LONDON AND PARIS FASHIONS

New Zealand Times, Volume LVIX, Issue 2875, 18 July 1896, Page 2 (Supplement)

LONDON AND PARIS FASHIONS

{Front Our Ourn Correspondent.) Rkoknt ktukkt. May 23. lilaek and purplu in a charming and rnoat )<i!Coinia« combination, given tho right nhmlo ho clionon ; tiio ddup rich ono of a plum, for instance. A hmnotto would look delightful in it, hut a hlondo still more so. To tho latter, therefore, I recommend tho exceedingly stylish and taking chapeau defected in Tig. 1. The shape has n broad hrim, and crown of some four inches high, of deep plum-coloured velvet. Hound the entire edge of hrim lies a full niching, or double hex pleating of black chiffon, tho name forming a species of ruff round tho edge of the crown top. Violets, shading from tho deepest to lightest tints, form a big cluster on tho loft side, and a full, tall black osprey rises m majestic featherliness from amongst them.

Though tlioron.ro a few specially favoured models, of courso—notably at the present moment the felt Imtof tho Alpine genius—one can wear almost any tiling in tho matter of headgear now, without tho risk of appearing remarkable, or, what would be still more objectionable in tho eyes of tho many, out of tho mode. This is an advantage wo cannot woll over-rato, as every woman has tho chance of looking her best by adopting tho hat or bonnet that lends itself most becoming to her individual facial characteristics; added to which there was never, perhaps, a wider field of choice

iu the matter of trimmings and colourings; so, ladies, make your choice, and lose not the golden opportunities of the ’present accommodative millinery modes. Apropos this brings us to a very smart and stylish example of a tailor suit, which, though as natty as possible, is not too severe to bo pretty and picturesque at fcho same time. Fig. 2 illustrates this fiuccesssful costume, which is built of green military cloth; the skirt fitting tightly over tho hips, and very full, round hem,

which has a narrow border of sable and three rows of black tubular braid. Tho jacket is tight-fitting with a short basque, is edged entirely round with narrow sable and a row of tho braid: straps of which cross tho front of bodice lo the waist. With this costume a green velvet toque is worn, trimmed witli sable and bouquets of violets, a sable muff compidling the tout ensemble. Up till now tho “ Directoire" jupe seems hardly (excepting in the case of dignified dowagers) to have found the favour that ono expected. No; young people still adhere to the simple hanging skirt, and in this they are wise, for the plainer it is tho more juvenile does it look. Asa finale to this column, there is tho sketch of a charming gown in Lincoln green cloth, with a strip of " holly-berry ” velvet round tho waist, and some more of this pretty red material at the throat. Tho originality of this model principally consists in the manner in which the corsage is treated. Hero there is a kind of Zouave effect obtained by chains of stool sequins, a I design of the same metal trimming being introduced across tho chest. Throughout tho skirt is lined with a soft French lining —silk matching tho velvet on tho dress, and tho jupe is cut so charmingly in ample tfodets that as tho wearer steps along glimpses of tho vivid crimson aro revealed IvUSEU^E.