ENGLISH FASHIONS,

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1924, Page 10

ENGLISH FASHIONS,

A LA CLEOPATRA. A feature of the newest frocks is the long corsage, elaborately embroidered, allied to a plain skirt. Black, embroidered in gold, silver, or rich Oriental notes, still holds pride of place, writes Madame Jean Zarrez. Semi-evening gowns are conspicuously of the Cleoptara type. A black crepe marocain swathes the hips with a grace that avoids exaggerated tightness, drooping in a succession of tiny folds at the sides, from the waistline to the knee. Thus is contrived a sort of arched effect, the point of the arch, at the centre-front of the waistline, being finished with a swinging jet ornament. The corsage is severely plain, the neck a wide and deep bateau, while the wing sleeves are of ninon stitched over with tiny jet beads. Variations of the theme introduce beautiful colour symphonies in shot tissue. One visualises Cleopatra beneath ■ an Egyptian moon! A TUNIC/RENOVATION. Another favoured mode, less difficult for the woman who does not rejoice in sylph-like proportions, is the net tunic, weighted with beads—'black, white or vividly iridescent—designed to camouflage add give a new lease of life to a tired evening gown salvaged for a plain “foundation.” These tunics present such obvious possibilities that one is not surprised to hear of record sales of ready-for-service models in the big shops. MAGPIE DEVELOPMENTS. An interesting development of the magpie mode is the change from predominating black with touches of white to predominating white with touches of black—a wonderful frock of white silk rep from a big atelier has appliqued coreage motifs of black velvet birds in flight! Printed velvet is in high favour for evening cloaks and wraps. A black velvet background is printed all over with colours that may be pastel, or flamboyant, according to the wearers’ whim. The colour design rings endless changes, from floral motifs, leaf designs or queer arabesques of Persian or Egyption inspiration. There are any number of “little” evening frocks—exquisite little ethereal creations in silk crepe, much beflounced in the Quakerish greys and sober browns that are so safely neutral. Other robes de soiree with more than ordinary claims to distinction are the all-lace gowns of silver, black, or ‘‘blond;’ over a silk underdress. GOLF MODES. The golfing enthusiast will be intrigued by the new golfing suits that achieve genuine “plus fours” comfort lon the links with a perfectly norma! appearance in the street. For an overlapping square fastens on the right side of the back and the left of the front of the skirt. When Eve is in golfing action she can undo this arrangement, fastening the back overlap to the button on the front, and vice versa. The suit is equally adaptable to other sporting activities, as well as to real, strenuous country walking. THE NEW MUFF. The new muff, although of the oldfashioned melon shape, is quite new in ideas. Two furs are mixed frequently, giving a shot effect. An electric seal muff Jias hands of silver ribbon worked into it diagonally. Fur motifs are appliqued on to velvet, silk, or another fur. A long-haired caracul muff has a pattern embroidered all over it in blue and gold.