FASHIONS OF THE PAST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 October 1939, Page 8

FASHIONS OF THE PAST

INTRODUCED THIS YEAR. “To be strictly 1939. a girl must revive fashions introduced by ancestors whose names are now only faded leaves on the family tree." says OrryKelly, creator of the early twentieth ’century costumes Bette Davis wears in "The Sisters." the Warner Bros.’ picture soon to be released in New Zealand. “The newest sleeve in the autumn silhouette first appeared in the sixteenth century fashion parade." the stylist explained. “The sleeve is long, fitted, and stands up abruptly almost at right angles with the shoulder-line where it is inserted. The thick soles, considered so radically new last summer. were also worn by sixteenth century ladies. “Some months ago Joan Crawford launched quilting as an acceptable surface trim on a formal evening gown, and Priscilla Lane is having all of her sports dresses made with suspended pouch pockets. Both of these, styles were the vogue two hundred years ago. Hollywood is excited about doll-sized hats. Yet tiny hats, making no pretence of fitting the head, but anchored to the coiffure by ribbons or hatpins have appeared from time to time over a thousand year period. “Today’s silhouette, which shows a full skirt and a full bodice, has been seen among European peasants for countless years. Revived from the period of 'The Sisters’ are sailor hats, slim waistlines and high simple necks. Oddly enough, it’s the most modern woman who looks to her ancestors for modes of the moment.”