PARADE OF THE FASHIONS

Taranaki Daily News, 11 October 1929, Page 12

PARADE OF THE FASHIONS

PLUNKET SOCIETY’S WORK . TO-DAY SMILES AT YESTERDAY. MODES FOR THE PRESENT SEASON Women exquisitely coiffured and gowned walked slowly down a dais run- . ning the length of the hall, stood poised a moment in the prettily affected attitudes of lay models, slowly descended gome steps and then mounted a tiny stao-e. A violin accompanied by a piano played soft, fluent music. Shaded lights shone very modestly above and’ there ’ was a restful background of Chinese' lanterns, tall pedestals draped with rare cloths, and bowls of choice flowers. The New Plymouth Plunket Society’s mannequin parade, held in the Workers’ Social Hall last evening, was a women’s paradise. ’ And in this paiadise .was a whole aviary of gaily plumed birds. The ball was crowded with spectators and the sum of over £3O was raised by the society. One after another they came, some slow and stately with a calculated dignity, others tripping it a little nervously, some smiling affably at the audience and others treating it to a hard, defiant stare, but all very charmingly. And later in the evening when the mannequins had shown-the tea frocks, the evening gowns, the flimsy creations of the ingenue and the stylish modes ' of the matron; came Victorian ladies with bustles, buns and furbelows, prink- ’ l ed out in the height of fashion in 1870. The frocks were .lent to the society by the Melbourne, Ltd., and the hats, lent by Mrs. Pellew, added the necessary finish. Brims, the hats indicated, 1 will be the coming fashion for the summer. ■ . . The mannequins were Mrs. J. C. Nicholson, Mrs. V. Duff, Mrs. P. E. Stainton, * Mrs. Ashton, Miss Ollerenshaw, Miss K. Dell, Miss Warren, Miss H. Wilson, Miss Cameron, Mrs. G. Strang, Mrs. A. ' Strang, Miss Cholmeley, Miss Webb and Miss D. Bedford. _ ’ The first section of the display showed some delightful, afternoon gowns, in i 'figured and plain materials of distinctive line, and sleeves which lent char- ' acter to the models. Coats and coatees of similar materials accompanied the frocks worn arid were much in evidence. The mannequins next appeared in ' ' sports attire, showing that . pleated ‘ skirts were still in favour and worn ; with attractive lumber jackets and puil- ' over felt hats. An amusing contrast to the sports attire of to-day, that of the early part of this century, was shown shown in the appearance of the tightwaisted, flowing skirt, blouse and the straw hat walking beside 1929 of the ’ free and comfortable short skirt and jumper. ‘ Followed a wedding party, the bride wearing a pink frock with overdress of silver lace, attended by bridesmaids in mauve georgette models and carrying dainty bouquets, ' the „ work of Mrs. ' ’ Stewart. A startling contrast was , provided when Miss Syms (bride) and Miss Webb (bridesmaid) appeared in the ' wedding gowns worn last century, bus-, ties and brocade representing the formal character of the period..--During the course of the evening the fashions of the early Victorian periods were shown by Mrs. Somerville and the Misses Godfrey, Broad and Percy Smith. Many quilted dressing gowns as well as embroidered kimonos were worn in the display of lingerie, and the night attire was especially dainty. The concluding parade showed bath'ing costumes of 1870, 1910, 1928 and 1030. Amid merriment, it was noticed that more bathing costume was shown in 1870 and 1910. At the end of the evening, on behalf of the society, Mrs. Kidd thanked Mrs. Nicholson and her mannequins, Mrs. Scanlan for supplying the frocks, Mrs. - Pellew for the hats, Messrs Pursers, Ltd., for the furniture, Mr. J. W. Stewart for the flowers, and the musicians, Miss Jones and Mrs. Rowe. The profits of the evening will go towards the funds of the sewing stall ■for Baby Day on Friday, November 15.