LONDON AND PARIS FASHIONS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 27, 4 July 1891, Page 134

LONDON AND PARIS FASHIONS.

VERY HANDSOME AND USEFUL WINTER GOWNS. (SEE FASHION-PLATE, PAGE 137.) Tailor-made gowns are always an important item in a lady’s wardrobe, that is to say, of course, whilst they are still so fashionable. From one of the leading London tailors, whose coats and gowns are invariably characterised by good taste and perfect workmanship, whilst their designs are always novel and unique, these pretty tailormade garments come. No. 1 is a lovely gown, arranged with a graceful polonaise in real fawn-coloured vicuna, a fabric which is wonderfully soft and warm and yet remarkably light in weight. The vicuna draperies are bordered by a narrow band of beautiful golden beaver, and open on one side to reveal a simulated underskirt of dark brown velvet, the contrast of colour been most effective. The bodice has a kind of half Swiss belt of dark velvet, the same rich fabric also being used for the deep cuffs. No. 2 is a very handsome gown made in quite a new kind of dark brown coating, exactly appropriate to the present season of the year. Round the skirt in front only you see three bands of wolverine fur, unusually dark in colonr, and matching exactly the rich brown of the cloth. The rest of the skirt is plain and full. Narrow bands of wolverine form a kind of pointed vest upon the bodice, and also trim the throat and wrists in the very effective and uncommon fashion indicated in the sketch.

No. 3 is a most distinguished-looking coat made in the always becoming Campbell plaid, with its dark shades of myrtle green and navy blue. The under garment is cut in a double-breasted shape, and made tight-fitting. It is quite complete in itself. The cape is made to come well down below the elbows, and is fastened in quite a novel fashion on each shoulder with large buttons of smoked mother-of-pearl. The pretty hood at the back is lined with green silk, while the inside of the tall collar is of preen velvet.