The FASHION REVIEW

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 311, 24 October 1929, Page 2

The FASHION REVIEW

by

SUZETTE

The evening mode is completely feminine. Under the accented hips and moulded thighs that are essential to nine-tenths of the mode (watch for the missing tenth) there is a great deal of low flare, even a great deal of bulk. There are skirts that billow as well as float, and certainly much more material goes into the making of an evening dress each season. Skirts are fuller, panels more numerous, circular cut is now general, and many skirts flounce or ruffle their way to success.

Now for the evening dresses that see most service—the slightly-formal dress that means a good time if not a grand time. These are the dresses with tiered, flounced or ruffled skirts. They are not as flat as the informal dresses, nor are they as full and swaggering as the “ grandes robes.” They have a slight flare and circular cut, points, drapery and cascades, bands and godets, bows and loops, wings and capes, peplums and panels—all the trappings of the season, but all well in hand ; nothing flown to the wind in a grand manner.

Tulle is about the only material that is not suitable for these dresses. Soft lames and cire lame gauze, beaded fabrics—when the cut and silhouette are not exaggerated—lace, chiffon—plain and printed—dull crepes, shiny satin, moire and taffeta —plain, printed and brocaded—all these are excellent for this type. Though these dresses may touch the ground they do not drag or trail, but they have plenty of line all the same, since every woman wants to look as tall and slim as' possible. Lenth of line on the upper body is just as important as length of limb, so with the unbroken line from underarm to thigh* or where the dress is belted in the safe familiar way, this length of line is very evident. Belts, especially the tailored ones, are beginning to seem incongruous, since the unbelted high waist feeling is so pleasing and suitable for ‘evening. The belts that remain are merely excuses for buckles. And this is the season for beautiful buckles, so belts are certainly going out in a blaze of glory. The ever-widening and lengthening evening gowns have of course continued the vogue of the threequarter coats that are so smart. Many of the evening coats have cape backs. Sides and panels, slight and frank circular cuts, are frequently used. The materials are just as varied as the shapes and lengths of these coats and capes. Moire, printed chiffon, taffeta, metal lame, velveteen, georgette crepe, are all very extensively used.