FASHIONS FOR EVENING WEAR.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VI, Issue 33, 16 August 1890, Page 14

FASHIONS FOR EVENING WEAR.

Two distinct fashions prevail in evening gowns, but the styles differ so widely, and are not universally becoming, that there should be little difficulty in selecting that which suits the wearer. All sleeves are worn excessively high, and much pleated and pouffed, and even with V’ shaped evening bodices many of the leading modistes are making sleeves quite long, in imitation of Parisian models. The one type which is favoured by those who diess handsomely consists of rich brocades interwoven with velvet and tinsel, relieved by superb linings of contrasting satin and draperies of silk lisse or chiffon, embroidered with silken Howers and the inevitable touch of tinsel. Many of the embroideries on lisse or fine Brussels net have the colouis mixed with almost Oriental effect, and the small cut beads known as gems and the tiniest of spangles are so deftly intermixed that the effect, although uncommon, is not bizarre. Chiffon is now generally used in two shades or in two colours which contrast; thus a rich ivory brocade made as train and bodice, had a yellow satin petticoat, with ruche of mixed yellow and ivory chiffon, and draperies partly of the yellow chiffon and partly of the ivory, the latter edged with a soft, fluffy fringe of the upholstery type. The sleeves to elbow were of closely shaped yellow chiffon, with full over pouffs of ivory chiffon parted down the centre of the arm quite from the shoulder, and edged with the nariow fringe. A very pale sap or asparagus green is used in combination with heliotrope brocade or silk, and blue de riel is also combined with heliotrope and petunia shades, but are rather more fashionable or startling than really pretty and harmonious. White or black satin fronts, and petticoats draped with the lovely embroideries or net, or lisse, are worn with gowns of all shades, but some modistes prefer a paler shade of satin in the colour of the gown, over which to drape the net or lisse. All the ball gowns intended for young girls are made just to escape the ground, and very few of the younger married women wear trains excepting at the very ceremonious balls which are more receptions than dances. Complete skirts of tulle and gauze are not favoured so much, but the front and sides of tulle are still seen, and even the centre back is of tulle, with silk or brocade to form the remainder of the back. Very piquant skirts are made with three separate skirts of tuile, the two lower ones of some decided tint, and the upper one in a pale colour. Each skirt is about six inches apart, and the edge is fringed with flowers either massed as a border or hanging like a fringe. To dress hair in the Creek style, collect all the back and side hair, and tie it level with the crown at the back. Then arrange in a double coil, and twist round and pin to head. Curl the fringe, and brush part of it backwards. The simplest plan to arrange a modified (Jreek coiffure is to tie up your own hair, and arrange in three pouffs or rolls well to the back of the crown, and then add a small curled tuft, which is made on a hairpin or pin comb. No frizettes are used.