WORLD'S FASHION CENTRE HAS GROWN FAMININE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 45, 16 November 1937, Page 11

WORLD'S FASHION CENTRE HAS GROWN FAMININE

London has changed its gender — it is uow feminine. Formerly it was regarded as the pity which appealed more exclusively to men, whereas Paris was supposed to lure women within" lts gates. But all that has been changed. For London is now the Mecca of the well-dressed woman the world over. During the recent Coronation celebrations when London was thronged with visitors from all parts of the globe, the general opinion was that London, the hub of the universe, was now, also, the fashion centre. British fabrics ma^o in British mills have reached such perfecfioh of design and finish that they have been chosen to create the newest and" most exclusive models of leading dre3s designers in their London salons. All shades of amethyst — light to dark — and plum are favoured for light wool plain-surface materials for dresses and costumes. This is good news for the woman whose inches are a trouble, for tcnes of plum and amethyst (in the •darker. shades) are definitely slimming in effect. Other new shades popular at tho British Industries -Fair are Albany brown (somewhat like the London tan of last seasonj, a very dark brown, and a warni red- brown, vall of which will be employed for day wear. Black is coming baek. That is fashion news of importange, espeeially as regards afternoon wear. But it is being eombined with rather vivid reds and greens (especiallv in cmbroidered effects), and not so much with the former favourite — white. For eveuing gowns, either rich colours or the pastel tones, will bo worn. At one of the very early .displays of new models by a "Yxoted London designer, it was noticed that scme of the smartest gowns were almost colourless. One gown was composed of a silver-ico shade — if one m'ay so describe it, for it was so indefinite — yet the effect of this and similar "colourless" shades was modern and sophisticate.d. Still the battle of the skirts is being waged. Sonie of the stylists favour the very short dress for tailored suits and sports wear, others declare for the medium skirt length. It seems that the present trend toward short skirts has reached its peak, and with cooler days, skirts will be longer. But the individual will be able to make her own choice — short or long. For evening wear, at the' fiist "showings" gowns were worn just above the toe, but not showing the ankle. The trailing gown is finished. Buttons are important on latest models, metal and wood being use^ — bright silver mostly — and belts, mostly self-fabric belts with small buekles uothing exotic,