IN FASHION’S REALM.

Otago Witness, Issue 3869, 8 May 1928, Page 67

IN FASHION’S REALM.

UP-TO-DATE DRESS NOTES.

Marguerite.

By

{Special tor the Otago Witness.) “Velvet or cloth dyed to represent the skins of animals and reptiles is much sought after. A ” leopard skin coat with brown fur collar and cuffs, or a velour coat with “ leopard ” collar and cuffs, is a fashion of the moment, like the cow coats of a couple of seasons ago. The velvet, owing to its soft, silky texture, looks very smart, but the frock should not be made entirely of it. A self colour for the skirt and the figured velvet for the bodice look distinctive, or again" a dress of any fabric with the velvet as skirt, insets, collar, vest, or trimmings used in any way desired. It is a popular fashion, but can easily be overdone.

Increasingly popular are the shoes made from the skins of reptiles, lizards, crocodiles, snakes, and other creatures, classed as “ reptile leathers.” At one time these were fashionable only for sports wear, and even then were worn by only a few. But to-day this class of footwear is the vogue among all women who wish to be regarded as well dressed. When not made entirely of reptile skin, the shoes are combined with various coloured leathers

and kids as trimmings. Handbags to match are also being used, especially’ those of envelope shape. One large bag I saw (intended for a business woman) had the fittings and pocket book finished with lizard' skin. In Paris they are wearing reptile skin jewellery’—brooches and pins of small lizards, while a snake bracelet winds around the arm. For the wristlet watch the skin is more flexible than even moire ribbon. Even to furniture has the craze spread. One large suite I saw for a lounge room had the backs upholstered in reptile skin. The large loose cushions were in velvet, but down the ’front the velvet was replaced with the skin. In another suite the upholstery was all in velvet, the reptile skin being let into the wood in panels. They both looked exceptionally handsome, but the prices were so prohibitive that such suites would certainly be exclusive. It is an innovation which will allow for all kinds of reptile skin furnishings, combined with velvets and leathers to harmonise. The massive present-day furniture is particularly suitable for it, and accessories of a lady’s writing desk would look very’ attractive in it.

My full-length illustration is of a coat in velour rep or any similar material. The long surplice collar is trimmed with brown fur, and the cuffs are like muffs. At the hips is a row of small, flat pleats. The coat is fastened with two large patent

fasteners, not buttons. A feature of the coats this season is the lining. There are some beautiful patterns showing the fancy lining, while it adds to the beauty of a coat to have the lining made from it. One can have a small ijiece ruched to form a pocket.

* » * This costume coat is of both a dressy and sport type, with the belt and buckle and a folded scarf worn inside. I would have it made in beech-red rep, with the

buttons and belt buckle in a darker shade. Covered buttons and suede belt in a contrasting colour would also make a suitable finish.

The costume coats this season are like the evening skirts; any length desired by the wearer being fashionable. There are long tailored, three-quarter, and little hip coats, single breasted fastened with one or two buttons, and double breasted. They all look smart, so it is only a matter of individual taste. The double-breasted coat I am illustrating comes just to the hips, and on a slim figure would look very trim. The patch pockets should be piped at the top. In tweed or navy, with a grey or beige vest, it would be a useful coat. White washing satin or silk makes a nice vest, and is a suitable contrast for a dark material.

These two skirts are to complete the costumes. The one at the top is for the belted coat, and, being of the wrap-over design, would make with the coat a very suitable costume for either the young

girl or the older women. The bottom one, like the coat, is in a more tailored

design. This skirt has the fitted hip line’, the yoke fitting well into the figure. The

stitching shows up well on yoke, pleats, and pocket. The inverted pleats flow out at the bottom of the skirt. A person wearing a small blousi jumper could remove the coat and be ready for anywhere. A stone marten necklet makes a nice finish for the costume, such small furs giving to a costume a certain softness in the neck and throat line.

Blouses and jumpers for wear beneath a tailored suit or an ensemble are very’ smart at present. Although most of them are made on jumper lines, they are noticeably pouched on the hips. Being in soft, dainty materials, they are not bulky under the coats. The untrimmed neck line is the vogue.