Fashion Hints for Islands Women

(By Therese.)

AS ye sew so shall ye gather—that is the watchword of the fashion world this season; so row on row of gathers adorn our sleeves and we frou-frou softly as we walk, for our skirts are frilled from knee to hemline.

Everything the wardrobe boasts (except of course sports frocks and tailored cos tumes) carries a gather of some descrip tion —a softly falling jabot, a frilled collar, a ruffle round the neck, for frills do the most amazing things to one’s face, and tired lines disappear like magic under their softening influence.

To the secret delight of the mere male, who deplored the freakish whims of fashion’s dictates, the eternal feminine in us holds sway once more. No longer do we pluck our eyebrows to a thin line; gone are the extremes slavishly followed in search of chic; and the toast of the world is “This charmingly natural woman —God bless her!”

An evening cape of georgette in one’s most becoming colour, the whole thing shirred and ending in shaded frills to tone is a thing of beauty and would be a most cherished possession. Evolved in tulle it is akin to that indefinable something of which only dreams are made.

When we do not gather we make our bow with many bows. They pop up any where and everywhere, and the more un expected their popping, just so much greater advantage have we gained over our less enterprising sisters.

Chic taffeta or organdie bows slotted through the neck or shoulder lines, give a tremendous air of chic, while the soft lingerie bows that adorn our afternoon frocks are but further evidence of delight ful femininity.

So much ingenuity has been used in the perfecting of the new season’s clothes —a minus something here, a plus some thing there—and in the twinkling of an eye our simple frock becomes a complete wardrobe in itself.

Two buttons perch on each shoulder and to these a plastron front is attached: a cape swings gaily debonair, or a jerkin rings the changes. A cowl drapery, an amusing cart horse collar with cuffs in the same loose design, a scarf slotted or threaded in many ingenious and intrigu ing ways, all add their quota of charm to the foundation frock which depends com pletely on its cut for trim perfection.

The secret of the success of this type of frock is its slim fitting skirt cut on the cross, hugging the hips beautifullv, and flaring just sufficiently for comfort.

There is still but one kind of neckline —high. Fortunately it has so many varia tions, that one of them at least must prove kind to those who shun the simply severe. Balm for the tropic dweller, too, it can be adapted to suit the climate, thereby justifying its existence and giv ing the satisfactory feeling of not having been altogether forgotten in the scheme of things.

The soft drape of the cowl collar has earned its popularity and either the back or the front of the bodice can be treated in this way with equal success.

With becoming modesty we further strive to emulate the religieux, and the hood collar is the result. It is quite the newest idea for both afternoon and eve ning wear and when a wrap of satin is treated this wise, and has a lining of silver lame or some vivid contrasting colour, it immediately becomes an am biguity, for while retaining its modesty.

it simply shrieks sophistication—a mar vellous achievement, don’t you agree?

One of the prettiest of fashion’s whims is the hem of the evening gown, lined with a two-inch strip of vivid contrast ing colour. The skirt of a black satin gown clings closely to the figure till it reaches the knees, then flares out in fish tails or delightful ruffles. A brilliant green or cocktail red lines the hem and a fascinating glimpse of colour is revealed as the wearer moves.

The smart decolletage for evening is high in front and low at the back and the addition of long tight sleeves adds an air of distinction.

Faille and moire are demanding our attention for dance frocks and since it is decreed that we must rustle, they fill the bill to our complete satisfaction.

For the little frock that cries aloud for sash and bow, there is nothing more de lightful than these materials, and they should be called into commission at a moment’s notice.

Since hats are hats no longer, hair has become doubly important. In place of the wind-swept coiffure, followed by all and sundry with reckless abandon, shorter, neater, closer-to-the-head curls are seen, and these are very youthful and fasci nating. Ears are worn, too, as a tiny touch of rouge must be applied to each lobe if they are to call forth admiring comment on their first appearance.

Hair bands and hair ornaments are again in vogue, and with careful choice can lend originality and charm to any coiffure.

For informal evening occasions, a dia dem hat is absolutely devastating when made in black velvet and the smaller it becomes so much extra chic does it gather.

Variety is the keynote of the fashion world, and there has never been so much scope for individuality. To-day it is not so much the mode as the interpretation of it that marks the woman of chic.

IT was reported in last issue that “Genairco Airway Limited” had been registered in Papua as a foreign company and that the Public Officer was “W. D.

Dupoin.” This obviously was an error.

The correct announcement should have read as follows: “Guinea Airways Limited has been registered in Papua as a foreign company with a nominal capital of £100,000. The registered office is at the office of Messrs.

Burns Philp and Co., Ltd., Port Moresby, and the Public Officer is W. D. Dupain.”

Reports received via Paris state that heavy damage was caused in New Cale donia early in April by a hurricane which whipped that part of the Pacific Ocean.

In the French colony 18 persons were drowned and 12 small craft were sunk.