“Unitised” All-Purpose Wardrobe

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 October 1948, Page 9

“Unitised” All-Purpose Wardrobe

A new kind of all-purpose wardrobe built around a variety of weights of wool fabrics, was introduced in New York a few weeks ago at. a fashion luncheon arranged by the Australian Trade Commissioner, Rupert R. Ellen, at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The wardrobe, named the “Unitizer,” was designed by Gwenyth Waugh, of New York. Main feature of the wardrobe, says the N.Z. Wool Board news service, is the versatility achieved with a small number of co-ordinated items. Wool fabrics of various weights and colours, have been used in such a way that the completed ensemble can be mixed and matched according to one’s needs. It is adaptable to widely varying temperatures and occasions, making it specially ideal for travel and resort wear. The seven-piece wardrobe, described by Miss Jeanne Pierre, includes an all-weather coat, removable lining, street suit, basic dress, blouse, extra street skirt and evening skirt. The coat, suit and evening skirt are in matching shades of beige, the dress in a contrasting dark red, and

the coat-lining, blouse and skirt are in matching prints combining bright blue, rust and tan. Tfie topcoat is a classic model with free-hanging back in worsted gabardine. The removable lining for the coat, made in a four-colour washable wool print from Australia, is designed to be used as a separate. Miss Waugh calls this item the “Under Topper” and recommends its use with the blouse and street skirts as*well as the evening skirt.

The suit, in gabardine, has a skirt made in the kilted, wrap-around style for greater comfort. Its singlebreasted jacket may be used as a separate with the evening skirt. The basic dress in lightweight worsted gabardine, has simple tailored lines, and is made in a solid colour. Miss Waugh has designed the printed blouse with a low-cut, square neck and short sleeves, so it can double for daytime and evening wear. The extra street skjrt is made in matching hand screen printed wool, to serve for both summer and resort use. And the floor-length evening skirt of gabardine is also cut in the kilted style.