New York

Southland Times, Issue 22961, 6 August 1936, Page 14

New York

3n Search of fashion:

By

Betty Culpan,

THERE is a light-headed feeling, in the air; it creeps up tall buildings, it penetrates subways, it is in fused into the whine of the saxophone. into the voice of the crooner, it floats up and down the avenues, and it is centred on smart women everywhere.

For it is spring again and, from a woman’s point of view, the crispest gayest, snappiest spring ever. A color that nas swept the country and one that will last for two or three seasons is luggage tan —it is useful and correct with black, navy or grey, but for dynamic effect combine it with bright twig green and for chillier spring days add cross or red foxes and you will be Fifthavenue itself. Here in New York you can buy shoes, gloves, handbags, stockings,

even nail polish and lipstick of this stunning new tan. Violet, mauve, maize, green and maywine and a blue that is rightly called “hilite” blue are outstanding colors and the sillier the better is the rule for new spring prints and nothing could be sillier or smarter than the crazy, vivid prints designed by Lanz—little colored men, horses, hens and rural scenes are winning pictures to carry on your back. It is smart to be dressed in kindergarten mood this spring.

Another big feature is the taffeta petticoat, in contrasting color, peeping from beneath the simplest dress, just a slip made from the waist with a bewitching taffeta ruffle placed round the hemline.

For evening wear, floating chiffons, often with triple skirts, each layer a different color and giving a shot effect, are the latest. A detachable train is an idea which looks simply glorious, besides being practical. The train unclips at the waist and, presto! in a minute shoulders can be covered with a flowing cape. Again redingotes made in thrilling designs for after-dark, steal a large slice of limelight. For sports, spectator and active, split skirts sweep to a place in the sun at America’s “snootiest” beach resorts. These are called culottes and are made in the snappiest styles, from knee to ankle length.

As the days get warmer and warmer, hats get larger and larger and the climax is the new “pinwheel,” the flattest, broadest hat imaginable, which is made to sit square on the head —a grand target for spring winds. I shall continue my search in London, particularly in the cloisters of the great Norman Hartnell, who has extended me a very kind invitation But meanwhile digest these styles, which will launch you far ahead of current fashion out there in Australia.

Left: Spectator sports or afternoon frock with extremely deep sleeves. The material is a revival of the old sponge cloth, with a slightly finer weave, and it is printed with dabs of vivid colorings in vintage shades of green and yellow. The sash is of i beetroot silk.

Below: Redingote suit in dove grey romaine. The frock is of plain ' grey with l-igh neck, trimmed with violets and the double breasted coat has a printed geometrical design in dubonnet, and the belt, pocket flaps, collar, &c., are of matching grosgrain-