Fashions and Furbelows.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18901, 28 October 1929, Page 13

Fashions and Furbelows.

Notes by Special Contributors

KEEPING STEP IN SMART SHOES.

Simplicity of line and an abundance of colour mark the new styles in footwear. This fact became apparent from viewing recently hundreds of models by one maker of smart shoes. To black and the usual gamut of browns the most notable additions this year will be sable-black, with a gun-metal-like richness; autumn-green, antique-purple, navy, burgundy and grey. However, the fashionists predict that black and brown will be the leading colours of the season, with the other combined shades forming a small but important minority. Hence it is not surprising to find a full range of browns on the colour card—sierra, beechwood, down to the deep tones of chocolate-brown. Two divisions of colour mark the browns, and one will be able to find in each harmonising footwear to match the tones of one’s costume. The reddish browns, bordering on henna, and a continuation of the capucines of summer, will be seen in exclusive wear, while it is expected that the dark, true browns will have a more general appeal. Coloured footwear in deep dark reds, greens and purples is scarcely considered a novelty, as the vogue this season is to combine in the ensemble the various shades of one colour-tone. For example, if one chooses a navy cos-

tume, one will wear with it lighter shades of blue, but the footwear will always match the deepest shade. It is also chic to match shoes with the fur which trims the coat, or with the hat and bag. Captivating Novelties. Novelties, however, will include the reptiles—and particularly lizard. Indeed, snakeskin and alligator will be less seen, than formerly. But due to the fact that lizard is an expensive leather, it -will most often merely trim the model. Lizard is easily susceptible to the dye bath, and is offered not only in its natural colouring but also in the greens and purples of fall. Ring lizard in black-and-white and beige-and-white is a very beautiful and more rare leather, with peculiar markings of its own. Both will be imitated in grained calfskin. Other novel leathers which fashion chic footwear include those which resemble fox pelts and the rough weaves of silks. The “fox” leathers have a grained effect that highlights the shadows of this beautiful pelt, and would be especially fetching with the foxtrimmed ensemble. The grained leathers imitating silks impart a shantunglike effect, that is as unusual as it is pleasing. Of the leathers, kid will lead, the fashionists declare, followed in style importance by reptiles, suede and patent. Later this season and for autumn, suede will supplant the position of kid, , moving the latter to third place. From ' a popular standpoint, however, patent [ will achieve recognition. Straps and Buckles. A detail worthy of note is the combination of colours and leathers in one model. As an example, the vamp may be of lizard, with the quarter of kid. The heel can be either of lizard or kid, depending upon the style of the shoe. Or two tones of the same colour will combine smartly, one colour, perhaps, dividing the shoe across the instep. The latter combination seems to break the length of the shoe, and is flattering to the wearer. Pumps, as l’ast 3-ear, are most distinctive among dress shoes, and they are clasically severe. One-straps, with a centre buckle, are smart for both afternoon and street, though for tailored wear, the triple-strap slipper or the tie is as often seen. There is little change in the heels, except that they are a trifle daintier and straighter. For spectator sports and driving, on the other hand, the leather Cuban heel will be more generall>' worn than last year. This heel is not as heavy as it appears, has a resilience of tread, and is highly” polished, so that it is not at all conspicuous. Perhaps one of the most outstanding features of the new models is the use of the buckle. It is seen every”vhere, on pumps, one-straps, and triplestrap slippers. Occasionally* it is made of leather, more often it is, of metal, and serves a decorative as well as 1 utilitarian purpose. Many guesses are hazarded each season as to how many pairs of shoes the well-dressed woman will possess; cer- 1 tainly this season, with its diverse offerings of colour, styles and materials, will provide more than usual interest to the woman who likes to be well shod.