Growing Influence of American Styles

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 31, 6 February 1937, Page 14 (Supplement)

Growing Influence of American Styles

IMPORTANCE OF GROOMING ** American styles are credited with a growing influence on fashion, so much so that several New York houses have now established small shops in London to sell their merchandise exclusively, said Miss Yvonne Lawrence, of New York to the Auckland Herald. Under the name of “Jane Swift,” Miss Lawrence is a contributor of fashion notes to many large American women's magazines. She has also worked with the late Patou, Schiaparelli and Worth, as a mannequin and of late has done a considerable amount of dress-designing in New York. The American woman of to-day desired to break away from the tradition that Paris was the home of good dressing, Miss Lawrence said. Gowns designed by Americans were becoming increasingly popular among the women of the United States and through their simplicity and faultless cut were establishing a new standard of dress. The American aimed at smartness, contort and variety and was successfully achieving it. For some time American women had been well-known for their smart sports wear. This was probably owing to the heat, and most of the social activities in New York were by the seashore or in the country. People who had lovely homes in New England, Newport, or Long Island, retired there to give garden parties, entertain house guests, attend horso shows and fairs, and attend dances. All this called for a certain type of dressing. Evening Wear Picturesque American dress-designers were now introducing into more “dressy” costumes the smartness that had characterised their sports wear. The summer wardrobe was based on coolness and attractiveness with tailored linens or crepe de chines with plain hats and accessories for day wear. Evening wear was definitely picturesque yet embodying the simple smartness of tailored suits. The American had always loved the suit, in white sharkskin linen or natural silk, Miss Lawrence said. Daring, yet nearly always right, ia her colour combinations, she added to the attractiveness of the suit by the careful choice of accessories. Unusual accessories were treasured by the American. ‘‘Good dressing is really not as difficult to achieve as most people think,” Miss Lawrence continued. “Before a woman even thinks of her clothes she should first consider her grooming and her carriage. Upon such a foundation even tho worst clothes achieved a certain air.” Qualities for a Mannequin In choosing a mannequin the famous dress designers took into consideration not a woman’s features but her carriage, the way she stood, walked and sat, her hair, her skin and her hands. Apart from that all they usually required was a narrow hipline to show their gowns tho more attractively. “There have been too many ‘do’s’ and ‘don’t’ already written and said about dressing. All that is required after grooming and carriage, is to remember to dress simply in good materials which are well cut,” Miss Lawrence said-