The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-03-05
THE FASHIONS.

Dress Display at the Legislative Open
ing-An Austrian "wOnder'' In Style
The "Agrippa"-shades OF sIlks-Pre-
pairing for Balls Masques-A New Color
and New Hat, Etc.
PARIS, February 15.-The opening of the
Legislative Assembly is the most recent event
OF the week, the ceremony having taken place
yesterday with unusual spleGdor, enhanced by
the rays of bright summer sun under pure
blue sky. The Parisiaus were all on tooL aud
thick crowds saluted the long procession OF
court carriages with respectful enthusiasm.
The gala uniforms were very brilliant, the
ambassadresses and ladies OF the diplomatic
CORPS most splendidly attired in o great deal
of silver and gilt embroidery on velvet.
Mime de Metternch wore quite novel
casaque, for want of better denomination,
though the body OF 1t was Spanish bolera,
made of silver and gold cloth. The wide, open
sleeves, made Of black velvet, were so long that
they touched the ground ending in points, aud
from the waist behind hung black velvet lap
pets, like sash.
This, readers is the exact description Of the
fast or new series OF matinee mantles. The
newborn wonder is not yet chrstened; there
fore we will call 1t heathenish, and Charltably
entertain q hope OF its conversion into less
expensive material. 1t certainly is a most
medipval idea for the nineteenth century. The
next novelty has been christened. Alas |
spoke OF its adoption in my former letters, and
said that though 1t was q narrow basque worn
on front widths it deserved to be called
stomaCher.
Competent authorities have named it an
"Aerippa.' Here would / fain pause" as once
said poet in great bewilderment, but if did
so the fashions would get ahead OF me, and not
even the mother of Nero may startle me out OF
the main road. The "Agrippasn figured on
every robe at the last ball of the Tuileries.
They are made of the same shade and material
as that employed IN underskrts, are trimmed
with flowers, cross folds, fringe or ruche, and
some appeared rather heavy, being laden with
leaves and flowers.
Lilac satin and salmon color were the pre-.
dominant shades. deep apricot poult de sole
worked with green chenille and red berries was
much admired. | should have preferred its
rival, white satin, marked with rich coral
pattern, II the wearer had been dark and tall
enough.
Preparations are being made for private balls
Mosques. The public balls of this description
given at the theatres never can give an idea of
the character TO be given to fancy costumes in
the higher circles Great mystery ever pre-
walls on the matter among those who make
dress the sole object of their existence, not
wlthstanding which it is evident that Aspasias,
Cleopatras, Clytemnestras, and all the antique
celebrities are to take the lead. Ladies who
do not boast of the rounded proportions so
famed at Athens mean to try Hebe, Diana, and
other characters remarkable for legs il not for
shoulders.
The American colony in Paris will give their
grand ball on the 22d of February, at the Louvre,
in honor of the great Washington. The Freuch
papers have been full of American entertain
ments this winter. They have even yolun-
which is gaining great favor. The truth is that
the French acknowledge there Is more real fun
and amusement in American home circles than
in the official receptions we have had to undergo
as yet. 1t has become matter of hdH ton not
to leave ones chateau till the opening of Par
lament, or, if left, not to stop in Paris till the
Empress has lnaugurated her petitS Iu1adtS, when
other national diversions and unceremonious
parties are started.
A new color called amaranthe is worn for car
riage full dress. 1t looks remarkably well
under gasllght in velvet over white satin under
| trains. This is the greatest novelty, as also
| light tawn Grape, over which blue beetles and
| other brilliant insects crawl among the ruddy
autumn leaves. l do not advise this unless a
very brilliant white underskirt relieve the tan
| impression left by so negative color; the effect
| is, however, extremely distiSogue. The idea
among the queens of the dernimonde is the
cuttle-ish tunic ia pieuvre," of which it is
| probable Victor Hugo did not dream when he
| wrote the ''Toilers OF the Sea.n
This tunic Is made of shimmering green satin,
| cut in numerous long stripes, to represent
claws, wore on the tule trains powdered over
with silver; and the next idea is pearl grey
satin empire, under a scarlet velvet tunc
trimmed with vine leaves; the latter they call
"bacchanale."
Grapes and vintage promise 10 be great fea.
lures next spring; the prettiest bonnets are al
present nothing but vine leaves, with gilt ten.
drills here and there; for it is in trail woman,
nature ever TO cling to something that glitters
| N. Y Herald.