The Eastern Influence Vogue of Sari

Taranaki Daily News, 20 July 1935, Page 3 (Supplement)

The Eastern Influence Vogue of Sari

JUST as last season the whole ' dressmaking world was swept off its feet by a far Eastern influence, so this season the important Parisian coutouriers have simultaneously turned to India and the near East for inspiration—and inspiration they ■ have found in plenty. Last year we had coolie coats and kimono-like evening gowns, this year we have exquisite Eastern draperies—“ihram” and “sari” head draperies, looped draperies on skirt® and long rhythmically swinging panel draperies—low heeled Oriental sandals and enchanting fans made of the new glass material. And yet, the far Eastern influence is by no means dead—Alix displays it continually in her very wearable, hostess and dinner, gowns and in the * big silver buttons she puts-on her jersey dresses. It .was, in actual fact, an Indian'princess , who turned the. faces of the coutouriers in an Easterly direction. It is often a difficult question as to what exactly causes several different creators—each working. undir conditions of utmost secrecy—to find the same source of inspiration. This time, however, it seems that the lovely Maharanhee of Kapurthala, who was the source. - -

The Benares saris, fashioned in gauze and. grosgrain, are perhaps the most popular development of the new style. They form an excellent way to renovate last .year’s .evening

frock. A good idea is to buy about three yards of chiffon or some other gracefully falling material, which may then be worn either as a scarf with long ends swinging backwards or draped round the head' in the form of a sari. Try the effect of a rose-tinted chiffon sari over an ice-blue or white frock; or a ' plum-coloured chiffon over a purplish brown. Rich colour schemes are definitely the vogue. One of the most sensational evening frocks of the Parisian openings was Alix’ chiffon gown which gives the effect of a luscious, purple fig. ; An under drapery of persimmon red shimmers through the purple brown of the top drapery, which has a long, loose, end which can be thrown over the head or draping the shoulders//.. This, drapery .is edged with a band of gold, giving the final Oriental touch to this alluring, gown. . ; ••

Then there is the superb Oriental 5 wrap,.-the “ihram,” which .. completely frames : the face. One, designed by Schiaparelli, was strikingly beautiful and' completely wearable, designed as it was from heavy, hand-loomed silk fabric in Persian rose striped with turquoise blue or gold. The head covering is attached to the back and may be worn hanging down in cape effect. Several of the new gowns are made with' these “ihram” head scarfs, which are attached to tiny bolero jackets, and may be worn draped as eowl collars.--r,.. r ,.