London Fashion Notes.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVI, Issue 18, 1 November 1911, Page 70

London Fashion Notes.

NOTHING VERY STARTLING SO FAR. I.ONG COATS TO RETURN TO FAVOUR. * LONDON, September 15. Fashion has taken a short step forward thia week, but in a direction that some of us won’t at all approve. Tho

erratic Dame’s worst offence is that, after agitating unsuccessfully for over a year for short coats, and then, in the spring, getting them, she has declared

that they no longer please her, and that we’ve to go back to long ones. _ ~ That’s all, very well —I think /-the majority of |>eople agree that long coats were ever greater favourites than short ones —but what of the poor economies! ones who have now invested in costumes with short coats. Long ones can be cut short, but, alas, short ones made long are not often a success. Nome of the latest models are trimmed with braided velvet,-and the skirts have side V panels at the foot, of the same rather clumsy trimming, i There is a more decided tone about everything this week, as compared with last, and some of the costumes, mainly in navy serges, are lavishly decorated with wide black mercerised braid. Others have velvet collars in bright colours and braiding as well, and I have mentioned before that enamel buttons in vivid colours are much seen. Some very graceful black and cream lace overdresses for evening are appearing again. FURS. With the break up of the long spell of cloudless weather this week furs have instantly appeared, and many people will be delighted to learn that, after its long and unjust banishment there are many indications that white fur—that most becoming of, perhaps, any adjunct to the average woman’s toilette —is to be reinstated in feminine favour again this season. One beautiful evening coat that I was shown this week was of pearl grey velvet with a broad thick collar of Canadian fox. MILLINERY. White winter hats, too, are showing in felt, velvet, and that rather heavy-look-ing grebe. “Nothing in the whole place one could possibly wear,” was the verdict I heard passed by a sensible-looking woman talking to her husband, this week, as both stood looking in the windows of a wellknown West End milliner, whose most delectable autumn dainties were set out to dazzle the public. Tyrolean beavers in may different colours abounded, each guiltless of any more elaborate trimming than one small rosette or infinitesimal wing—the hats themselves were dented in at one side of the crown as if by accident. The sugar loaf brimless' hat that was so much worn in straw during the season is being reproduced now in felt, and there were models of that. The larger Shapes were trimmed either with high Stiff bows of wide striped ribbon edged with some bright colour, or with an extraordinary new feabher trimming laid on to canvas, as are the feathers on a Maori mat. Used as the Maoris use them the feathers look their best, but employed as English milliners are using them, an expensive hat looks first cousin to a rather threadbare feather duster. HOBBLE NIGHTGOWNS are the latest things in the lingerie world! These are made Empire fashion, with low necks and short loose sleeves, and there is a straight band at the knee, from which falls a deep-kilted frill.

MUSTJV COLLARS AND CUFF\ The home needle woman wi|l be delight, ted to hear thdt’there is every indication that embroidered muslin collars aud eufta in white, paris or colours, will again lie very popular. On a dark coat and skirt they have a deligbtfuHy fresh and 1...;,. effect. .