SUMMER SHOWERS

Shannon News, 10 January 1928, Page 1

SUMMER SHOWERS

"This summer, when rain has been more- than'' plentiful, novelties in mackintoshes and rainproofs are in demand,•' said the woman managingdirector of a well-known wholesale linn of manufacturers of mackintoshes in England, "They vary from elaborate designs that were prepared for Ascot and other fashionable gatherings to the plainer varieties at lesser prices, which we term in the trade *br>:ad and- cheese' lines."

At this showroom in .Mortimer Street West, there are 400 different designs which are all originated by the managing-director. The newest model, which has only just appeared on the market, is in red proofed velvet" patterned with black, which gives the impression of flames. This is guaranteed for two years.

Some of the designs are costly to produce The machine for printing one, for instance, cost £30," said the expert. "Wizard skin patterns are still very popular in proofed crepe de chine, proofed velvet, and in rubber. We send mackintoshes all over the world, and the United States of America is one of our largest market*.

The materials we use are rubberised in Lancashire and Scotland. These are two of the biggest centres for this work because the water obtain' able is the most suitable for use in blending the various constituents employed in the process. The work to be expert, and in the north usually passes from father to son.

"It takes about six weeks to complete the process of dyeing and rubberising. Naturally, special dyes which will not destroy the rubber have to be used, and a great deal of experimental work is involved.

"Artificial silk is now used very widely, and the checked designs have very big sales in America.

"White crepe de chine with bright coloured facings sells very well for races, and models which have adjustable capes are popular for these occasions because in case of a heavy shower a kind-hearted wearer can remove her cape and lend it to a friend. Many models in rubbered crepe de chine are now lined with woollen material, and rubber mackintoshes are mounted on silk to prevent them from easily splitting.

"The lightest weight coat is in proofed Indiana cotton. This a popular material for golf suits, which are specially designed to allow ample freedom in play.

"Hats are made to match very many models, but since the advent of the felt cloche hat, the demand for proofed millinery has not been so great."