Racing Fashions More Sensational Than Elegant

Radio Record, 31 July 1936, Page 54

Racing Fashions More Sensational Than Elegant

(Specially written for the "Radio Record" from London by

MAIE

WEBSTER

‘ACE meetings present a massed pattern of dress which is often disappointing, and each year is inclined to become more

sensational and less elegant. Some of the older members of the Jockey Club and veterans of the racing world expressed the opinion to me after the latest big meeting that women are spoiling the character of the enclosures’ by wearing freakish and contradictory clothes. This week has brought out such unsuitable attire as beaded lace, decollete necklines, obviously cut for evening dresses, and many models which were designed for the artificial setting and lighting of the stage. In very many outfits comfort as well as elegance is sacrificed for novelty.

DESPITE the fact that summer weather to date has been somewhat disappointing, the sun shines brightly and warmly this morning, so we gather our holiday ‘clothes and hopefully set forth for another week-end jaunt. Ultra simplicity is the keynote of chic for country or beach wear. Tailored frocks and jumper suits in pale colour are absolutely correct. There will be an international note on smart holiday resort promenades and beaches this summer, because designers have introduced the Scottish bathing suit and the Mexican bathing outfit; the everpopular Lido pyjamas still hold their own. The Scottish suit consists of a kilt in linen, which is acfually a shorts-trouser-skirt, a tailored jacket and a backless waistcoat of pique. The Mexican suit is fashioned in fine wool-smarr pocketed shorts and sunback top in white wool with a cape in red. A Mexican hat has a red girdle to tone with the cupe, and a similar cord girdles. the waist of the su

BRHACH pyjama trousers have gauging at the waist and again on the brassiere top, and usually have a short sleeved bolero jacket to wear with them. Sandals in the gayest of colours go with these clothes. A linen skirt buttoned down the front is a useful extra to your beach outfit-so, handy to slip on over your shorts. Linen and shantung in pastel shades are being worn extensively in suits and frocks-tailored skirts and fitted jackets comprise the suits, and the frocks are of the shirtblouse variety with short sleeves, high necks buttoned up the front, pockets, and pleated skirts with more pockets,

One very plain lilac shantung frock had a hip-length cape-excellent for spectator sports. CLOTHES to travel in must be comfortable, but chic. A stunning example I saw was a three-piece in pale grey. The skirt, pale grey flannel, marvellously tailored, and a particularly smart feature was the way in which the flat section between the centre pleats was buttoned down. The other two pieces comprised a cardigan and jumper, beautifuly cut in finest cashmere and of matching grey. A stitched beret of taffeta, and grey suede brogues and gloves completed a.most distinctive travel ensemble. For summer afternoons a gay printed frock is essential. Very festive indeed was one little model I saw, Wedgwood blue, patterned in white, with frilled sleeves and 2 befrilled bodice. Another print had lone sleeves fll and

gathered into a cuff; trimming was provided by a finely-pleated collar of the material, and a waterfall jabot in a plain contrasting georgette. ‘\ BRITISH cotton manufacturers are going ‘to benefit greatly, for the latest craze is washable cotton evening gowns. Fine printed cottons, piques and sheer handkerchief linen are the newest materials used in the Parisian evening gowns. OATEES and capes struggle for supremacy. Looking round at the opera the other night, and at the extremely fashionable crowd who thronged the Albert Hall to hear Grace Moore, I noticed that at present it is about fiftyfifty. These are some I saw: The feather cape made from cosy ostrich feathers is a practical as well as an exotic version. An elbow-length cape of net heavily beaded; the diaphanous type in tulle which reaches to the waist, and crisp, stiffened organdie,

Coatees are almost: as varied: they are tailored and waisted with wide revers, or basqued, with wide, loose sleeves. Any length from bolero to thigh length. And speaking of the Grace Moore recital, Miss Moore was an exquisite vision in misty white chiffon and diamante, with flowers in her golden curls . . . and her famous smile. ({LAMOROUS Wwide-brimmed hats for sunny days are trimmed with flowers, but may I add a word of warning about these hats. Don’t wear a.wide brim unless you are the right height to carry it. A beautiful maiden at Hton celebrations on June 4 wore a most romantic widebrimmed hat, but, alas, she was (Continued on next pave.)

London Fashions (Continued from previous page.)

enly about five feet nothing, and didn’t in the least achieve the glamorous appeal she no doubt had counted on. To be quite brutally candid, the effect was comic! Such a pity, ’cos the rest of her outfit was in perfect taste. Gold glitters on black crepe frocks; golden cords fasten velvet evening eapes, and gold caps, rich and gleamjng with synthetic jewels, are much seen at the theatre. Designers must always be planning well ahead, but when ‘one hears that the hats for next spring have already been created it is rather breath-taking! ‘ INDSOR Green" is a new colour "for 1937 millinery, and a very dashing model has been called "Coronation." It has an aeroplane effect, achieved by a cleverly-folded crown fastened by a bronze clip, and is definitely meant to be worn by the Soignee, well-groomed woman. Other 1937 models are simple and casual, and brown is one of the predominating colours, . Square-toed shoes are much in the limelight-all our American visitors are sponsoring them. Handbags in coloured or white reptile skin have umbrellas to go with them. The handles of these latter are skin-cover-ed, and a neat sheath of the skin eovers the umbrella, when not in use