BACKS AND FROCKS.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19125, 9 December 1933, Page 8

BACKS AND FROCKS.

AN AMUSING CRITIC. A quaint criticism of the present fashions in frocks appears in The Queen and is written by “Jane London," She says:— “Who, I wonder, started the idea that a backless dress is pretty, graceful, or decent? We oan leave decency out of it altogether, for there seems no fixed rule for what is or is not decent, and the decision varies with the ago and upbringing of the oritlcs.

“But is it pretty, and is it graceful to show a thin, bony back to an amused or disgusted world? I may be prudish, and I may not know beauty when I see it (said she, with mock modesty!), but when I look at the distressing sights in restaurants or In private houses I wonder If the wearers of the frocks cut down to the waist at tho back and scooped out under the arms, ever read some lines by one of my 'favourite poets, Emily Dickinson', the shy American, who is little known in England. I quote from memory, and am therefore open to correction: A charm invests ttie face Impcrfeelly beheld. The lady does not lift her veil For fear it bo dispelled.

“The idea being that knowledge may disperse ihe charm that is satistied by imagination. Are we si ill getting the reactions of tho crinoline and tho careful wrappings of anoiher age? Or is there any method in this madness? But perhaps you—ln places fur away from London—do not see these sights. My congratters. You arc spared a good deal."