Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1867-12-18
MODERN FRENCH FAsayONs-CRITI,
EIaNIS nv A FRENn,rImn


The following criticisms on Frenoi
ladies is from the pen OF "A Frenchman
The greater portion of the women O
our time have, little by little, lost tn,
sense Of trus elegance they have 70
years past sought, Ia dress and hair
dressing, a style which should best set of
both face and figure, and most of theil
efforts have not resulted well, the ever
changing fashion being so far theil
friend by altering their disfigure,
ments. The reason for this is soon
found. The supposed leaders OF fashion
accept the modes from their millinerr
rather than design them this is a great
mistake, A dressmaker by profession,
rather than education or aspiration, il
not likely to possess that sense of beauty
and elegance, known as good taste,''
which springs from a refined and edu-
Gated mind. Habit gives expertness
and neatness of WORK, but more is re-
qUisite-sentiment, and 3 certain dis
nnctive character which fits the dress to
the Wearer-these attributes we must not
expect to find cultivated by those who
work as a necessity. With such imagi-
nation and tact have no part. This argu-
ment fits the tailor, miliiner and dress.
maker alike well, as it is their choice
which rules the world, and causes the
discomfort which is 50 often expressed by
ladies as TO the unbecomingness of the
garb they are obliged to adopt lest they
should be thought singular.
it is not long since bOnnets we're worn
so high as to reach beyond ridicule itself.
This style was given up for the sake of
the little fancies perched on the top Of the
head which discovered all the graces OF
the profile and forehead. In this was
much reason, and was the thought of a
great leader Of fashion, who originated
the first bonnet of the kind, but this was
too pretty for a Partisan milliner to see,
and IN conjunction with some Aspasia,
not 70 attempt TO altar and spoil simulta.
neously, whereby we now see a vizor of
a plate shape worn on the forehead iD-
stead of the head, and declining towards
the eyes ike the peak OF q helmet. Can
anything be more i~nelegant? What can
be said Of a fashion which hides the
forehead and eyes Of a woman, leaving
her head dressed after the manner Of
that of Madame DrumollRrd ? No lady
OF education or taste could ever so abuse
her appearance her sense Of the beau
tiful could never be so converted. After
the dress pulled out with crinoline.
MhuH " sweep l16 Streets,
they took to short frocks; then, rear
these, drsped them after the
manner Of window or door curtains,
Whence came this, if not from the thea
tire, where the most part of dressmakers
seek their inspirations, as little heed is
taken of those actresses who are not
dressed? Well, is it from the
aXtravaganees OF stage costume 2 lady
should take example? She and the &C.
reign In two separate kingdoms.
There is no need to eOnfOund them, or /
that the D Oh the other should
have her sWn especial style.
Is it MOTTO be wished that
The Partisan lady, so long the arbiter, the
queen of fashion, not only for her own
Out other countries, should retake her
and prestige, and once more fol-
the eounsels OF her own pure taste
n preference 70 that of her dressmaker FL
Lt IL doubtless easier to be guided, out
'ociaI individuality is lost, of itsef the |
basis, the beau ideal of correct Costume.
~ which may be avoided the too fire.
luent result ef an amalgamatiOn of bad
aste aud absurdity. - -r. .rs.