Picture Show (May-Oct 1920)

I, 132U. IN THE DRESS New Trimming Novelties — The Vogue for Patent Leather — Brightly Coloured Raffia on Frocks and Hats — The Newest Handbag. ige of this Madge finally conies out, bat passes bywthougb^^r It be wasn't there. Isn't that bke a giil ? • v IT is truly said that it is " the little things that count," especially when applied to tho world of dress. The whole appearance can be made or marred by the little etcetras of dress, and if care is taken in their choice you will always be gratified with the result. This applies particularly to trimmings this season, for there appears to be an absolute craze for weird and wonderful ideas. Their effect is usually bright and bizarre, yet there is a certain charm and fascination about them that renders them pleasing to the eye. Not only are imusual colour mixtures being adopted, but the most unusual materials are being employed to form the new trimmings. To Weather the Storm. PATENT LEATHER, for instance — which is usually confined to footwear and belts — is being used in multitudinous ways to trim our garments, while hats are being entirely fashioned from this fabric. Unlike most whims of Dame Fashion, this one is a really sensible idea, for hats of patent leather— or its less expensive substitute, American cloth — are invaluable for all weathers, and keep their shape and smart appearance despite the heaviest downpour. Truly, there is a certain sombreness about this kind of headgear, if it is left untrimmed,but fashion has decreed that their adornment shall be in the brightest of colourings, for motifs of brightly hued chenille silk, wool, or even raffia are worked on the leather. The mention of raffia leads me on to an even more unusual vagary of fashion — one that takes us back to our days at the kindergarten school — that is, the profuse use of raffia. This material has always been classed with mats, baskets, and bunching flowers, and, as a trimming for wearing apparel, it comes upon us as a surprise. However, used with discretion, it is a pretty fashion, and adds a touch of distinction to an otherwise simple toilette. Of course, care must be taken in the blending of the colours, for despite the fact that many bright hues are used together, the effect will be crude rather than pleasing if they are applied without thought of contrast. An Oriental Touch. ELAINE HAMMERSTEIN, t he well known film star, who is famous for her good taste in clothes is an admirer of raffia as a trimming, and is seen on this page wearing one of her favourite hats. This is a cosy, small shape of Navy-blue satin, that fits closely to the head, and that, apart from the top, is entirely trimmed with raffia straw. Red, green, blue and yellow are effectively allied and worked in a zig-zag pattern over the hat, a touch of novelty beirig added by the addition of a few oriental coloured wooden beads placed among the straw* Used in straight lines, raffia forms a unique brim to a small hat. Just placo strips of it straight from tho base of the crown to the edge of the brim until the latter is entirely covered. Loose strands of it intermingled with a wreath of flowers gives an uncommon touch to the trimming, and would look charming on a leghorn hat. As a trimming for frocks of gabardine, heavy satin and crepa-de-Chino, raffia is ideal. It does not rub through so quickly as silk or wool, and keeps its colour, needing only an occasional brushing to remove the dust. The charm of raffia trimming lies in the fact that it can be done by the veriest amateur at dressmaking. Buy some strands of coloured raffia at a fanoywork shop, and, keeping an eye to the colour scheme, work it in zig-zag fashion on tho hat or garment you wish to trim. When working raffia trimmings, do not follow any specified design, but meroly form your design as you go along. Tho raffia is simply laid on the top of the material, and caught down hero and there in position with a stitching of ordinary sewing cotton. The Ivorine-Topped Bag. HAVE you yet possossed yourself of one of the new smart ivorine-topped handbags? True, they aro an expensive luxury, but their appearance is so smart that it tempts one to be extravagant. Three or four guineas is the price asked for them in the shops, yet you can mako one at homo for about a pound. The actual ivorine bag-tops can be bought for about twolve and elevenpence each, and these are made with a row of hole9 at either side by which to attach the silken bag. The latter requires only lialfa j%rd of eighteen-inch wide material — the same quantity of lining — and both must be cut into circles. First of all, neaton the lining into the dark silk, and then gather it up evenly, and attach to the bag-top. This circular type of bag is much more spacious than the usual straight style. Corded ribbon can be used to form handles. To be a real pleasure to the owner a handbag must be as beautiful inside as it is outside, and for this reason I commend those beautiful floral silks that are such a rage for the lining of your bag. However, these are rather expensive, so the little colour scheme evolved by Elaine Hammer Miss ELAINE HAMMERSTEIN 'S hat of Navy satin relies upon brightly coloured raffia straw and beads for its effective trimming. stein may appoal to you. Mako the outer cover of heavy ribbed Navy silk, and line with cherry -coloured crepe-de-Chine. Then neat en in the top edge of the lining with a row of silver flower trimming. As a final professional' tovich, buy an initial motif in ivorine and stitch this to the centre of the handbag. A Dres9eb. P.S.— Don't forget the Free Blouse Pattern in this week's WOMAN'S WEEKLY.