The Ely Miner

Evening Silhouette Goes Classic

Fashions have been designed for the coming winter social season, go on parade, one is forcibly reminded of art and sculpture, of the paintings of old masters or of figures in classic drapes and pleats sculptured in marble or colorfully frescoing ancient palaces and cathedrals of ancient Rome.

It is in these new fashions for formal occasions which are to grace opera and ballroom and smart functions galore, as if Italian saints were descending from old-master paintings, in flowing robes of rich velvets that are girdled and jeweled in dazzling splendor. Then again it would seem as if Greek goddesses were stepping down from their marble pedestals in garments that are draped and pleated along sculpturesque lines of grace and beauty. And again oriental princesses clad in harem-skirted costumes with softly draped and richly bejeweled blouses seem to have come to life in array of gorgeous splendor. Verily "art in dress" holds sway this season,

The soft crepes, the supple superb velvets, the tissue-like, glamorous gold and silver cloths, the diaphanous chiffons and dainty silk sheers, all lend themselves beguilingly to the present movement in costume design which calls for floating scarfs, huge wing sleeves, and fluttering side pleatings that go all the way around the skirt or are captured in cascades of exceeding grace.

At all times in these classic gowns the feeling of simplicity is maintained, even though a resplendent note be sounded in richly jeweled girdles or golden sandals or sumptuous costume jewelry. See the group of evening gowns that are herewith illustrated and be convinced that the very loveliest after-dark fashions are playing up sophisticated yet classic simplicity to the nth degree of perfection.

The eye-impelling gown to the left which so unmistakably bespeaks inspiration of the Italian renaissance is a Jeanne Lanvin creation. This glamorous robe is of magenta crepe, its rich beautiful tone matching up to the dark vibrant coloring in old master paintings. It is full, falling in generous folds starting from massed shirrings. The wide girdle and armlets are of cutout gold kid. The rich magenta coloring of this dress speaks eloquently of the present color trend, which stresses the rarely beautiful dark reds and purples and green that have come down to us through the ages via Italian art.

Hammered silver cloth fashions the adorable gown centered in the group. The glittering fabric falls with exquisite grace from the gathered waist line and is draped in a harem hemline. The wide belt worked in multi-colored jewels is a climaxing touch of artistry. Silver sandals are worn. The graceful wrap which this silver-gowned lady has in her hand is of royal blue velvet It is fashioned with a surplice that ties at the back.

To the right in the picture, sculpture-like draping distinguishes a Grecian gown of classic beauty and simplicity. Sheer gray silk that looks like wool is edged with embroidered bands worked in coral, gold and turquoise beads.

Style notes which tune in to the classic trend tell of low-heeled Grecian sandals such as the smart Parisienne takes delight in wearing. The sari scarf is another item of interest. It is of tissue metal-shot weaves and sometimes it is richly embroidered with sparkling sequins.

© Western Newspaper Union.

METAL CLOTH

By CHERIE NICHOLLS

Glittering silk lame makes this long sleeved dinner gown. It is typical of the trend toward elegant fabric that is fashioned with utmost simplicity. The influence of the Far East is traced in the tall turban also fashioned of silk lame and the long-streamered sash in a vivid hue, that falls in a cluster of fine side pleats to the hemline of the skirt. Note the new low-heeled sandals.

Fashion Designers Tip

Almost every silhouette is found in the new suits.

A three-inch belt of bright red suede is smart as a color note to a dark dress.

Some of the smartest new bags are handle models, and deeper than they are wide.

Some of the new evening gowns are of stiff brocade that looks almost like upholstery fabric.