FLAMING FROCKS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1717, 7 April 1913, Page 2

FLAMING FROCKS.

; FASHIONS AT AUTEUIL. Auteuil presented a most brilliant appearance to-day (February 13) on tho occasion of the opening of the I'avU racing .Mason, (writes' the Paris correspondent of the "Daily Hail"). Mannequins were consnicuous by their absence,, as Hie; fashionable dressmakers have apparently agreed riot to send any for 'the present in pursuance of their new policy of strict secrecy until 'late in'the season. But the public in Rensral', were nevertheless afforded an opportunity of viowiiig what will be worn this spring by smart women. Never before in such an assembly had colours so startling been seen nor such bewildering contrasts, two, three, and even four different shades being worn at the same time. These tlnring colours appear to have absolutely superseded tho sober blue sersra so iioptilar (luring tho past few years. There was not a single costume cJ the latter colour to bo seon to-day. Another feature which will- undoubtedly. form a keynote of tho spring fashions is'tho exceedingly elrijornte skirt, both in. cloth and in silk, fully droned from (ho back' and narrowing to almost hobble skirt dimensions in tho hem. An incenious and picturesque nrranßemeiVi of the drapery of the skirt, wliicli is cut up in front almost to tlie kneo in tho shape of a reversed •V, assures perfect freedom of movement. Low shoes, mostly of bronze colour, butill some cases matching the dress and almost invariably with red Morocco lieols, are worn with the new skirts. As to coats, they are usually of the same colour as tils skirt, but always a brilliant hue. In shape they are generally short and cut pway. Soma of tho more popular shades seen to-day are crass green," Du Barry red and practically every other shade of red, sky blue, and boltlo green— tho latter being generally seen in velvetorange, buff, and brilliant mauve. One of the most startling models was that of a coat of extraordinary coloured cloth; cut; away in front, over a skirt of large cheek einnnmon taffeta. The skirt revealed very low velvet slippers ami embroidered silk stockings. The costume was completed ,by a collar of brilliant yelJowiaj fur. Another dress which attracted milch attention was of bright orange velvet trimmed with skunk, end with n muff to match. Smnll hats, generally very siinol.v trimmed with cither tiny /lowers of bright hues or with a single quill or lancer plume, appear to,be most favoured. Till* general impression gathered by observers of to-day's first fashionable! meelipg of tho new season is that tho spring modes will bo calculated (o increase by a good deal tho yearly expenditure of well-dressed women.