The Frontier

Washable Fabrics Attain New
Place in Style Significance

THE high style significance achieved by wash fabrics during the last several years is nothing less than epoch making. Inspired by the amazing cottons and linens and spun rayons and kindred weaves at their command, designers are turning out wash apparel that is writing a thrilling chapter in fashion history.

Now that we have come to recognize the adaptability of modern washables to every phase of all-purpose wear, ranging from the most casual, utilitarian and informal to formal occasion, women who understand the art of dress are feeling the urge to plan their wardrobe entirely from play and workaday clothes to formal dinner gowns and party frocks in terms of smart wash materials.

To tell of the multitudinous wash fabrics producers are turning out this season would be a task in vain. However, there are highspots that deserve mention. There are the cotton gabardines in delectable pastels that tailor beautifully for slack suits and sports frocks. Crinkled seersuckers have taken a new lease on life. You can get them in sturdy weave or so exquisitely sheer they will prove a delight for summer wear. As to the new piques so highly important this season, you won't be able to resist the eyelet embroidered versions. The printed piques, too, are lovely.

As to the fascinating chambrays now so modish (be sure to make a note of chambray for it is tremendously important) the newer types have been refined to a degree of nicety in touch, texture and lovely coloring that makes them not to be resisted. The same may be said of dimities (in demand for both formals and informals), there is a crispness about modern types that adds sprightliness to the mode.

When you see the dainty afternoon and party frocks fashioned of sweetly feminine Jennie Lind muslins that strew wee flowerets in a pretty confusion of colors over a sheer background, it's a safe guess you will be indulging in more than one of these gay little flatterers. We must not forget to call attention to the stunning huge plaids of sheer texture. These are designs to go anywhere and everywhere this summer.

When you start out in quest of washable cotton or spun rayon prints keep in mind that the smartest this season are in gray and white, especially the new polka dots which are all the rage this season. Yellow and gray prints are also in high fashion.

Another interesting feature brought out at the wash apparel show held in Chicago this spring was the importance of stripes. Stripes of every conceivable interpretation from high-colored gypsy and candy stripes to fetching stripes in pastels, also floral stripes and other novelty stripes were stressed throughout the entire program of voguish washables.

The working of stripes in clever design has become a fascinating pastime with designers. Note how artfully stripes have been juggled for the dress pictured to the left in the illustration. This attractive model is fashioned of a woven spun rayon in pencil stripe. The pockets and front panel reveal a diagonal working of stripes.

To the right in the group, candy stripes of rough weave turf cloth in striking colors are manipulated to advantage with the result of achieving a most pleasing back view as well as being attractively styled throughout.

The girl seated in the foreground has on a frock that boasts a circular skirt and the new corselet treatment at the waistline. The material for this dress is a spun rayon sport print that subscribes very effectively to the vogue for novelty stripes.
(Released by Western Newspaper Union.)

Print Ensemble Is
Season's Favorite

Full-length wool coats lined with a silk print to match an accompanying dress are seen in both casual and formal afternoon ensembles. In the casual group is a red silk print dress with an all around pleated skirt accented with pleated pocket flaps on skirt and bodice. This is topped by a fitted navy wool coat buttoned from neck to hem, and lined with the print of the dress.

A more formal ensemble employs a Persian pattern silk print for the dress, with a gently flared skirt and softly draped and ruffled bodice. The accompanying full-length princess coat of gray wool has elaborate trapunto embroidery on the sleeves and bodice.

Print Sheers Are
Smart for Spring

Shades of gray and white are printed in a plaid formation on a sheer dress and jacket ensemble admirably suited to spring luncheon or an afternoon's shopping in town. The jacket is long and fitted and boasts two pocket flaps on either side. The neckline is trimmed with a jabot of frothy white organdy.

Pink roses printed on white for the bodice, and on black for the skirt, are the motif for an afternoon dress of soft chiffon. A detachable apron of the pink and black print ties on over the skirt with a wide sash and bow to make it even more dressy.

Lace-Panel Gloves

Gloves this season are in a highly decorative mood. Even the simplest gloves for general wear are apt to be tucked or shirred or otherwise cunningly furbelowed. The eight-inch rich rayon Kayspun glove designed by Natascha as here pictured eloquently interprets the present trend toward decorative detail, which in this instance is expressed in a heavy lace panelling up the sides. The accompanying bag has the same lace applied as the long gloves. This very chic twosome of bag and gloves is available in white, black or navy.

Flowered Toes

Spring flowers in pastel colors are painted over the toes to grace the newest stockings for evening wear. Obviously designed for open-toed slippers, they are an intriguing as well as a decorative touch.