CENTENARY OF TROUSERS

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1601, 19 November 1912, Page 6

CENTENARY OF TROUSERS

EVOLUTION FROM STRAPPED TO "PEG-TOP" GARMENTS. "This is the centenary year of the trouser," said Mr. Robert Chisholm, the honorary secretary cf the Tailors' Exhibition, held on October 1 in Gerrard Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, whore there was a 'nofaiblo increase in tho number ot pairs of trousers sent for the inspection of tho judges. ~_ , , "There is not much difference between tho trouser of 1312 and 1912," he added. - "The 1812 trouser was strapped to the foot and was looked upon for a timo with disdain by tho aristocracy. It is-said that when the Duke of Wcllinßton (then Marquis)'ventured into a fashionable club wearing the newly-introduced garment, he was compelled to leave. ... "Tho 'boll-bottom, the trouser. narrow at tho knee and wide at the extremities, camo in many years later, and is stm worn in the Navy and in the East Eud. ; Then there were the 'bags,' having something of the capacity of sacks, and eveutu. ally wo arrived at tho very tight-fitting, trouser. This winter a kind of semi-'peg- i. ton' is being worn." . . •_/ Dress coats with 'dome buttons, cuffs, and velvet collars were among the exhibits, and there were ladies' coats with vividly coloured linings to the collars, iriviag a sort of sunset .effect,'.,..... ■. -