Dry Goods Economist

High Lights in Spring Fashions

IN the following pages the Dry Goods Economist presents a rotogravure style section which has been prepared under the supervision of its Fashion Editors for The Quality Group of publications, of which this magazine is one. For tke better part of a century the Dry Goods Economist has been the leading trade authority of the dry goods merchants of America and today, with its affiliated papers, it is the style authority for more than 30,000 American merchants.

Bizarre and freak styles designed solely to attract attention are not fashions and the illustrations shown in the succeeding pages are something very different. They show the designs which have been approved by the leading manufacturers and modistes of America and which will be displayed in the show-rooms and windows of the best stores in the country within the next few months.

In advance of every season the Dry Goods Economist imports the leading styles which have been approved by the great Paris houses. It is on such importations that American designers model their offerings for the American woman of taste for, in spite of all talk to the contrary, Paris is still the supreme arbiter of fashion. The designs presented herewith are confined to those which are in conformity with the creations of the highest style authorities both in the United States and in Paris.

DRY GOODS ECONOMIST

Editors of the Rotogravure Style Section of The Quality Group

TOLD in pictures, for pictures, like actions, speak louder than words, the Spring style story is revealed in the pages that follow. The story may be briefly summed up to read: “Adherence to the straight silhouette; only occasional recognition of the existence of a waist line; skirts for street wear short and somewhat scant; the vogue for pleatings, tunics and circular effects continued; sleeves all lengths; the three piece costume a great favorite with jackets in fingertip length, knee length or longer; the Indo-Chinese influence on dress emphasized both in line and coloring.”

And here’s a point that must be italicized. The spotlight of fashion has played with great intensity this Spring on the strictly tailored, two-piece suit! This type of costume had made determined efforts to gain and hold a place in the fashion parade for several years, however, without much success and how long and how strong its grasp will be this Spring only time will tell. The one-piece dress and costume suit are hard to oust.

As to fabrics, crepes lead the silk procession with satins, Ottomans, moires and alpacas following in close order. In wool fabrics, reps, twills, jacquards and mohairs are all registering. Wool crepes also have many friends and there is a wide range of novelty weaves employed principally for coats and wraps. Bold and striking plaids and stripes are extremely popular in the development of separate coats, which, incidentally, appear in jacquette, three-quarter and full length with as wide variety in the matter of sleeve cut.

Laces are in high favor, both for entire costumes and as trimming.

Whatever the length, straight lines are generally featured in the Spring lineup of coats and wraps. Variety in fabric selection and free play of fancy in the matter of trimming serve to make the wraps offered for the Spring season distinctly alluring.

The vogue for matching capes is demonstrated in the two frocks shown on this page. Milliners frequently fashion short should der capes of taffeta or longer ones of Georgette to match items of headgear, and the evening gown with filmy cape or scarf of lace or chiffon is in high favor.

The vogue for lace is portrayed in the two frocks pictured on this page. Laces of all kinds are being pressed into service, not the least attractive being the very unusual “made” laces, in the development of which the fabric of the frock itself plays the major role.

The three piece or costume suit seems destined to enjoy an exceptionally strong vogue for Spring. The style diversity entering into the matter of coat or jacket length makes the costume suit adaptable to any type of figure, and there is fully as great variety in the range of fabrics pressed into service for this very practical outfit.

The importance of choosing fabric having character and individuality is of tremendous importance when garments of the tailored type are under consideration. Novelty weaves and colors are offered in most attractive array for the Spring season immediately ahead, the two models displayed on this page featuring fabrics of exceptional charm.

The Indo-Chinese influence on dress is quite pronounced this season, expressed not only through the medium of straight hanging tunics, but also in motifs and coloring worked out in embroideries chosen to embellish many of the costumes. The style is pre-eminently one for the slender figure. The two models pictured here are excellent samples.

Whether belted or beltless, the dominating tendency in Spring frocks, especially those designed for street wear, is to adhere to a very straight silhouette. In other words, belts are not taken very seriously. At best they do no more than indicate a waist line, and that is usually well below normal.

The cloche continues to hold an all important place in the line-up of fashionable millinery. Early bulletins recorded an effort on the part of milliners to place the cloche in the discard, due to the fact that its reign had been so long and so all-pervading, but it seems to have successfully defeated this effort. Turbans, toques, and tricornes are also prominent in the lineup of Spring headgear. Many hats with oddly shaped brims are noted. The hat that droops becomingly over the face is to be found in the procession, and the Russian influence on dress is expressed through the medium of smart hats having brims that lie flat against the crown. Narrow backed brims continue to be approved, and small or medium large is the general trend in the matter of size.

THE question of accessories is always interesting and important. There is a leaning to style simplicity in the matter of shoes for Spring. Both single and cross strap pumps are offered, and Colonial effects ornamented with rather striking buckles, usually placed so as to give a wide effect, are also approved for street wear. The Oxford claims attention when sports shoes are under consideration, and for evening there are novelties galore, including sandals. Satins and gorgeous brocades appear in the lineup of evening footwear. As to gloves, the short gauntlet promises to be the favorite, worn either with short or long sleeves. Veils in semi-circular, circular, scarf and square shapes have all received approval. The Spring veil, however, is a picture veil. It must be lace trimmed or embroidered. In bags those of silk lead. Small envelope shaped bags are good, and there are also many in conventional and pouch shape mounted on ornamental frames. The under-the-arm bag of generous size continues to have its adherents.

INQUIRIES regarding merchandise described in this section, and where it can be secured in your town, as well as comments, suggestions or criticism, will be welcome. Address, Style Editors, The Quality Group, 681 Fifth Ave., New York City.

AMERICAN MULTI-COLOR CORP N. Y