Frocks Of A Century Pass In Review At Church Fair

Chronicle (Levin), 30 September 1949, Page 4

Frocks Of A Century Pass In Review At Church Fair

Exquisite frocks worn by a century of women drew a large audience when, they were displayed in the Century Hall, Levin, on Tuesday night as one of the highlights of the Bungalow Fair of St. John's Ladies' Guild.

A grand ball at Government House, Singapore, 60 years ago was the original setting of one Indian hand-embroidered creation of cream crepe-de-chene over cream satin, with elaborate fringe effect. Added to the interest which this frock created was the fact that the original wearer was among Ihe audience. The finishing touch was an evening scarf with a stu'dded sequin effect, only the sequins were actually pieces of solid silver clamped through the net. A silk top' hat worn at the same ball adorned the head of the compere, Mr. K. Bowater. One hundred years of life failed to mar the beauty of a black satin brocaded cape featuring wonderful old lace and elaborate beading. Although so old it showed no signs of wear. A matching bonnet of the same age was worn with it, the lace extending down the ribbons to match the cape. Exceding it by. some years in age was another evening cloak. The foundation of this ga-rmenL was net throughout, which was worked with gold threads of tinsel. The pattern was worked in heavy gold and black braid of most intricate design. A quaint slit up the back wa s added. to prevent damage when worn. Cloaks of this type were frequently seen at operas in those very early days. Lavender patterned silk and blue ve'.vet combined to mkke an old world wedding frock a thing of beauty. It was first worn . by a bride of 76 years ago. There was also a frock of glace silk, two different shades of brown being used most - effectively. Its very small waist-line and the biistle were much in vogue at the time this frocks was worn — over' 73 years - ago. It • was obvious that

the silk must have been of excellent quality to have lasted all those years without perishing. A wedding in 1892 first saw a graceful gown of fine woollen cashmere trimmed with silk lace and water waved ribbon. A stifflyboned bodice and bustle effect gave it the dignity of 60 years ago. These are but a few selections from a most interesting parade of fashions of a .century. Just -by way of contrast there was a wedding gown of 1948 appeal, but its rich lace trimmings recalled a bride of 21 years ago. This modern gown was of magnolia corded slipper satin. The collecting of these frocks, of which the above are but a few, meant months of work for Mr. and Mrs. K. Bowater, who were fesponsible for the exhibition. Many were the old chests which were searched in oraer to bring about this resurrection of oM world charm in feminine attire, . Some of the frocks canie from Masterton and Palmerston North, but .the large majority were from homesteads in and .around Levin. A big diffieulty arose in finding mannequins with the requisite measurements to wear. these small-waisted models of earlier days, and securing the complete sets was also a headache for the organisers. Occasions arose when the top half of a gown was located, but the remainder was either misiaid or borrowed and vice versa. However, further searches resulted in their location aiid all was well. Both Mr. and Mrs; Bowater are to be congratulated in making possible such a- wide collection and lalso those many people who responded to 'their requeste for gowhSa . _ i f