The World of Fashion.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 20, 15 May 1912, Page 69

The World of Fashion.

By

MARGUERITE.

THE slender silhouette still holds its own amid all rumours of fuller skirts and trimmed draperies. Narrow skirts are quite as narrow as ever, especially for streetwear, whatever the fashion artists may design for ns later in the season. But the narrow skirts are not tight; in fact, the newest show a decided fulness about the feet, and this is accomplished by the means of trimming or hands of some sort. The so-called double skirt <8 a favourite, giving the effect of two tunics, and there are other devices, including groups of pleats and stitched folds that give infinite diversity to the appearance of the tailor-made suit. As for the smart afternoon costumes, they have skirts that touch the ground all round, abandoning, for the time being, at any rate, the panel train and other vagaries of that description.

Dress Suggestions.

Some of the newest blouses are like a Robespierre coat. The collar opens over a coloured mousseline jabot of old lace or ehiffon. Yellow finds special favour for all these, and this is a shade which goes so well with millinery, touches of yellow figure in so many de-

partmcnts and items of dress. In France young girls’ dances are known, as white balls, the rose ball appertains to older women. Les jeunes lilies patronise white dresses, or only have the palest and most delicate hues. Mousseline, tulle, point d'esprit, voile de laine are the materials employed, swansdown and Valenciennes serve for trimming. The Empire cut is adapted to youth, the kimono sleeves and the simple decolletage have all the grace of girlhood. J* Old English Shoes. Foot-gear, it is promised, will this season partake of a good deal of the colour effect shown in the little dance frocks of satin and other thin materials relieved with contrasts. In shape, dancingshoes are the long, pointed ones from the Elizabethan period, slashed at the side, and tied with wide ribbons just under the instep. From the slim toe to the top of the shoes there are lines of embroidery done in sequins, beads, or small brilliants. As these are managed so that the lines curve slightly over the instep the effect is to make the foot appear slightly exaggerated in length, but so slim that in dancing movements should appear specially graceful. Scarlet shoes worn with black and studded with jet are exceedingly popu-

lar. Heels are to be very high in the coming dancing season, and there is a slight tendency to outline them with sequins or brilliants to match the decoration on the slippers.

Fur-trimmed Coats and

The motor-car is responsible, say the happy peltry mongers-, for the call for furs that is heard now all the year round. There is nothing more comfortable or becoming than fur as a wrap to be slipped about the shoulders after a dinner, and there are those who never relinquish their lighter furs throughout the autumn, and at this season of the year gladly welcome the long coats that are a necessity for cold weather drives.

Coats that indicate the waist arc to be popular, and their length agrees with that of the frock. Skunk and opossum are seen, and both furs will assist as trimmings as well as in the weightier matter of providing comfortable wraps. The more fragile the frock the more necessity there appears to be for adding to it the burden of a fur rouleau at the skirt’s hem or elsewhere in the "design. J* Modes in Muffs. Huge size is the characteristic feature of fashionable muff patterns, except those that are worn with a cord slung over one shoulder. Each shape has its own individuality. The muff that is pointed and the muff that is like a bag, the muff that resembles a cushion, and the muff that acts the part of a wallet, are of equal attraction, and the girl who has plenty of imagination can devise for herself variations upon these themes.

Brevities. Sashes and military effects are popular. •Bows can trim everything from caps to shoes. Narrow belts of suede or patent leather have simple buckles. Rounded effects come on the fronts of long coats. On tailored suits and costumes fringe shows on tunics and coats. A large soft woollen cord trims broadbrimmed hats. Purple is among the favourite eolouvs. and emerald green is highly approved of. Collars of wonderful laee dip down in a rounded point quite to the wawL

The sun-ray design is embroidered 00 many evening wraps and underskirts. Metallic material showing pompadoup designs in delicate colourings is employe ed on gowns as well as on millinery.

BLOUSE OF WHITE AND BLACK SATIN. With gun metal buttons, ami lace collar and under-sleeves.