Religion: Habit by Hattie

Since the founding of their order 20 years ago, the sisters of the Roman Catholic Society of Christ Our King have worn a habit patterned after that of the Carmelite nuns. On the order’s farm at Danville, Va., this has led to practical difficulties, e.g., flowing sleeves get in the way when the sisters drive their Dodge truck. Last week the tiny sisterhood (nine members) had a brand-new habit. Its designer: Manhattan’s Hattie Carnegie.

It was Mother Teresa’s idea. Top-flight Fashion Designer Carnegie had whipped up the WAC uniform. Why couldn’t she do a modern garb for hard-working nuns? Hattie’s solution, designed free of charge: a simple two-piece, ankle-length dress in grey wool with a gored skirt that can be turned inside out when the fabric begins to wear; a coat of heavy grey wool with a Peter Pan collar and close-fitting sleeves; a small-brimmed grey hat with deep cloche sides.