MANNEQUIN PARADE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17951, 1 December 1932, Page 12

MANNEQUIN PARADE

BERLEI CORSETRY DISPLAY AT COMMON, SHELTON’S Ihe spacious showrooms at Messrs. Common, Shelton and Company’s shop was filled to capacity yesterday afternoon when a very interesting exposition mid mannequin parade of Berlei eorsetry was held under tho direction of Miss Anne Levies, expert corsetierre, ol Betid House. Hie many ladies present were attracted by tue iact that scientific knowledge coupled with a smart appearance would be gained by attending the demonstration, accepting the opportunity offered ul hearing Miss Anne Lovick speak oil figure beauty and correct eorsetry. Tho proceedings opened with a very instructive talk by Miss Levick on the necessity of correct fitting and expert advice in the choice of a foundation gar- ■■ • ;i, explaining how Berlei models had all 'been designed on scientific lines foi ftefures of every type and size. Iho promotion of health, comfort 'correct poise, and grace was tho aim of Alie designers of Berlei foundation garments, which, were all modelled after careful scientific research had been carried out I, v ox ports, Mie health of the wearer heuj'g the first consideration. Tho speaker advised her bearers to he fitted by an expert when purchasing corsets, as scientiise investigation had revealed 1 nve definite tvpes of figures, and further research had resulted in the subdivision of each ..•roup, so that every type ot figure could he provided with.'a foundation garment assuring the maximum comfort and beauty of figure possible to the wearer. About fifteen minutes were all that vveie required for a proper htting, but l purchasers preferred to select their corsets without a fitting. Miss . Levick stressed the importance of having collect measurements taken of the bus , waist and hips, to ascertain the true type and size of the garment required. Tho speaker then illustrated tho advantages of 'correct eorsetry by means 0 £ H- ing models of six distinct types and sizes, who appeared in foundation garments true to type and fitting perfectly. After explaining the various types and their requirements, several models were fitted with garments unsuitable to their figures, showing the errors which are commonly made by women when selecting corsets. Tho contrast between the figure correct!” corseted and the same figure wearing unsuitable garments was most strikin'', and obvious to tho audience, who followed Miss Leviek’s explanations with close interest, realising that tho average purchaser might easily choose most unsuitable and ill-fitting foundation garments unless advised by an -xpenenced corsetierre. , Miss Levick demonstrated ths correct way to wear and fasten the various garments, showed how a womans figuie could be greatly improved by means ot correct 'corseting, and stated that an expensive model frock looked dowdy and ordinary when worn over ill-fitting foundation garments. She also illustrated h o w figure defects could be remedied or improved, and showed many daaity new colorings and designs m Berlei corsets, corselettes and brassieres, designed especially for the various types of figures in New Zealand. The exposition.closed with a very valuable and informative demonstration on surgical belts, these being especially designed to meet the requirssients of women after operations. Before the mannequins left the stage Miss Levick took tho opportunity o illustrating the value of perfectly-fitted foundation garments by dressing one of the well-corseted mannequins in a pretty model frock ,the effect being charming and tho figure very graceful and well proportioned, showing the well-cut lines of tho frock to perfection. At the conclusion of the demonstration, which was conducted very ahlv, Miss Levick was heartily applauded by her audience, her interesting talk having been closely followed and appreciated, while her personality and sense of humor appealed to her hearers. Selected gramophone records were played at intervals during the afternoon, and after the demonstration a delicious afternoon tea was served to all present I, v the management of Messrs. Common, Shelton and Company. Patrons were unanimous in their appreciation of a verv pleasant afternoon. Miss Levied was afterwards busily enganod in attending to interested patrons, nnd Vv services will he available until the end of tho week, fittines being made free 0 f charge at Messrs. Common, Shelton and Companv’s shop.