THE WORLD OF FASHION.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue VIII, 22 February 1902, Page 380

THE WORLD OF FASHION.

(By

MARGUERITE.)

Sales are now on, and what good i ews this is to womenkind in general. On every side my friends tell me that they hate sales. Whether they do or not, one thing is certain, they always go to them, and another still more certain thing is that they purchase at them. Perhaps they do not purchase everywhere, but it would be indeed a strong-minded female who has lot collected all sorts of odds and ends during this February.

In reality, there has never been a season when greater bargains were to be obtained, party because the season has been a late one, and the hot weather has only come to us with February. Muslins this year are prettier than ever, besides being cheaper, and everyone can be well dressed. Of course, a great deai oepenus on the making, but as simplicity is the order of the day, we can be nicely gowned

Lt small cost, providing we bring individuality, taste and skill to bear. At the same time, some of the most lovely' gowns show an amazing quantity of work in tucks and insertions, end these when in muslin, crepe-de-chine, or batiste, can only be effective when done by the master hand :.nd untouched by a machine. Travelling cloaks will soon be in request, and these must be of a sensible kind. These wraps are made

long enough to cover the skirt of the [own, not a thread of which should appear below the edge of the wrap. The latest shape is copied from a Rus sian officer’s coat. One such in day coloured silk is perfect of its kind, ft has a hidden plait held in by a black suede strap at the back, and a turned-over collar of black Persian lamb, with huge cuffs to match. Most of the Raglans and semi-fitted coats, }>e it noted, are provided with inside

belts of ribbon or elastic tape to keep the back in proper position, and ease the shoulders from the weight of the skirt. For travellers by steamer at any season the dreadnaught of heavyfrieze, over a waterproof serge or tweed frock is the most suitable wear. For deck wear both gown and coat should clear the floor; for the lailway train, alas, ultra-fashionable women insist that they shall escape touching by a mere hair’s breadth, which, of course, means that they touch when the wearer walks. The new colour for travelling suits an 1 wraps is cinder-gray, ocean-gray, as some call it. The colour is a dull, Park gray, which reproduces the leaden tint of the sea under a sunless sky, and which shows dust less than any other colour which has been ■« vented. Englishwomen show a marked preference for the Tam-o’-Shanter as a travelling hat, next comes a soft felt v ith the simplest trimming; a scarf rf soft surah passed through a buckle, and a couple of quills being what London houses most affect. Although nearly all the new hats call for hair twisted low on the head, the experienced traveller will continue to consi.lt comfort and common-sense, and arrange her hair high. Opera cloaks and carriage wraps are perfectly gorgeous, and here again is lace more to the fore than ever, while we never tire of the charms of endless frills of accordion pleated chiffon. Painted pannes ere still used, and some of these, trimmed with point d’Alencon and lined with accordion-pleated chiffon frills form truly regal garments These are cut somewhat after the old shawl pattern, with the draped hood effect on the shoulders, consisting of lace over chiffon.

me bridesmaid’s Empire gown is <-f white peau de soie, with sleeved bolero of white point d’Alencon lace threaded with gold and lined with chiffon. A scarf of chiffon and picture hat of white satin straw and gold thread relieved with autumn foliage and chiffon, black velvet thonx and gold buckles completes a charming costume.

Evening coats are still cut a I’Empire. caught up with a wonderful band ot gold embroidery and finished with a large falling collar of lace. Some are throequarter length but the best are fully trained and as long as tne aress beneath.

A smart and comfortable travelling wrap is of the utmost importance for any one who travels much. The cloak in the sketch is in a pretty shade of grey alpaca, fastening with three large pearl buttons in front, the back being confined at the waist by means of a narrow, stitched band, which passes through a slot at each side and fastens in front. This wrap is lined with a silk plaid, the cuffs and collar being faced in with the same. The small French hat is trimmed with soft quills and a twist of si Ik and a buckle.

This is a very pretty wedding gown <f white satin veiled with mousseline de soie. The skirt has two deep flounces of old Brussels lace head > I with white satin ribbon tied at internals in true lovers' knots. It is finely ‘ucked round the waist for a short distance downwards, and there finish-

ed with white satin ribbon, tied again at intervals in true lovers’ knots. The bodice is tucked to correspond with the tuckings below the waist, and draped with Brussels lace and ornamented with sprays of orange blossom. The long- Court train of white satin is also tastefully arranged with I'russels lace and mousseline de soie.