent. Regent Street, January 12. The revival of the “ Toreador ” shape is a matter for congratulation, as it is essentially stylish, and frequently becoming ; besides having the advantage of keeping less common than many other shapes have done, as it is not sufficiently showy to take the fancy of the masses. A neat example of this modish chapeau is given in Fig. 1. It is of pale green straw, the brim bound with black velvet, the same composing the folded piece or scarf worn under these hats (Spanish fashion); and twist and bows which, with three pale green pom-poms, form the trimming of the crown. Better style can hardly be achieved just now in a millinery item, than by one of these hats well trimmed and carefully worn ; the black ones being specially to be recommended. White veils have decidedly asserted themselves this season, and while of thin manufacture are not at all unpleasing, the Russia net being decidedly becoming ; but in Paris they have carried them to excess, wearing thick lace with elaborated patterns, the effect being weird and mysterious to a degree. For gay and daring costumes commend us to French watering-places, in the season; and yet from Trouville the re-

pbrt conies that that sweet simplicity in head-gear', the cottage bonnet, is being ih.ucli patronised there, and at Dieppe and other coast resorts.

Cowes monopolised very much attention this last autumn. " The German Emperor’s visit, the regatta, and the smart company assembled there to do honour to both, providing food for much discussion and interest. Mr G. J. Gould, with his successful yacht, Vigilant, and his handsome wife, came in for a lion's share of notice ; and the latter’s gowns and yachting suits formed one of the important items even amongst so much that was smart and exclusive. My readers may be interested, therefore, in sketches of two of the many costumes Worn by the popular wife of the millionaire In Fig. 2, a white linen gown is showh

with a sailor collar of blue serge; the scarf and waistband being of black silk; and a white sailor hat —upon the ribbons of which (as all Mrs Gould’s yachting caps and gowns) is duly emblazoned Vigilant. The third sketch is a more elaborate costume of navy blue serge, with white cloth trimmings embroidered with red and gold anchors ; the sweater and pirate cap being blue and white striped.

Mrs Gould, with all her exceptional opportunities for display, is said to be very unostentatious in the matter of dress generally, which shows her to be blessed with good taste as well as good looks. Very useful and charming winter dressing gowns are now being made of lambs’ wool, and I can assure you if your winter proves as cold as ours, you will find them absolutely necessary. Pretty pelisses in cream and grey lambs’ wool for children are much worn. Owing to the large sleeves of the gowns, capes are much worn, lined with shot silk, for the folds and pleats betray the lining in a most cunning manner. Koselle.

In Madagascar silk is the only fabric used in the manufacture of clothing. It is cheaper than linen in Ireland. The German town of Orb, in the Spessart Mountains, with 3300 inhabitants, has no taxes except a dog tax.