RECEPTION AT TE ARO HOUSE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1202, 15 March 1895, Page 13

RECEPTION AT TE ARO HOUSE.

A private view of the latest Parisian novelties in hats, bonnets, and mantles imported by Mr J. Smith, of Te Aro House, was held in the reception rooms on the second floor of the building yesterday afternoon. The room had been very artistically dressed with art curtains an*d tapestries, the exhibits being tastefully arranged on stands and tables. A large number of ladies, attended by special invitation, and heartily appreciated the opportunity afforded them, of inspecting the very fine display. Only one specimen of each article is provided, so that no two ladies can wear hats, bonnets, or mantles exactly alike, and as the view was not for the purpose of affecting sales, but simply and solely to give the ladies an opportunity of seeing beforehand what the novelties consisted of, a . very pleasant afternoon was spent by those who attended. After the inspection, the visitors were regaled with afternoon tea, which was laid out on charming gipsy tables, in handsome teasets, and served by waitresses attired in the conventional costumes of the order. .The novelties have been specially selected, and embrace the latest productions of London and Paris. In regard to the millinery, we notice that wings and birds are again in vogue, together with dahlias and chrysanthemums. Violets are still much worn. Toques are in great variety, and a lovely shade of cerise, green, and. royal blue seem to be the prevailing colours. One bonnet, (a copy of one sent for the trousseau of Lady Margaret. Grosvenor) is of pink mirror velvet, trimmed with jet wings and black osprey, and there is also the ‘ 1 Princess AliXj" a large picture hat trimmed with

black satin ribbon and' black ostrich plumes. Very charming are the biack picture hats as worn by H.E.hL. the Duchess of York, with wide stiings to tie loosely under the chin, and among the bonnets" is a copy of Madame ! lroi’a great Paris success—black velvet, gold •velvet crown,, beaded 'with small black beads, humming birds and osprey in iront. '■ L..;'"- •• The mantles include the “ Idrena" coat, an exceedingly stylish garment, light fitting, double breasted, three quarter length, trimmed with real skunk. aiovelty in capes is, the “ Satong" plush in black, trimmed with the latest craze in ■furs, s the “ Thibetpretty golf-capes, with Ihoods attached and detachable, and leversible chock linings, whilo the tea gowns in surah silk, and dressing gowns in IPrench flannel,, &c., attracted much attention.