LONDON HAS GROWN FEMININE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20896, 27 November 1937, Page 11

LONDON HAS GROWN FEMININE

THE WORLD’S FASHION CENTRE London has changed Its gender—it is now feminine. Formerly it was regarded as the city which appealed more exclusively to men. whereas Paris was supposed to lure women with its gates. But all that has been changed. For London is now the Mecca of the well-dressed woman the world over. During the recent Coronation celebrations when London was thronged with visitors from all parts of the globe, the general opinion was that London, the hub of the universe, was now, also, the fashion centre. British fabrics made in British mills have reached such perfection of design and finish that they have been chosen to create the newest and most exclusive models of leading dress designers in their London salons.

All shades of amethyst— light to dark and plum are favoured for light wool plain-surface materials for dresses and costumes. This is good news for the woman whose inches are a trouble, for tones of plum and amethyst (in the darker shades), are definitely slimming in effect.

Other new shades popular at the British Industries Fair are Albany brown (somewhat like the London tan of last season), a very dark brown, and a warm red-brown, all of which will be employed for day wear. Black is coming back. That is fashion news of importance, especially as regards afternoon wear. But it is being combined with rather vivid reds and greens (especially in embroidered effects), and not so much with the former favourite —white. For evening gowns, either rich colours or the pastel tones, will be worn. At one of the very early displays of new models by a noted London designer, it was noticed that some of the smartest gowns were almost colourless. One gown was composed of a silverice shade—if one may so describe it, for it was so indefinite—yet the effect of this and similar “colourless” shades was modem and sophisticated. Still the battle of the skirts is being waged. Some of the stylists favour the very short dress for tailored suits and sports wear, others declare for the medium skirt length. It seems that the present trend toward short skirts has reached its peak, and with cooler days, skirts will be longer. But the individual will be able to make her own choice—short or long. For evening wear, at the first “showings" gowns were worn just above the toe, but not showing the ankle. The trailing gown is finished. Buttons are important on latest models, metal and wood being used—bright silver mostly—and belts,’mostly self-fabric belts with small buckles, nothing exotic.