SUMMER STYLES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20587, 28 November 1936, Page 11 (Supplement)

SUMMER STYLES

HINTS FROM LONDON SEASON At the end of the London summer season there seems to be little finality on fashions that have triumphed, and the diversity which characterised the openings is still evident. Summing up is difficult because so many separate facts emerge that are noteworthy but not general (writes a London correspondent) .

There is little doubt that some styles have fallen by the wayside, but on the whole the much written-about materials and designs have persisted.

The taffeta tunic frock, narrowskirted, and cut to fit the figure exactly, is still in vogue, side by side with more picturesque frocks in exquisited chiffon and printed net. Tailored silk pique provides still another change. Tucks are employed cleverly on both crepe and chiffon. Floral fabrics did not entirely capture the field overseas, but two tons of grey tulle made many alluring creations, and soft-brown chiffons were particularly easy to wear. Orchid grey chiffon is a cloud-like material which found much favour with the mothers, and even the grandmothers, or debutantes. Muslins scattered with tiny flowers: linens in conventional design, broken stripes and scallops, all enjoyed tremendous popularity for evening frocks. More elaborate were the shirred chiffons that looked like foaming waves, and were worn with ethereal scarves. Quite different in design were the romaine frocks, with kimono sleeves which employed shirring at the waist and shoulders.

Tucked and pleated organza, the tucking on long kneelength tunics, and the pleating on the underskirt falling from the knees—present another varia-

tion; and a chiffon copy of an arab robe or burnous —which possibly the Bedouins would not recognise—was inspired by this desert garment. Pale lime crepe patterned in Persian print tones, is a variation of the evening theme, through which countless minor keys seemed to run. Lake blue tulle scattered with mother-of-pearl crescents was the inspiration of another famous designer, and, with it he made a tiny jacket with watermelon sleeves, finishing just below the elbow. A new line is given by a decolletage sash which crosses in front, forming a swathe on the shoulder, and comes from the back again to tie in front at the waist. The material employed is vinage crepe, and with the frock is an academic cape designed with an ermine hood. Military inspiration is not lacking. Think of a cavalry cape in hunting pink, wth a wide stitched collar, worn over a printed frock, the predominating tones of which are the same gay shade of pink. Sports clothes maintain the trim outlines of previous seasons, with some interesting colour variations. Grey has scored a victory in linen, and dove grey -worn with lime yellow, the jacket collarless and belted, is one unusual suit.