THE FASHIONS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5384, 29 June 1878, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE FASHIONS.

The great object aimed at in tho present fashion is extreme slimness of figure. To attain this several kinds of combination undergarments have been introduced, out to the figure, and without the slightest fulness at the waist; in fact some fashionable dressmakers at Home have gone so far as to mould the body of the dress on to the corset itself, using no body-lining. To prevent this being too cold, and therefore injuring tho health, a washleather garment is made fitting to the form. However, it is best to have a medium in all things, and not rush into extremes ; so, to suit the present fashion and yet be within bounds, we present the accompanying engraving. It is a petticoat and high petticoat bodice in one. It is a Prinoesse form, and is buttoned at the back. It fits tho figure closely, and at the termination of the fastening there is a drawingstring. It may be made in either colored foulard or white nainsook. This garment, when made in colored silk, serves admirably for the slip of any transparent material. The opinion from reliable sources is that this close-fitting tie-back fashion will last some time yet, although there has been a faint rumor in some of the fashion journals that crinolines are coming in with short dresses. We sincerly hope that it is without foundation ; for that certainly is a hideous and unbecoming fashion.

It is most interesting to read of the exquisite fabrics which are invented to meet the taste which at present prevails for richness of attire. Embossed velvet and satin, silks with every alternate thread of a different color, satin to imitate a raven’s wing, and a host of others. The favorite trimmng is of strips about two inches wide, worked in colored silk, in imitation of flowers. Another extravagant idea is to have artificial flowers fastened to the muff, and not only that, but to have every flower perfumed with a scent resembling the one which it has in its natural state. Not a bad idea ; but the natural flowers themselves would be far better, though of course more ephemeral. We notice an improvement in gloves which ought to become popular ; that is, to lace them instead of button. This plan is good, because it prevents that tearing and dragging which often happens in the fastening of buttoned gloves. Hats are very “ gentlemanly” in style—rather becoming, though, and very neat ; the worst of it is that tho ladies who wear them are subjected to a good deal of teasing. The most elegant hat that has been in vogue for many years was the Gainsborough, or Duchess ; but they were so caricatured that they soou went out; tho chief feature was, of course, the richness and fullness of tho plumes at the side, and nothing looked more absurd than to see a red-faced girl, with one of tho cheapest make, lined with brick-color, and having a draggletailed feather sprawling over it; but a particularfashionsometimes takes the fancy of classes who cannot afford to purchase appropriate material, and in such oases they speedily kill it with their affection for it. When they patronize anything, taste and discrimination go to the winds ; even now you may often see a dubious-looking plait adorning (?) the anything but elegant back of some dowdy figure ; but fortunately that stylo, at no time generally becoming, is on the wane, and in fact has almost died out. Tho moat elegant and simple way to arrange tho hair now is to imitate the classical as much as possible, Ono style is to cut the hair in a fringe on the forehead, or tho fringo is sirnilated by tho ends of tho hair brought over tho head to tho front, and bound to the head by narrow straps of ribbon gold or black velvet. Between those straps tho hair is loosened and raised, which gives an undulating line. ___________