LATEST PARIS FASHIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1419, 1 February 1879, Page 33

LATEST PARIS FASHIONS.

Materials of the last century will be very much worn this winter in the evening — such as Pekin stripes with bouquets of flowers along the stripes. Flowers are worn in pro« fusion, especially in fringes. Bedewed grass is in great favour, with liios of all colours resting on ihe grass. Forreaux and paniers are still in rivalry. There ia a panier-dress for dinner or theatre. The underdress isof pale blue crepe, draped and covered with garlands of roses in tho front. The bodice and train forming hip-paniers is of white corded silk, with a cordon of roses crossing the bust. Elbow sleeves, with gold lace falling over the arm. A round wreath of roses on one side of the head.

Simple dresses are quite out of fashion, and do celebrated dressmaker darts make one. Dress must be fantastic and showy — must attract attention. Popular actresses are now our fashion platt s, their dresses are the most in fashion, aud serve as models for Jadies of society to copy, Once no lady would have dared copy an actress's dress. The real lady never so far forgot her dignity or distinction. She always remained the lady. Simplicity was her sign. Now, it is not the lady who is admired, it is her dress, and for this dress to be almired ib must come from Worth, Pingat, or laferriere. A fashionable lady of tho present day is a study —a living picture, where everything is studied fiom tho headdress to the little embroidered shoe, with its straps of (lowers acrosa the instep. Waistcoats and paniers are the dress actualities of the moment. Princess robes, however, are still worn for demi-toilette. The marquis robe, with underskirt and court train, is the most elegant evening dress. Short costumes are made with plaited skirt, looped up tunic, waistcoat aud body with basques. Coats and wai&t^oats are only pretty when worn by pretty figures. A stout figure in coat and waistcoast looks ridiculous. B-tter hide it.

Plush will be the favourite material for out of-door wear all thia winter Indian muslin will be worn by all young ladies, married or not. They are trimmed with pliitings of white taffetas and ribbons to match. This is pretty, elegant, aud becoming. Dresses being mostly made with separate bodices and skirts. Rich dresses may have two bodies, which is convenient and economical.