The New York herald., 1868-03-08
THE PARIS FASHIONS.
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE OF THE HERALD.


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SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE or THE HERALD.
Eugenie Ont Of Doors-ButterHy Drapery-
Fur ON Evening Dresses-Three Toilets Seen
at a Ministerial BaIl-Ornaments for the
Head and How Worn-Eugenie's and
Other Costumes mt the Imperial Ball-The
Latest Morning R0be-Indinn Attire.
PARIS, Feb. 81, 1868.
Before proceed to the fashions l have line to
record on small event in the Empress private
life which do not think French journalist would
incur penalty for; and here again the folly of the
new project of the Press law, which I hope will
be rejected, is palpable. The private life of the
Empress is exemplary charity. Detractors may
tell their pestiferous tales but the Queen of Eng
lands name as mother and Eugene of France
as an angel Of compassion will live forever. The
Empress was lately walking on foot, accompanied
by a chamberlain and lady Of honor. They seemed
to be nothing more than what nature has made
them-a trio of Paris saunturers, threading through
the galleries of the Louvre on their way to the
Tueries. poor man with bouquet of spring
volets held it forth to the Empress for sale. How
much?" asked she sweetly, drawing forth very
matter offact looking purse. 1.-TWO sous, madame"
louis was placed in his hand, and while the poor
beggar was winking and the gold in his hand
blinking in familiar return the Empress had hur-
ried down an arched vault with her violets in her
muff. / contend after this that details on the
private life of the good are examples for the
wicked, and, my theology being exhausted shrink
back into my butterfly drapery. There are such
loads of it this week in every shop window, much
less on fair shoulders of course.
Flowers of embroidered garlands flung on tule
in festoons, sprays and nosegays are ever the
loveliest for young people on pufed tulle under
skirts. Some are snowballed over with flakes Of
white chenille; others are plumed with marabout.
At Mr.. Pinard's last ball at the Hotel Beauveau
the 10th, and which was attended by all the minis
terial notabilities and ambassadors in Paris, the
eclat of ladies' attire was most remarkable. Fur
on satin is a decided success for the evening.
Three dresses were particularly admired-one
q white tule robe, looped with chains of diamonds
over pink rose leaf besprinkled with dew; another
of azure blue fleece, ornamented with black foli-
age; the bodice was nothing but crossed tulle
folds third of white tarlatan, trimmed with straw
colored satin rouleaux and bows of the same; dia-
mond wheat ear ornaments stood sparkling and
full on diadem over the forehead.
A noticeable feature is that the ornaments worn
on the head are very prominent on the forehead
and the top of the head, where not enough can be
brought together. An attempt is being made at
different shades Of hair on one head, plait Of
black cable, dotted here and there with frizzl0
fair love locks. 1t is very absurd, but my duty
compels me to note what / cannot recommend,
trusting that the native taste of American ladies
will adopt what is becoming, and energeticaly
oppose scrvle imitation because it is foreign. We
shall hear of bellies borrowing their friends false
scalps just as they do their friends genuine hy-
pocrisy. 1t is all stuff to wear, and is reversible
At the last ball given at the Tuieries the follow
ing were the most aristocratic toilets:-
The Empress wore q very simple white robe
ldnstd with gold, but such simplicity can be ad-
mitted when ornaments such as the emerald and
diamond fringe round her bodice, q crescent and
aigrette Of diamonds and emeralds in her hair are
put ON to complete the attire.
The Princess de Metternich wore white puned
tulle, covered with long Metternich green satin
tunic bordered with sable. This fur was exces-
sively light; it was brought up to the waist and
and crossed over the bosom to the left shoulder,
where it was fastened by splendid diamond and
pearl snap or brooch. The necklace was of
pearls and diamonds, the headdress an ostrich
IcaLueT uppeu Will uldiuouuS duu muuutcu III tuo
centre Of bunch of pearls.
The Emperor wore the uniform of general de
dirision.
The afluence was immense, and struggle to
get into the ball room proved how ladies who are
in the habit of fantng at home can steady their
nerves when necessity compels them to do SO.
Dancing began as usual at ten, when Strauss
band solicited an English officer to waltz with an
English peeress. He unfortunately kept his sword
standing out behind during some very violent
turning q deur temps and literally spiked emua-
ton off II is thus he maintained clear circle for
himself and partner. Another guest rendered
himself conspicuous by hair bag behind such as
Moses wore to go to market with in Goldsmith's
"vcar of Wakefield" Are we returning " male
chignons under the shape of pigtails?
At twelve the imperial party crossed the halls
and entered the supper rooms. At two dancers
began to cloak up, and at three those who still
battled on looked and felt like nomade tribes in
the desert Of Sahara-very parched and solitary
indeed.
The Empress last morning robe is very tasteful.
It is loose and very long. 1t is made of white
cashmere with three cross cuts Of lilac satin all
round. II has small lilac hood behind bordered
with Valencennes lace.
Mile. Marie Roye made q great success in her
Indian attire on the night of the first performance
Of Aubers new opera. She wears most authen-
tic bayadere suit richly flashing with all the bright
hnes Of the Indian cline. Her walk and deferen-