The World of Fashion.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7, 14 August 1912, Page 69

The World of Fashion.

By

MARGUERITE.

Fashions in Blouses. G~l f S far asunder as the poles is the / I blouse of to-day from its proto- | type which made its debut about two decades ago. Then it was regarded as a “make-shift, - ’ now it is deemed' indispensable to all women of discernment; as a matter of fact, in its latest guise it partakes of the nature of a corsage. The vogue for lace will be very pronounced as the season advances; the laee elips that are now being designed are endowed with an allurement entirely their own. Sometimes as many as four or five different kinds of laee are introduced in alliance with finely embroidered lawn or muslin; these fragments are exquisitely worked up into mosaic or architectural designs. For the woman who is elever with her needle this is a fascinating occupation, and is an excellent means for utilising odds ami ends of laee that have been treasured for many a long day.

the effect of laee. Fine vermicelli nebs are employed for a similai' purpose. Soft cretonnes as well as- chintzes are requisitioned' for the buses of blouses, these materials being used for pipings. Buttons are an important force whore trimmings are concerned, the smalt fourholed smoked pearls reading the van. Tiny •silk and satin buttons are arranged in groups, and may or may not be veiled; again, the übiquitous black note is introduced in the form of buttons.

Quite a new departure in simple ninon shirts is to have tile collar and tab—the latter in the form of a rabat of satin of the same shade, with a narrow frill of laee outlining it. These small frills look extremely smart when introduced from the base of the column of the throat to the waist. Then they appear as though they were peeping out from the fastening.

There is. a wonderful fascination about the white lawn panel, a feature of the dark ninon shirts. It is almost 4ins. in width, is very finely tucked, flanked on one side with 'button holes and on the other with buttons, but there is no idea, tliey shall ever he fastened. This panel extends front the collar-band to the

A slight idea of the cost of these dainty a flairs may be gleaned when it is stated that six guineas was the cost of a model

in which Irish crochet, Valenciennes, point de Venin?, guipure, and finely embroidered lawn were seen in happy rivalry. As pounds, shillings, and pence have to lie considered; the news that Ea Mode iuis set her seal of approval on Madras muslin (the price of which is but a few penee a yard) for these accessories is ewre. of being cordially welcomed. The muslin forms the basis, and is veiled with black or ooloured ninon. Sometimes the (Iwign of the muftlli! is picked out with fine braid, which in the distance gives

wa-ist. In the eollar-baad is an insertion 'of white lawn to correspond. It is Indieved that as the season advance* the shirts will be made of two shades. For instance, dark blue will be posed on light, or (here may be two contrasting Shades when a shot effect is discernible. There is a decided change in the sleeves. Some of the features of the .Magyar are maiiiLiined; there is, however. a new shoulder seam, which is not in its natural - position. It bills off the shoulder and is accentuated by a rouleau

piping of a contrasting colour or material. The true eoat sleeve still pursues the even tenor of its way in the serviceable shirts and blouses. Naturally taffetas is being employed to a, certain extent. At present, however, it has not found favour for entire blouses, being used mostly as a trimming, when it is quite charming, especially shot. It is employed for bretelles and folded eeinture, but is never seen where there is much friction. Lace Blouses with Basques. Very pretty laee blouses with waistbelts of coloured silk, and basques front and baek, but cut away on the hips, are being a good deal worn. They are particularly becoming to slim people, and I saw one this week which looked very well with a trim black moire skirt. It was in Irish lace with long sleeves, turnedback collar and cuffs of black moire, and a folded .waistbelt of the same. The basque 'behind was about a foot long, in front it was a little longer. Over cream crepo’ii dresses of last year (the little simple dresses which were so much worn) these little coats or blouses look very well indeed, and they may be just as easily adapted to coloured dresses if a note of colour like that in the dress is used at the waist and throat.