CUR PARIS LETTER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17039, 12 May 1923, Page 2 (Supplement)

CUR PARIS LETTER.

(From PAULINE COURLANDER.) FRILLS ARE FASHIONABLE. One fact that has emerged from the bewildering procession of new models is the revival of frills. Not only for neck and cuffs and fronts of blouses, but as whole panels, back and frent, of a gown with comparatively plain sides. Whether the frills were designed to accommodate the alluring silk crepes, or whether the oreps are so soft and supple because they are destined for frills, we must leave for future historians t a decide. BRIGHT COLOURS REVIVED. There are some startling colours to be seen now, after a short spell of neutral tints. Scarlet, apple-green and yellow are especially prominent at the dress shows, but whether they will really, gain a hold on her affections will depend on the mood of the smart Parisienne. ALL-WHITE TOILETTES. A charming evening frock of white crepe do chine had apple-green crepe panels embroidered in white and crystal beads. ft looked deliciously youthful with its young leaf and dewdrop effect. Another white crepe de ohine frock was a mixture of .the medieval and the Egyptian, the latter effect being supplied by a belt and long hanging frontispiece of blue beads—the lovely, satisfying blue one sees on old Egyptian relics. As a severe contrast, there is a house gown of navy moire of the most supple; it is draped tightly across the hips, has a fairly full hem and tight long sleeves. Its only relief is a cream lace jabot and frills at the wrist. PEARLS AS TRIMMING. Strings of pearls are still worn. When one is tired of hanging them round the neck they may be wound several times round the wrist as a bracelet. Pearls of- lesser value covered the entire surface of a plain white crepe romain frock and certainly no other decoration was needed. The gown was sleeveless, with a very deep V back and front, showing a tight-fitting inner vest of pale pink georgette. The bodice was long and semi-fitting, the lo.ng skirt was tightly pulled across the hips and had a trailing train from the left side. The bold design picked out in pearls and crystal beads gave an effect of shimmering splendour that the Queen of Sheba herself might have envied. THE NEWEST HATS. v Of all the charming new small hats there are three especially worthy of mention. The first is a white suede toque with a turned, up brim and a high tuybanliko crown, from which droops a golden brown glycerined feather that reaches to the shoulder 5 The second is also turban sliaped but brimless and made of silver grey crepe, with a piece of silver lace folded across the back and standing up straight on either side like two rabbit ears. This is worn well on the head down to the eyes. The third is a little blue clocheshaped hat with a high crown, round which is draped a bright red lace veil held in by a wreath of many coloured satin flowers. This, worn with a navy blue tailor-made suit and many coloured blouse, sounds most attractive. COUNTRY CLOTHES. For country wear, skirts are made wider than for town and are of a really comfortable and sensible length and width. Cream, beige and light grey woollen materials, embroidered in gaywool and worn with little woollen coat* and hats to match, are nice things to possess.

Now that the Parisienne ! s prejudice against- wearing colours in the street hat disappeared for the moment, we shall probably see these little frocks in the Bois in the mornings. They are especially suitable for young wo~ men, though it is to be hoped that

they will not usurp the place that belongs to the “ Tailleur ” —that neatest of all the neat Frenchwoman's garments, the price of which is, however still most regrettably high.