PARIS FASHIONS

Southland Times, Issue 23228, 17 June 1937, Page 15

PARIS FASHIONS

Brighter Colours

Paris, noted for its black and white ensembles, has suddenly fancied all kinds of bright tints —and mixed, at that. Even the classical tailor-mades have become brightly coloured, states a fashion writer. There are turquoise blue suits with rust-coloured or black blouses,_ navy blue with bands of lilac showing at wrists and throat, scarlet travelling coats, and an ensemble of mustard jacket with Bordeaux blouse and black skirt. For afternoon and evening there are multi-coloured flowered designs on a black or white ground. The frescoes of Pompeii—that is, those which can be reproduced in accordance with twentieth-century taste —have been drawn upon to provide a striking design which, made up into a blouse, enlivens a severe black suit. UNEXPECTED MATERIALS Materials are no less varied than colours, and some are decidedly unexpected. Glazed linen—like that used to make chair covers—is having a vogue for everting gowns. Pique is also fashionable. Dark summer frocks and suits in light woollen materials are enlivened with trimmings and buttons of coarse straw. Black ■ and ochrecoloured straw is a favourite combination.

white pique is much used for detachable plastrons and waistcoat-fronts to wear with summer morning frocks and tailored suits. These plastrons are cut into all kinds of quaint designs. They fasten round the neck, and are attached to a pique belt at the waist. Yellow pique with a small green design is used for a ground-length evening coat with wide lapels. Other evening coats are in tulle, net, and flowered organdie.

For morning frocks, jersey and soft woollen materials remain first favourites.

The main features have changed little. Necks for day frocks are high, shoulders invariably are square, even in such informal items as beach frocks. The waistline is at its natural point. Skirts are close-fitting, the necessary room being provided by discreet pleats starting just above the knee, or by small slits. The length is, perhaps, a trifle shorter, but so little as to make practically no difference. Evening gowns reach to the ankle.