SILK PETTICOATS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26078, 15 February 1946, Page 3

SILK PETTICOATS

GLAMOUR AND GAIETY NEW FASHIONS Silk petticoats—to be more accurate, rayon taffeta petticoats—are back, says the Evening Standard fashion reporter. Overseas buyers in London to see designs by the Incorporated Society of London Fashion Designers heard the rustle and swish of silk as mannequins showed Peter Russell’s new tailor-mades. Each had its taffeta petticoat finished with a double frill, pinked at the edges, matching the lining of the jacket. Jackets are 2in longer, skirts 2in below tlie knees “ Double life ” models with woollen blouses and plain hats for the morning become afternoon outfits with the help of a chiffon blouse and turban. Cotton, which looks like spun silk striped in black cinnamon, yellow, and blue was used for a tailor-made with a streamlined rather long jacket. Other points from the show are:— Low, square-cut neckline on afternoon frocks; some plain, others with concertina drapery in front. Gold stars embroidered on black dinner gowns. Four-tiered skirts, each tier gathered on to the corded hem of the next, measuring 20 yards round the hem. Novel plastic buttons—for example, a brown shield showing a turquoise lion with a gold mane. Prints featuring sailing boats and Georgian wine glasses. Spring colours—Tudor brick, sand storm, dramatic grape, sea turquoise. The audience at Bianca Mosca’s dress show at Jacqmars saw the first evening dresses made from hand and screen printed nylon. England. I was told, is the only country so far in which nylon printing has been done with success. One printed nylon evening dress had a slim threetiered skirt draped at the back and finished with a large bustle bow.. Another full-skirted model was white nylon hand-painted in pastel shades in a lattice-design. Flounces, hip drapery, large bustles, and tiered skirts were all used. Huge frills replacing sleeves were used to outline boleros worn with evening frocks, some of them made from printed cotton. A black and white satin evening dress was patterned with men’s collars on a black background. The draped skirt was drawn into an outside bustle.