FORTHCOMING FASHIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 661, 14 January 1933, Page 20 (Supplement)

FORTHCOMING FASHIONS.

Colour Blends That Come as a Surprise.

OLIVE AND TURQUOISE. (By Hon Mrs C. W. Forester.) Now that all the fabrics of fashion are presented with a soft surface it will be found much easier to mix “ odd ” colours together. I have observed of late how weird alliances peculiar to the “ ’forties ” are again appearing, as for example, a dull wine or medlar-shade of velvet blended with a similar fabric in apple-green. Naturally, material makes all the difference, and tones approaching to the crude must only be attempted in fabrics of beauty. It is in rich ring, or panne-velvet that special shades from early Victorian days can look well. One of the newest and most attractive evening ensembles is in a deep medlar tone in chiffon-velvet. The frock, cut princess style, has a dolman sleeve and a decolletage of bright applegreen panne-velvet. With this is worn a short flared coat of the darker shade, lined green, and bordered with mink.

The same model would be good in purple and dull-gold, or cinnamonbronze. These quaint colour revivals are helpful in assisting towards the alteration and renovations of the contents of the modern wardrobe. An old model can often be given an entirely changed appearance by a dash of daring colour. Versatility of Wool. Our present-day wools are so becoming and soft that we can also “ try out ’* the once crude-looking worsteds with the greatest success, in woollen fabrics. The dark and sobered shades are in better style for suits and practical ensembles, but sometimes, in the country especially, and also when woollen simplicity can be stressed for the new kinds of cinema frock, these common colours add piquancy and distinction. A cloth ensemble for evening that struck me as particularly smart was an olive-green and rather bright tur- : quoise in combination. The corselet skirt style was successful, for the fulllength godet skirt in olive-green faille had a sleeveless top of turquoise velvet, in which there was a narrow tucker of old lace. The cape-coat of the green silk was lined with the blue velvet, the short cape-sleeves and hem being bordered with shaded dark coq’s feathers. With the advent of a pinched look about the waist-line, and basques in variety, we can anticipate more models of an early nineteenth-century colour trend. Among coming colours are many that are good “ mixers.” A Russian shade of smoke-grey with a reseda-green will have a season; so also will mushroom and black, also applegreen and brown. These are of less startling hues, and will work in admirably for tricots and flannels. Moulding the Figure. More and more insistent is the mode of “ moulding.” Every sort of garment must make for slimness, yet the general silhouette, far tighter than it was, manages to give a bold and free effect.. No profusion of fabric or 'trimniing is permitted. The shoulder-line is wide, hips are narrow, and ankles slender. Ultra-high collars are also part of the slim scheme. Head and hat, both kept small and elegant, rear themselves up from a swan-like neck and give an impression of height. Each garment clings to the figure and must fit without a wrinkle. U nder-garmerits are skin-tight. It is really wonderful the way manufacturers have achieved this fitted mould, possibly because they are all instructed in the science of clothing with due regard to weight, cold and heat. We have delightful winter examples of fragile woollies, also gauze-like silks.