IN FASHION’S REALM.

Otago Witness, Issue 3882, 7 August 1928, Page 64

IN FASHION’S REALM.

UP-TO-DATE DRESS NOTES.

• By Marguerite

(Special for the Otxgo Witness.) With the popular long bob it is necessary to have the curls caught together in some way, either with ornamental pins or combs. The papers from abroad are showing sketches of both, and some exquisite “ back combs ” are being manufactured of tortoiseshell in various designs for daytime, or tortoiseshell studded with brilliants for evening wear. Through all the ages the comb has been used. The first appearance of something resembling a comb is said to have taken place as far back as the early stone period of the world’s existence. At least this is what we are told by a German professor who has giv«»i much study to the history of a comb. In those early days of its life in the dawn of history the first comb appears to have been fashioned of tooth-like splinters of oak placed side by side, and secured together by an asphalt-like mixture which was known in the Stone Age. Later on the sharpened tips of small yew-tree branches' seem to have been woven together combwise—a method which probably answered in those days when hairdressing was in its infancy and Eve did not study her appearance as she did la,ter. Proofs of this ancestry of the comb and its evolution are to be seen in museums of Zurich and Moosseedoy, near Berne, in Switzerland. There are also ancient combs in the collections in Stuttgart. *

Later on combs were fashioned of wood, with two rows of teeth like those now seen in tooth combs, only on a larger scale, and nearly all wider than their length. I’emnants of these combs have, been found in Switzerland, Denmark, and Italy, as well as others which resemble large forks. From that period combs were gradually made more like those we are used to seeing nowadays. With reference to the ornamental back comb, one sees in the old pictures many examples of it. Now we are promised a revival. The effect with short, soft curls will be very charming, more like the vogue of our crinolined great-grand-mothers of Queen Victoria’s reign.

I am illustrating a smart satin coat for spring, niade on slim tailored lines. Paris has set the vogue for this style of coat, which would be suitable for any occasion according to the material used. The pleats come from under the longrever collar, and give just the necessary fullness. The sleeves arc finished like a gentleman's coat cuff. Have the lining

of a pretty printed silk, and face the cuffs with it. There is no ornamental fastening to the coat, but a few patent fasteners to keep it in position. The hat is of felt and straw, the crown being of felt and the small rim of straw. The inset piece is of the straw, and gives a chic finish. Use the dull side of the satin for the coat, as it looks more distinctive than the satiny finish.

Sleeves are much more in evidence for our spring frocks. Sleeveless dresses for the daytime are not becoming, although many wear them, more especially young girls. But a frock looks much smarter with long sleeves. With the popularity of sleeves naturally comes a tendency towards their decoration. An afternoon drees of putty-coloured satin which 1 saw had long, tight sleeves with dainty drooning little cuffs inlet with embroidered white georgette. This is only one of many charming ideas for the spring frocks.

This illustration is of a frock suitable for shopping or sports, and is made of primrose tinted Angora hopsack, a new material, very light and fine, but which has not that worrying fluffy surface. It is really a lovely fabric. The model is

made with a long sloping line from the “ V ” neck, and is finished with buttons of a darker tone to 'match the leather belt. The skirt is set into pleats, which extend round the hips. The general effect is one of slimness.

I was surprised at M. Poiret giving a design for a bride’s frock as of- cloth-of-gold with a gold head-dress. But a bride recently wore' a beautiful gown of gold tulle mounted on gold lame. A veil of gold-cut tulle fell from a halo of gold and orange blossoms, and in place of the conventional bouquet was carried a long cluster of yellow iris tied with yellow velvet ribbon. The bridesmaids wore gold Old World frocks and gold tulle hats. The effect was very striking and dazzling, but it made one wonder if one was iu pictureland

Here is a dainty little party frock for a young girl. It is made of blue or pink georgette, eased into the neck to give a pretty effect. The hand-made flower is attached to the shoulder, and had flowing ends. The bodice, •to relieve the

straightness, shows a pointed effect on one side. The skirt is very pretty with its full petals picot edged. These petals are a trimming for a child's frock,' and give a light, fluffy finish without doing away with the slim line.

The idea abroad is to have a black satin coat lined with the same colour silk as the frock. The coat is made so that it can be worn reversed, or, if the day grows warmer, the black coat can be discarded, leaving only the lining coat, which is quite separate and perfectly finished. Milady hence has two in one and the choice of either while she is out. Is not this novel and practical?

I am illustrating a very pretty boudoir cap. The shingle brought into fashion a bandeau, but now this other style is to be the vogue. It is always interesting and fascinating to do hand-sewing—-

something we can do quickly and take up at odd moments; and even if we do not require these boudoir caps ourselves they make dainty presents, or can be sold at

bazaars. They hav e the added advantage of using up small scraps of ribbon, silk, and lace. The one I am showing can be made as elaborate as you like. It is a fairy-like trifle of georgette, lace, and hand-made roses, with a pleated frill of the georgette round the back. You must always line these caps with net, as it makes them sit better.

A quaint novelty at some of 'fie Paris summer shows are the so-called draught gowns. The dress is split in various parts • over a slip that is usually of another colour. It is particularly fashionable to split printed chiffon or foulard dresses over a plain slip of one colour, or, on the contrary, to take printed tissue for the slip and plain georgette, crepe de chine, or mousseline for the overdress.

Lovely beads are being shown made in a rainbow mixture of white, ■ red, and green pearls. They look very pretty, and the colours are well blended. When worn with flie summer frocks they will look very smart.