MANNEQUIN PARADE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23939, 14 October 1939, Page 19

MANNEQUIN PARADE

SUITS FOR HOLIDAY AND LEISURE The many women who thronged the D.I.C. showroom last night enjoyed a foretaste of a summer idyll in which they will no doubt desire to take part this season if the weather continues to be kind. And how many will not want to be " in the picture " now that a variety of delightfully gay garments straight from England. America and Canada is at their disposal? There were only six mannequins, but they effected 30 changes in an incredibly short space of time, and paraded gracefully by the gaudy beach umbrellas, matching camp stools, spring flowers and foam-flecked waves which gave the illusion of a beach setting. Some carried tennis rackets and bathing paraphernalia; others smart little suitcases and bags of the zip variety, so handy for beach use. While they strolled Mrs M. Crocombe. who had arranged the parade, gave a running

commentary describing the materials, and pointing out details. Emphasis was on checks and plaids this season, she said, and to illustrate her point a mannequin appeared in a serviceable and attractive tartan ensemble consisting of pleated gorray skirt and forage cap and jacket to match, suitable for both town and country wear. Another mannequin showed the popular shirtmaker frock, proving how effectively a model in dahlia linen can be worn under a coat of egg-shell blue. "Note," the commentator said, "how studs are taking the place of buttons on our washing-frocks this year." Most of the surprisingly inexpensive florals were made of vita-cord, with which were fashioned the trim shorts, the beach and house coats, and a novel sun costume with detachable skirt which could be flung capewise round bare shoulders to protect them from the sun. Another quick-change ensemble comprised jacket, slacks and pleated gorray skirt. This, the commentator said, would have particular appeal, as it made possible a lightning change from "masculine" to feminine attire The World's Fair at New York had had its influence on many of the cottons, these being printed with buildings of all shapes and sizes Introducing a suit of black cashmere with dainty coloured embroidery, the commentator remarked that black could be one of three things —"dowdy, distinctive or dangerous" The suit, with its clever hat of Chinese sampan design and top ribboning to match the embroidery on the gown, was certainly in the second category. The new season's bathing suits made their appearance accompanied by shoes with the new half-way heels, and by an appropriate make-up of romany tan and English rose lip-stick.