DESCRIPTION OF GOWNS MADE BY REDFERN FOR H.R.H. THE DUCHESS OF CONNAUGHT.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VII, Issue 10, 7 March 1891, Page 15

DESCRIPTION OF GOWNS MADE BY REDFERN FOR H.R.H. THE DUCHESS OF CONNAUGHT.

(SEE FASHION-PLATE, PAGE 17.) Messrs John Redfern and Sons, of Cowes, 1.W., the world-famed ladies’ tailors, have been honoured with commands from H R. H. the Duchess of Connaught, on her return from India, for various gowns, coats, mantles, etc., a few of which will be found illustrated on page 17. First comes a plain but elegant gown of fine tweed in checks of buff colour on a ground of blue mixture. The bodice is cut with tiansverse revers showing button-holes, and a few folds of buff silk appear in the centre reaching from neck to waist. The skirt is plainly diaped in front, buttoning on either side, and interlaced with folds or kilts to give freedom in walking. Secondly, we notice a gown of grey and white tweed in fancy stiipes, and of somewhat more fanciful design, the bodice arranged in a triple zouave over a waistcoat of white spotted with grey ; sleeves moderately high on shoulders, but plain, and tight at wiist. The skirt has a

slightly full drapery formed by three transverse folds, starting from under a pocket Hap on the right hip, and is finished at foot by a deep hem stitcher! on the right side in close rows.

3. A pretty little lounge bodice appears next of surah silk in navy blue shade, the fulness being kept in place by bands of silk across bust, and at waist embroideied in Grecian pattern of white and blue coni. 4. Another bodice of similar make is of blue and white spot pongee, and has blue ribbons interlacing the fulness across bust, wider ribbons being used for the belt. 5. Then comes a very beautiful coat of Venetian cloth in a delicate shade of reseda, liner! with silk of the same shade. The gigot sleeves are made entirely of metal Venetian embroidery in most intricate and elaborate design, gold, silver, and steel threads being most curiously and beautifully interwoven, forming a beautiful transparent Moral network, under which appear sleeves of the reseda silk, and triangularshaped ornaments of the same embroidery are placet! just below the collar, meeting in a point at the bust where the jacket is clasped together, falling open lower down to show the dress bodice or silk shirt underneath. 6. A long driving coat of Hungarian blue Melton cloth is cut with a triple shoulder cajre braided in light brown Bretonne braid, finishing at the front corners in an Austrian knot. 7. A smart little jacket of navy serge arranged to wear open or closed, having revers reaching to the bust, and buttoning with gold R. Y.S. buttons. This coat is worn over a cambric spotted shirt, and with a plain serge skirt forms a useful yachting and boating gown. 8. Next we have to notice a very chic little jacket of navy blue Fioling cloth with open fronts, and lined with salmon pink silk. A rich pattern of blue and gold mixed braiding forms small zouaves, and is used as a facing to the revers and bell-shaped sleeves. 9. A gown of fine heliotrope cloth for visiting and afternoon wear is lichly embroidered in heliotrope and gold on the dart seams of bodice, giving a narrow appearance to the waist, and a deep conventional pattern of the same embroidery is carried round part of skirt. 10. A mountaineer cape of blue boating cloth checked with white has a novel fastening or clasp over the shoulders, allowing the cape to be opened and thrown back if found too warm when walking or climbing. 11. The last figure shows a natty little coat for yachting, made of ‘ Scouring’ cloth, loose fronted in shape, and with large revers faced with navy silk, ami under this it buttons over in a double-breasted shape. The linings are of old rose silk.

Though many of these gaiments are plain in design, it is scarcely necessary to remark that each bears the distinctive touch and finish which stamps it as ‘ one of Redferns,’ thus giving it an individuality for which no other firm possesses so great or so deserved a reputation.