FROM A PARISIENNE’S NOTEBOOK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20127, 21 April 1928, Page 16 (Supplement)

FROM A PARISIENNE’S NOTEBOOK

NEW MODES AND NOVELTIES (By Yvonne Rodier). (Specially AVritten for the ‘ Chronicle’) Though for the moment Paris insists that all knees must be covered, it is quite on the tapis that by Alarch —according to one sceptic—skirts will be shorter than ever- It is a prophecy difficult to take seriously, when both on the stage ami in the saloon the feminine trend is pre-eminently to the fore, and picture gowns with anklelength jupes have a greater vogue than Aleanwbile, even tailored skirts reach a good two inches over the knee on all the first-class advance models. Afternoon and evening gowns appear longer than they are, since they dip at all ankles. And the circular skirt, cut on the cross, lengthens in wear. Pleats are as much the mode as ever they were. Old-fashioned accordionpleating is used fur simple frocks and for boudoir-wraps. A newer way with the skirt, however, is the small and neat box-pleat, which is stitched only a little way down from the waist. Some begin quite small at the top and “fly out” as they reac.h the hem, after the manner of the “umbrella” skirt. Tcagowns are “in” again, cut on classic lines and with voluminous wing sleeves. Laue trimming is uSc<} on many of the outstandingly beautiful models. It is notable, too, that the waistline is indicated with a jewelled medallion ceinturc. Colours notably in the current mode are a deep parchment shade known as “vellum,” and a wonderful pale nasturtium hue that is vastly becoming to the pure blonde or pure brunette. Then there are various shades of rose pink. Neapolitan-violet, cornelian, a beautifully soft-looking shade of apple-green, a pastel blue-white, a great deal oi grey in various nuances, an.s numerous shades of apricot. Bed also is to have a special vogue, I am told. And black-and-white will be challenged by navy-and-white. So far. there is no doubting the Parisienne’s characteristic decision in favour of the former. Black is also seen over colour. Sleeves, following the various trends of skirts and drapery, are naturally equally varied in their turn. To the slim silhouette belongs the moulded, long sleeve that accentuates height an.d slenderness. AVith the godet skirt the open bell sleeve is correct; so is the sleeve that is cut in tiers, falling away from elbow to wrist, and complementing, as it were, the frilled and flounced theme of the frock itself. .Bows of tulle, chiffon, or self-mater-ial, are now adorning smart frocks. The übiquitous posy at shoulder or waist “dates” the toilette of the otherwise “bion mise. ’ ’ A neck-finish novelty is the high collar made of a long band of the same material as the dress, and tied in a knot behind the neck, with two long ends falling down the back. A r ery kin T. this lashion, to the not-so-young. Embroidered bolero coats* as a finish to a plain gown, will appeal to the fortunate owners of slim figures. It is a fashion that must be looked on from afar by those who are not so favoured! The same applies to the moulded hips that are a feature of the longer skirts. Difficile,—very,— for all but the slimcontoured lady'-.