The FASHION REVIEW

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 293, 20 June 1929, Page 2

The FASHION REVIEW

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SUZETTE

| I remember some time ago, on a rough afternoon crossing, seeing a .girl on the hurricane deck. To be sure there were innumerable girls, everywhere. “ French,” said my friend. “ Possibly,” I replied, occupied with the details of her cream rubberised silk mackintosh (the pipings were scarlet), her close-fitting black velour hat, with a cut strip dissembling a cock’s feather at one side. “ Certainly,” said my friend, impatient at my lack of enthusiasm. , Just then another girl with a terrier, unmistakably Aberdonian, hove to, and a flood of Doric in three keys broke forth.

I have never forgotten that girl. She stands out in my memory like a figure in a bas-relief whenever I meet one of those scores of women who shop, lunch and walk on sluicing days in heavy coats with what resembles some species of long-defunct rodent attached—very defunct. None knows better than the Parisienne “ how to look chic though wet.” A generation of fabric manufacturers have been helping her, creating the most fascinating silken rubbery materials, that now the raincoat of the Parisienne will pass through the ring in the handle of her pigmy umbrella. Shades of the English Bronte sisters who tramped over their native moor in ankle-length ulsters and with large black cotton “ gamps ” !

A few examples of the versatility of the French raincoat creator. The one we show is a piquante crepe de chine rubber garment with frequent splashes of scarlet, green and gold, so merged that the effect is subdued rather than bizarre. The pouched effect and high storm collar makes this coat. Another is a Raglan, with narrow belt, bell collar and miniature bishop sleeves. A third has tailored revers, and a soft crepe de chine scarf in a contrasting shade. A fourth is built on the trench coat plan, with deep pockets and broad masculine belt. A fifth is reproduced in the Gordon tartan, and last of all comes a plain little cape of emerald green piped in white with scalloped hemline and demure turn-down collar. Each is accompanied by a hat which matches in colour and material; a gay crook or ring handled umbrella that will collapse with a shake of the wrist and fold up into a crocodile underarm envelope.