ROMANTIC FASHIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 375, 17 March 1932, Page 12

ROMANTIC FASHIONS.

Regimental Coats of Vivid Colouring.

Fashion appears to have gone romantic. A strong note of the picturesque is one of the most striking features of yvomen’s new autumn and winter coats and frocks, which are beginning to be displayed in the shops. Half a dozen fashions which -were all the rage in the “Gay Nineties” have taken a new lease of life. Dashing “ Regimental ” coats are in the front line on the new move. Cut double-breasted, with fantastically large lapels, moulded closely to the figure, and featuring rows of buttons, they have taken their inspiration from the stage. They copy the greatcoats worn by officers of Ruritanian romances. As sponsored by fashion, the new coats appear in soft tweeds and wool fabrics of loose spongy weave. Sometimes lapels of vivid tartan designs are contrasted with the plain material of the coat. The figure is defined by. tailored cutting or tight-drawn belts, placed at a high waistline, and sometimes big lapels are matched by elaborate gauntlet cuffs. Succession, of Capes. Coachmen’s coats, with a succession of trim capes extending over the upper arm, have also provided the inspiration for smart winter coats for 1932> Sometimes the capes are detachable, and the cape idea is merely simulated by deep tucks on the bodice and sleeves. Some are heavily fur-trimmed, with the capes in fur. Short-haired ’furs, particularly leopard skin, are used lavishly for collars, cuffs and capes. For between seasons there are quaint little jackets in fur fabrics. Black and white breitswantz were combined in a smart basqued model seen to-day. A big storm collar and the sleeves from elbow to cuff were in the black. The sleeves were very full above the elbow. Skirt lengths show a revision, being slightly longer than last year’s. Ten inches from the ground is the average coat length. Evening Frocks Trail. Evening frocks trail the floor again, dropping from the ankle length favoured. recently. Bustles, bunched in taffetas or satin, are a revival. of an old-time vogue. Sashes, softly knotted and falling with long ends from a high placed waistline, and tiny puff sleeves are more picturesque new-old notes. Draped frocks in satins and heavy crepes are fitted to the knees, where they spring into fullness, developing in a few models into short trains. Low backs are much in evidence, some frocks leaving the back bare to the waist, with crossed shoulder straps as the only support for the corsage. Short coats, nipped in sharply at the waist like an officer’s mess jacket, are smart, but long fitted evening coats flaring out Jielow the knees are newer. Carried out in velvet, this mode, too, is in the romantic tradition. Fanciful Sleeves. Vivid and even dark colours have eclipsed delicate pastel tints for dance frocks. Some of the smartest new models are in royal purple, hunter’s green and brown. The magpie tones black and white, either separately and in alliance, are still to the fore. For day wear vivid colours are also prominent—blues, from sapphire to royal, reds, from cardinal to pillar box, billiards-table green, wine, rich browns, henna and orange. Sports frocks copy the lines of the soldierly coats, with double-breasted bodices, high waists and flaring skirts. Afternoon frocks are only a few inches above the ankles, and strike a feminine note with fanciful sleeve treatments, even to the extent of showing modified versions of the leg o’ mutton style.