THE LADIES’ WORLD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2581, 16 August 1909, Page 3

THE LADIES’ WORLD.

; FASHION IN SYDNEY. I r (From the “Sydney Morning Herald.”) \ With the westerly wind howling at ' the rate of 50 miles an hour, and tour- | ists being dug out of the snow in the \ mountains, it does not seem quite the ; moment to talk of spring goods. But ’ August has arrived, and according to ’ the sartorial season spring comes with the first of the month, and no matter what the weather conditions, tho mandates of fashion may not be disobeyed, and so the shopkeepers are already showing their spring goods. It is a very distinctive spring, and as the materials go, tho one word of description is soft. Everything is soft and clinging, whether it be silk, cashmere, or cambric. There is not a great change in the styles in which our clothes aro to be made, and for the long coats and tho high-waisted gowns, which still carry all before them, materials must be absolutely devoid of stiffness. But although it is decidedly distinctive spring, it can scarcely be called an entirely new one. In fact, the most emphatic feature in the season’s novelties is the return of old favorites. Amongst the better materials wo find the old Parramatta cloth, which was later on known as Henrietta, now appearing under \the same Ititle once again. Cashmere, in many guises, is to be seen, and anything more graceful and suitable for a spring gown it would be hard to find. The once-popular moire antique makes its reappearance, but it ean scarcely be recognised in its new soft character. It has changed its name to moire renaissance, and is much finer and wider than of yore, but it still bears its beautiful silky water marks. Another old favorite, which will be welcomed with approval and delight, is the once-übiquitous crepon. In cotton it appears in all tho newest, daintiest shades, and for useful everyday dresses it would be hard to find a more suitable material. But it is not confined to cotton, and in silks, with a soft satin finish, it is a thing to covet. When we know that crepon has returned we are quite prepared to welcome foulard. For a couple of seasons past foulard has been endeavoring to reappear, but it has certainly arrived now. It has not changed much since it was with us last, except that it has grown a good deal wider, and more artistic in coloring, but the same rings and spots and geometrical designs which wo always as-sociate with it, are still to tho fore. Indeed, spots and Euclid figures are very much in evidence. They arc found on the Shantung as well as foulard. And, by the way, nothing has taken the place of Shantung. It has adopted a great many variations, but it is still Shantung, and most desirable. For coats and skirts it is found in a heavv striped make that is as durable as effective. Stripes are still “in.” Not the same stripes as wo have had recently, but delicate lines of the same color in a lighter or darker shade. Some of the Eoliennes and cachemires do soie are glorified with a broad silk stripe of a brighter hue. Another material which is all stripes is our old friend rep. which appears in the most elegant form, and is quite the newest thing. Linens are another revival, and they will carry all before them for summer wear. A* new cotton material for coats and skirts, is an Ottoman cotton, which lias the same effect as silk at a much lighter cost and weight. Cotton foul- , ards are also shown, and at first glance are scarcely distinguishable from the silk. ' | But though we have all our old favorite materials back with us, the colors are new. We have aluminium in many shades, ashes of roses, persan .blue, lichen green, and several o the re. It is hard to say yet which will bo first favorite; and, indeed, with such an unending variety, there will probably not be one distinct favorite.