The Battle's Over

The Battle of the mini, the maxi and the midi is over. The victor is the midi without a doubt. This, according to Mrs Nancy Carpenter, owner of Claire's, is the situation overseas.

"In London after one season of being dragged through the slush and getting fallen over when the wearer boards the double-deckers, the maxi has faded through sheer impracticability. On London streets the midi has taken over. The retail stores are trying to quit their last year's minis on rather bedraggled racks of specials", said Mrs Carpenter.

"Australia is fast following the British, and the New Zealand girl who wants to be with it must follow suit in spite of the boyfriend. Remember he didn't like the mini once. In fact all the smart clothes are in this midi length as a look through the racks will reveal. There is a certain indefinable something which makes these clothes not just any garment with a few inches joined on the bottom."

"The accent is on belts, laced, or with huge buckles. Skirts slashed or buttoned with the bottom buttons undone to show the leg or tight fitting boots."

"Boots, boots everywhere, now right up in the dressy class, elegant and leg hugging-all colours - plain and reptile, suede and laced".

"Tunic suits, casual or slinky and glamorous for evening and again with belts, their trousers wider but Not bell-bottomed, worn just to clear the top of the chunky heels. Please, not ankle length".

"Shoulder bags are a must. Soft and pliable without any stiffening. Suede is by far the top seller."

"To top all this big silver pendants and chokers are worn. Knitted caps and layer cut hair, long at the neck, are added attractions."

"This season's fashion story adds up to an exciting change. Five years of one style-the mini - is just too long."