FASHION'S FANCIES.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 3, 1 April 1920, Page 13

FASHION'S FANCIES.

(By "Brunette.")

AUTUMN MODELS.

In view of the fact that the new autumn models are being displayed a resume of tbi prevailing tendency will not be out of place. By tha way there is more than one tendency, for this season 's chapeaux are not confined to one particular type — there is appa-renfly no end to the variety of shades and incidentally colours. Apropos of colours they occupy a prominent place both in regard to the trimming a,nd the hat itself. Never have colours appeared to better advantage — every conceivable tint has been pressed into service. The result is very effective, especially if. the shape is intended to be worn with a dark costume. Tliat is probably the reason for fashion's departure. Hats in the past eertainly possessed colour, but the present are — well — more daring or glaring ! Tlie sombre hucs for which the war was responsible have given way to a riot of colour which reflects in a measure the temperament of the people. Bright cerises, greens, blues, yellows, etc., vie with each other for supremacy. It is, after all, a matter of individual taste and the choice rests with the wearer. The fact that the colours are occasionally (more often) eontrasted lessens the difficulty of selection — so does the purse. Turning to tlie question of shape, both the turned-up brim and its opposite enjoy equal favour. The former is very effective and has an indefmable "something" about it which can best be descrfbed as chic. A neat black chip (the turned up brim being well defined) looked tres bon on its pretty owner. Said hat was relieved by a touch of cerise on the edge. After several years' seelusio'n the ever welcome beaver makes its reappearance and with a few exceptions has not altered mucli. The three- cornered style is in favour and these adorable little creations will be muc.h sought after. Fortunately, or unfortunately, this shape does not lend itself readily to any or every face — it is rather exclusive — and on that account all tlie more desirable. Shortly after la guerre three-cornered velvets were the vogue but evideiitly beaver has superseded it. The opening of hostilities gave Madame Fashion inspiration, and military styles of the past and present decades nave supplied the foundation for ideas not only in hats but also on coats, f rocks, etc. A close rival to tlie beaver will bc the rough straws — riiiny and otherwise — which will prove profitable investments, especiallv by the business gTrl who has to study economy. Of crouse there is no comparison between the beaver and the straw, both in regard to material and price, the formcr being the more expensive. On the other hand the beaver has its compensations for it is serviceable and attractive. The millinery world, like everything else, presents a study in contracts not only from the £. s. d. standpoint, but also from the trimming and materialistic. Oloth allied with velvet, velvet with crepe-de-chihe, straw with silk, are typical of the craze . for bizarne effects. What seem almost impossible combinations are delightful realities. As for the trimming — it is like profiteering — mucli in. evidence. Bright. button-hole stitching, for instance, is capable of transforming a dark hat and vice versa. A quill, feather, flower, rosette, anything in fact that will act as ornamentatioii or can be camouflaged as trimming is quite the thing. It is imperative however that- the hat should have a suggestion of trimming — on this point Dame Fashion is adamant. Another noticeable revival is a variety ■.A the tam. The autumn modification is very smart, especially when it is presented in a combination of colours. It is a foregone conclusion that the indiapensabla tam will figure in tho winter programme. Tt looks comfy cosy, and chic !