N.Z. In World Competition For Fashionable Fabrics

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31081, 9 June 1966, Page 7

N.Z. In World Competition For Fashionable Fabrics

"Window Shopper" Looks At Men's Fashions

Corduroy, fleecy materials and fabrics used for producing the Abominable Snowman appearance known in America as the “rat fink” look have proved so popular in New Zealand that these are the first materials to sell out.

They are in world demand now, and New Zealand manufacturers are having to take delivery of their repeat orders a lot later than they did last year.

This is the result of two changes on the fashion scene. New Zealand used to be about 18 months behind Britain, the Continent and the United States in fashion trends, but the gap has now been closed and manufacturers are buying their fabrics at the same time as their counterparts overseas.

They are now competing with buyers all over the world, and the result is that they have to take longer delivery on anything that is popular.

The other gap that has closed is the time difference between men’s and women’s fashions. There was a time when the colour, style and fabric of men’s clothes followed

about a season behind those fashionable for women.

This season corduroy is very popular with women, and also with men. Young men and women are dressing to complement each other, and the “his” and “hers” fashion in corduroy has boosted the demand for that material so much that manufacturers in Britain, the United States, France, Czechoslovakia, Italy, Japan and China are

hard pressed to supply enough of it.

As the photograph shows, corduroy is being used for practically everything except underwear. .The model is dressed in corduroy for head to toe —cap, tie, jacket, trousers and shoes.

There is also considerable variety in styles of corduroy, from smooth velvety material with no rib through checks and patterns to broad ribs half an inch wide.

The corduroy trend—and particularly the “his” and “hers” idea—began in Carnaby street, the home of “mod” fashions, and is already sweeping America. All of the big manufacturers in the United States are now bringing out their own interpretations of the rapidly changing Carnaby street styles.

Hardy Amies’ answer to the mini-skirt is the mini-coat (right), in this case following the shaggy look, with simulated black seal fur. The lower picture shows three trend-setters now making their appearance in Christchurch bell-bottom trousers, Paisley ties and broad, patterned belts.