An Old-World Fashion Parade

Ladies' Mirror, Volume 5, Issue 5, 1 November 1926, Page 30

An Old-World Fashion Parade

r I 'drilled with the historic interest, touched with the pathos, and convulsed with laughter at some of the vagaries of Dame Fashion, were the experiences of the spectators of the "Old World Fashion Parade” recently seen in Wellington. Unique and beautiful dresses and wonderful shawls, many over a hundred years old, appeared in the parade, many of them worn by descendants of the original wearers, whose names are historic in New Zealand annals. Perhaps the most noteworthy was the attire worn by a bridegroom on his wedding day one hundred years ago: Blue broadcloth coat with brass buttons and high collar, and long pantaloons that buttoned at the ankle and were finished with knots of riband. His grand-daughter. Miss Chalmers, , lent the clothes, and wore his miniature with her old-fashioned dress. There was no fancy dress allowed in the parade—only the genuine old garments— though some had been slightly altered in the passage of years. Quaint and charming frocks of the late eighteenth centuryone was dated 1790 —of Jane Austen’s days, and of the early days of Queen Victoria were all seen. Rea! crinolines, one of which was picked out with purple and trimmed with large purple buttons, the polonaise of the ’seventies and the bustle of the ’eighties all followed in correct sequence. A group of dresses worn before Royalty at Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, at King Edwards’ Coronation, and during the visit to

New Zealand of our present King and Queen were very imposing. Romantic interest attached to a series of brideslßo9, 1870, 1899,

1904, and 1907—in full panoply of veils some heirlooms of lace over a century old — and orange blossom. The enormous sleeves and tiny

waists of 1897 caused gasps of astonishment, while the huge hats and trailing dresses of 1911 concluded the series. Some children’s frocks of the ’seventies were charmingly quaint in their low-necked, stiff-skirted styles. One of the most successful exhibits was a tailormade of thirty years ago that caused shrieks of laughter, though in its day it was very smart indeed. A series of contrasts was dramatically effective, including Mrs. Gamp and a Karitane nurse, the ancient and modern grandmother, an oldfashioned nightgown and up-to-date pyjamas, etc. As for the sports section, the spectators were convulsed by the old-time golf girl, in her voluminous skirts, tight blouse and small waist ; and by the tennis girl of the nineties. in a large trimmed hat, and elaborate muslin blouse with balloon sleeves. Their companions, a trim girl in plus fours and a “Helen Wills,” were very up to date. The “shawls” item brought forth some glowing with marvellous colours and intricate designs, and of wonderful size and marvellously soft texture. Navy League girls were the mannequins, and the entertainment helped to provide funds for the activities of the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Many beautiful and valuable things were brought to light after years of seclusion and disuse, and once more gained the admiration that is their due, owing to their apncarance in the Old World Fashion Parade.