Ingenuity Will Help in Achieving the “New Look”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26618, 14 November 1947, Page 2

Ingenuity Will Help in Achieving the “New Look”

The great skirt argument needs a more exact mathematical ruling. Only seven days ago Mr Henry Scott, chairman of the Guild of Creative Designers, said: “It is ridiculous for Britain to give w'ay to Paris’s irresponsible introduction of the longer skirt. We just have not got the materials. Since our designs form the basis for all the wholesale trade there will be few long skirts in Britain next season.” But what happens? At the Albert Hall—at the monster fashion parade organised by Mr Scott’s own guildmost of the day skirts were of the length which not so long ago would have been called “ long.”

The “ keep them short ” brigade have argued that the new styles are too costly on materials. There are two answers to this:

It is astonishing how many ways there are of meeting the new styles by conserving material elsewhere—in hems, for example. If Britain wants to keep a good name for fashion exports she cannot be the only country out of step. A recent show reminded me of Byron’s heroine who “ Whispering ‘ I will ne’er consent,’ consented.” Personally I am glad to see it, for I agree with Schiaparelli, the Paris-New York dress de-,

For the Daily Times by Anne Edwards.

for the past 15 years.

LONDON, Nov. 10,

signer who has arrived in London. “ It’s no use arguing,” she said, “ longer skirts are in.” Longer Skirts are “ In ” Constantly I am asked: “ Why do you persist in boosting the new Pans fashions—when you know very well that your readers can’t follow them?” My answer is: “ I am reporting a world-wide fashion revolution —the New Look. Already it is being worn in every other country where smart women are to be found. I predict that inside six months Englishwomen will be wearing clothes which this New Look—softer shoulders, smaller waists, rounder hips, and longer skills than

I am asked: “ What will the smart woman who has a limited amount of money and coupons to spend on dress do to achieve this New Look?” My answer is that she will do as she has always done—use a lot of ingenuity and style-sense, plus a little money and materials to give last year's clothes next year’s line.

Here, as result of discussions with Robb, the artist, are illustrated some ways in which the ordinary ingenious woman can adapt the clothes she already has to give them- (and her) the New Look.