FILM STAR DISPLAY

Southland Times, Issue 24601, 25 November 1941, Page 7

FILM STAR DISPLAY

FROCKS AND ACCESSORIES ON SHOW

An exhibition of frocks and accessories worn in recent films by Hollywood stars will open in H. and J. Smith’s today. Many famous Hollywood film stars, both men and women, have contributed to New Zealand’s war effort by sending articles of clothing they have worn in some of their pictures. Some of the pictures in which the articles were worn have already been shown in Invercargill, but some are still to come. The display was obtained for Invercargill by H. and J. Smith, Ltd., and a large sum was paid by the firm to the National Patriotic Funds for the right of the display. The proceeds will be handled by the Women’s Patriotic Committee at Invercargill and a small charge will be made for admission. Women will be particularly interested in this display, not only because the frocks have been worn by famous film stars, but also because of fashion tips which can be gathered from the collection. The hats of Rosalind Russell have long been the subject of conversation in feminine circles, and here are two, both typical of this star, with high crowns and saucy feathers. On one, peacock feathers are used. Outstanding among the accessories is an exquisite cream handkerchief with a wide lace edging, while others which catch the eye are tinv slippers worn by Anna Neagle and Anna Lee, and a pair of blue silk mittens used by Faulette Goddard.

A frock which will attract great attention during the Invercargill season is a glamorous sequinned evening gown worn by Betty Grable, who is said to have the most perfect figure in Hollywood. Another highlight of the display is a jewel-studded brocade Elizabethan gow worn by Bette Davis. A blue and white striped dimity gown from the gay nineties, with be-ribboned hat to match, comes from Margaret Sullavan. This was seen recently in a film shown in a city theatre. Marlene Dietrich sent a smart black and white suit, Joan Bennett a pink satin evening gown trimmed with pink camellias, Laraine Day a bolero suit, Rita Hayworth a heavy black crepe dinner frock, and Loretta Young a black afternoon frock of a matt-finished crepe. The younger stars are represented by Shirley Temple, whose contribution is of white stiffened voile with red polka dots, in the style which has come to be identified the world over as a “Shirley Temple” frock. A display from popular film stars would not be complete without Deanna Durbin, and from her there is a red-skirted peasant frock with gay felt embroidery. The men, too, have contributed to the collection, and their gifts consist mainly of shirts, ties and hats, many of them from cowboy films, though Charlie Chaplin’s ir a peaked military cap with swastika, and Ray Milland sent a number of articles from a pilot’s uniform.