IN TONE WITH HER TEMPERAMENT

NZ Truth, Issue 1273, 24 April 1930, Page 17

IN TONE WITH HER TEMPERAMENT

The Modern Modes Become Complicated (From "N.Z. Truth's" Pariseime Representative). £HERIE, — Gone are the days when an evening frock was an evening- frock, and could be donned any time after seven p.m., and everything was m order. Now a poor girl has to know where she is going, and who is to be the accompanist, for time, place and the twin soul decree wliat type of evening frock is to be worn.

TN my endless wanderings through ■»• dress parades and fashion shows during the last three weeks I have come to the conclusion that never have evening modes been more complicated and diversified. There are dozens of types of silhouettes each designed to reflect a mood, a disposition, each supposed to be at one with its. wearer's temperament. The classic low-in-the-neck-line, gilded or beaded affair that was so easily slipped on any time after dark and entranced the boy friend, .has given place to a dozen or so of types of evening frocks. We find models shown that bear the names of "Hen Party," "Diner au Restaurant," "Dancing,!' "Gala Night," and are quite appropriately named. - Each of these frocks is destined for a different kind of outing; the fact of being out alone, unaccompanied makes a difference. In fact each time Society invents a new kind of amusement the designers are hot on the trail with a new type of frock. Things are therefore becoming more and more complicated. As my antique King's Cross "char," used to say, "Things is comin' to an 'cad, Miss." There are several skirt lengths used for the new spring evening gowns, and very long first frocks are only worn by hostesses m their own homes or at great formal -receptions. . Waistlines appear marked by a belt or sash on nearly all models, save

those to be donned for gala occasions. One of the smartest evening innovations is the tailored evening ensemble, to be worn when the wearer is unaccompanied. Here we find taffeta, faille, moire and stiff silk satin. Jean Patou showed me an ensemble for the restaurant which he deemed "correct wear." It was black and -white. The frock •was tailored, of black sokol crepe, and the decollete square from which started gores that gradually flared to the hem. . The tailored coat had a scalloped hem, was three-quarter length and achieved the necessary flare with the help of six sunburs godets that started at an imaginary shoulder yoke. The collar was small and standing and a big white' chiffon flower perched on the left lapel. A small hat of black and white cogue feathers combed to look like a windswept bob completed a most distinguished ensemble. For a more exotic evening, Madame Chantal showed another smart evening ensemble, this time m -yellow chiffon, with ruffles and cape of brown tulle. For formal evenings spent with lark-garbed men, pastel and bright vivid shades are encouraged, leaving us the darker tones to wear when there is no male protection handy, and we wish to look proper and demure. Lames are beautiful and sumptuous, but are only used for gala occasions. Yours— MARIE.