DEBUTANTES’ THOUGHTS TURN TO THE COURTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18552, 26 April 1930, Page 13 (Supplement)

DEBUTANTES’ THOUGHTS TURN TO THE COURTS.

The 1930 Courts promise to be exceptionally interesting from a fashion point of view. Just after the war the prevailing modes had to be modified to meet with Court regulations, for evening dresses at this period were practically copies of the new and muchfavoured sports clothes. The addition of a train, and other necessary details, was made, but although the skirt was usually slightly lengthened, the result was neither “chic” nor distinctive.

In the 1927-28 season the skirt grew longer, and in the mid-season 1929 summer shows the long princess-sil-houette made its reappearance, and trailing draperies and trains became very evident. The autumn collections stabilised this dress revolution, and the passing of 1929 to 1930 sees a matured version of the new line. The narrowness suggested across the shoulders by the longer line had to be overcome, in many cases, by large, capelike collars, giving the required width to the top of the figure. The waist has naturally been raised and the swathed waist and hipline introduced. Most Society debutantes, and their mothers who present them, have a very good idea of the little points which the Queen likes to be remembered in connection with dresses which are worti at the Courts at Buckingham Palace. Her Majesty dislikes extremes of any kind—such as bare backs or ultrashort skirts—and she prefers a gown to possess tiny sleeves. But no hard and last rules are laid down in these matters. It is all left to the good taste of the presentee and her sponsor, who must, however, follow the dictates of the Lord Chamberlain in regard to her veil and feathers and the length of her train. Approved Styles. The Queen does, however, like to have some idea of the styles which may be adopted for the Courts. Every year about this time, she allows sketches of three dresses to be submitted to her by the Mayfair firm who have made so many beautiful gowns for her to wear on State occasions. These embody the features of which it is known her Majesty approves, and when she has passed them they go to the Lord Chamberlain’s office, where they may be inspected by prospective debutantes. It is expected that this year’s sketches will be sent to Buckingham while her Majesty is in residence at the end of this month. INCONSISTENT! I can’t understand why so many women, artificial in most things, look on more than a touch of rouge as a crime of the deepest dye. At night, especially a pencil round the eyes seems to me essential, while well-made-up lips are much more satisfactory than the pale one with which nature has endowed most of us. Finger-nails are the greatest joke of the moment; there is no telling what colour one’s best friend’s nails may be when next you meet. I don’t care for green or blue nails—to match the frock, of course—but, even on the track of novelty, I have a friendly feeling toward deep red ones, so popular now, after first being considered in very bad taste, writes a Londoner. COCKTAILS TO MATCH. Everybody in London who is smart goes in the morning to a most amusing cocktail bar, where, as the Americans say, they shake a wicked drink. You can order one in any colour to match your frock, but it isn’t fair to go in one of the new confetti coats made of coloured flannel.