The World of Fashion.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIX, Issue 17, 23 April 1913, Page 69

The World of Fashion.

By

MARGUERITE.

Attractive Blouses. T HERE are no more attractive blouses than these made of crepe de ehine (this should be rather thick, as then it wears remarkably wcHTj, relieved with narrow tuck from ■shoulder to shoulder, the scheme completed with a knife-pleated frill in front, and then they can be lifted quite out of the rut of the commonplace ■by a turn over collar of the same material; but it must be cut well away in front. These blouses are very loose fitting, and the long sleeves are finished with gauntlet cuffs edged with narrow knife-pleated frill. It is indeed an immense advantage that La Mode has consented to our wearing blouses of a contrasting material and colour to the skirt, as one will do duty on so many occasions. Again, there is a decided feeling for lace blouses that are mounted on net or chiffon, the latter trimmed with ribbon in a. great variety of ways. Sometimes small wreaths of flowers are seen resting-on the lining. In order that the 'contrast between the skirt and Mouse may strike no jarring note, a eash that tones with both is introduced, and either falls in long ends at the back or is loosely knotted at the side. The sash ends at the back are very helpful to the woman who has a tendency towards embonpoint. A Veritable Boon.

As everyone knows, the collars of shirts and blouses become quickly soiled, therefore a cordial welcome will be extended to the detachable silk polo collars, both with rounded and pointed corners. They are made of soft Japanese silk, and can be obtained at a low price.

Pleasant News. Indeed, it is pleasant news that the wheel of fashion is rapidiy revolving towards blouses that fasten in front. The inconvenience of having a blouse done up at the back is one that women for many a long day have endured meekly; ■now the most modish blouses have the fastening at one side in front concealed beneath the vest or trimming. Furthermore, some of the new models are quite loose in front, and no attempt is made to conceal the button and button-holes. Neither must it be forgotten that there is a tendency for loose backs; but they are far from becoming, and should never be worn by the woman endowed with what is generally known as a tailormade ’figure. Party Frocks.

Now is-the time of year when we want them most, and the young people are always interested in the all-important question of what to wear. Dress influences a girl’s life so much. We have quite gone away from the idea that she must wear white only, or perhaps mingled with a little lender - pink or blue, if she is a blonde. White dresses now are always adorned with silver or gold, perhaps interwoven. Rose-pink satin, turquoise blue, a light greenish yellow, and rich silks, even brocades with floral bouquets in their designs, are considered the right thing for the debutante; indeed, brocade often carries all before it, and. the design is winsome, suggestive of coquetry, reminiscent of Dolly- Vardens and Dresden sheppherdeeses; but yet it has much dignity in it. Soft satin, soft marquisette, with or without <soft chift’on veiling, make quite bewitching .gowns.

Draperies. These are far removed from the ordinary' kinds to which we have accustomed ourselves. The festooned effects find favour, and very shallow .draperies, a mere festoon of stuff. Nothing is houffaute; the straight effect is what we all aim at. Many panniers come from the waist, and are carried towards the back, where from beneath them comes a long pointed train, and a corner panel figures beneath a straight front, which ends at the knee. The pannier opens in what we used to call window-curtain fashion, so that the front of the skirt is well seen. Accordion-pleated skirts have a drapery of long panels, which are not at all ungraceful, and tire pleating® give a little width, but not much. Accordionpleated rest gowns are most popular. Mousseline de soie and kindred stuff's pleat delightfully, and such garments are held in at the waist by Oriental ternbroideries land quaint gems.