LONDON AND PARIS FASHIONS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue XXIV, 12 June 1897, Page 749

LONDON AND PARIS FASHIONS.

W.IOLBTS, * sweet violets,' still form W- / ODr staple flower for hats, bonW W- / nets, and evening gowns, to say gsAA V/ nothing of the little bouquets of y the sweet smelling blossoms tncked into collarettes, muffs, M waistbelts, and jabots; indeed, they are übiquitous, both natural and artificial, this winter as they YjS were last. A pretty and smart little bonnet is sketched with this almost inevitable accompani- ’ ment. It is a dainty straw shape of fancy make, interwoven with jet, and slightly pointed in front. The back is built up with broad fan-bows of purple velvet, while the front

has a cluster of violets on either side, that on the left being supplemented by a group of black ostrich tips.

Hats de rigueur are worn more tilted forward than ever. In moderation, this is a far more becoming mode than wearing them at the back of the head, and far more sensible and less likely to cultivate neuralgic woes ; if we can only keep to moderation, the happy medium being an unknown quantity in Fashion’s calculations as a rule.

Cherry colour is called into requisition in the model from which my sketch is made in Fig. 2. This is a demi-evening dress of black chiffon over black silk. The chiffon is very prettily drawn round the throat, forming a full ruff, and is very full from the neck downwards, the upper portion of the sleeves being also very fully drawn, though moderate in circumference. The bodice is completed by a corslette and straps of cherry-coloured velvet embroidered with jet. The lower sleeves are velvet with black chiffon ruffles, and big cluster bows of cherry ribbon velvet alight on shoulders and elbows.

How we should have shrieked time back at the idea of a suit of bright geranium or scarlet cloth for walking attire! considering it the embodiment of impropriety, the outward visible sign of an inward reprehensible fastness ! The adventuress and bold bad woman of the play is known as immediately by her gown of flaming red a; Mephistophiles in opera or at masquerade ; yet at the present moment all the immaculate tailors are showing walking costumes of this vivid hue, and many immaculate ilegantes are donning them.

In Fig 3 I have sketched a smart scarlet suit trimmed with fur Russian sable collar and revers, and skirt bordering. These scarlet costumes have nearly always a dark fur collar and cuffs, but the skirt is more frequently plain than bordered. Some are simply stitched, and we have seen several of these untrimmed suits with a double row of Immense Mother-o’-Pearl or fancy

buttons. The white lace jabots worn over fur and every kind of coat and gown are a feature of the moment, as are the marabout fans of the old fan shape, the ostrich feather fan being a thing of the past.

The Queen wears about sixty pairs of her familiar black gloves during the year, their average price being eight shillings.

Heloise.