WOOL FASHIONS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 June 1940, Page 4

WOOL FASHIONS

IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY IN OPERA HOUSE

REMARKABLE VARIETY OF FABRICS AND TINTS

EXCELLENT SUPPORTING PROGRAMME.

There, was a large and appreciative audience at the Opera House, Masterton last night when the New Zealand Wool Council and the National Patriotic Council presented a very fine wool fashion display in aid of Patriotic Funds. The demonstration illustrated effectively the suitability and value of wool for widely-varied purposes. The garments were all 100 per cent pure wool, finished as sheer as silk with an amazing variety of colours, and featured creations by famous houses such as Schiaparelli, Digby Morton, Lydia Moss. Mauna Katourya. Motley and Simpson of Piccadilly. There were also some outstanding designs of Madame Elsie Rodger, of Wellington. Shown to advantage by three beautiful mannequins, the wide range of fashions created a marked impression on the audience.

Prior to the display an amusing oneact farce was produced by Mrs E. J. Rich and met with the approbation of those present. The scene was set in a matrimonial bureau and the humorous situations arising were capably exploited by the cast. The following were the players:—Mesdames Jaine, F. Price; Misses Pat Jordan, Grace Gaudin, Mary Pither, Jose Hosking, Jean Douglas, and Mr Neal Irwin. Pleasing items were given as follow: —Miss Greig, pianoforte solo; Mrs W. McMinn, solo; Mr and Mrs Miller Hope, duets; Mrs Miller Hope was the accompaniste and during the mannequin parade played suitable music.

Mrs Ina Allan, who was in charge of the display, was an excellent commentator, her fluent exposition proving very entertaining. Her descriptions of the various modes were very vivid. Mrs Allan delighted her audience with a musical monologue during the display, and in between scenes gave a series of jokes about imaginary radio characters, “Mrs ’lggins and her neighbour.”

The parade commenced with a splendid array featuring a grey flannel housecoat, blue shorts, a pink negligee with a white night dress, a brown check housecoat, patchwork shorts (the very latest in smartness), a grey house coat with blue taffeta, and a pale pink negligee with a blue nightdress. In sportswear there was a chic cream cruise suit, a spectator sports ensemble, and a green sports frock with a green turban. An outstanding exhibit was a Dak's suit by Simpson of Piccadilly. In the following section there was a splendid variety of costumes and suits in browns, checks, tartans, greys, etc., completed with a tableau showing grey and white night dresses, house coats and pyjamas. Cocktail frocks, cut on both severe and simple lines in Paisley, blues, cerise and yellow were also exhibited. Gorgeous motley shades were featured in three evening gowns, which were very pleasing to the eye. The concluding item was a tableau, presenting a beautiful bridal gown, to all appearance silk net and lace, but made of pure wool. The takings amounted to £l6 19s and a flag collection to £l4 13s, making the total gross receipts £-31 12s.