The Touch of Black.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 4, 24 January 1912, Page 69

The Touch of Black.

A pretty novelty that is a necessary accompaniment of summer frocks is tho narrow strap of Mack velvet for the neck, without which no lady of the 1830 period considered her toilette complete. It looks as if tho dainty trifle will be in universal demand, and it is prepared in a number of widths, and is decorated with French paste, from tho most simple buckle to the most elaborate ornamentation. The use of these neckbands and small wristlets of velvet ribbon was suggested by the favour shown to muslin frocks and

blouses. They were revived in the days when garibaldis sprang into popularity, and are a noticeable feature in the pictures of that day. Neck and wrists were finished with these velvet ribbon ornaments, on which were placed small paste plaques. The plaques of to-day are much more distinctive than those of that distant period. Designers have selected their patterns from French models, and these are similar to those worn by ladies of the days of Marie Antoinette. Some of the neckbands have a couple of slides, placed one at each side, to support the ribbon and hold it in place, and some of the more elaborate bands are in Georgian design, and consist of sets of narrow silver bars, with a scroll of paste-work through them.