The New York herald., 1868-05-24
THE PARIS FASHIONS.

" Short Petticoat, Ball and How the Petit.
coats Were Made-Flower Garlands for the
Hair-Ophelia Bonnets-Paniers Ont of
DOOrs-Style at LOngchamps-Opera Char
ity Fete-An Imperial Religious CeremOn.
ial-ItaIian Wedding Presents.
PARIS, May 8, 1868.
We have had the short petticoat ball, such an ex-
ceptional ball; all married ladies, not a maiden
blush present. The skirts had prescribed limits.
They were not to come thread lower behind than
the top of the heel OF the back OF the satin shoe and
not line shorter in front than the bone of that part
of the side OF the foot called ankle Geometrical
shoemakers have knelt and measured the prettiest
feet in Paris for that ball. 1t was given by Mme de
Pourtales, and her sumptuous apartments were one
glare of light on short, dazzling white 1t was q
Godsend to gentlemen; how they kicked about; how
firmly they put their feet nowhere excepting in
places fit for human feet; how they ap-
pauded the waltz deux temps; what q
queen they made of Madame de Pourtales. But alas
how many fat feet came to wax light and oarlike,
padding feet and safe boat feet, and slender feet,
no one who has never been to a short petcoat ball
can know.
Another new fashion, which was started at Mad
anne de ROthschds bali, is the adoption Of garlands
of flowers instead OF microscopic bits Of green stuck
in false hair. Natural flowers are preferred, and
these are kept fresh all the evening by qus being
filed with fresh water and sealed at both ends. In
these the flower stalks batne their tips Plaits of
hair hide the mechanism and sometimes false hair
is rolled round the quill, which is secured by hair
pins afterwards. l do not hold to this porcupne
system Flowers generally last as long as a lady
dancers good looks, when it is time to go home.
This being the moral OF that fashion, proceed to
say that the Longchamps races last Sunday were
graced by Ophella bonnets, and it is very pretty
delicate moda aofc
talized tulle forms a scarf fanchon. Nothing but
sea-green leaves and white water lilies or lake
nowerets are seen behind, trailing in long curls.
Plenty OF nounces on very light silk and plenty OF
Valenciennes are the newest trimmings
The paniers have revived. Great care not to
overdo them is highly desirable. A tournure or
panier that dances up and down at every step made
10y the wearer. is the height of grotesque absurdty
If ladies will wear them before the fashion is quite
advanced capital none but court beauties have
as yet dared adopt them out Of doors, and
the gaan de r,s inveerate raalge and nor nor
one knows If he might not put monkey
on The mountainous bulge out behind. ., readers,
beware All Is not graceful or advisable that Is sent
over from Paris. Many are the Partisan natives who
turn round and laugh at their new tangled sisters.
what Is really ridiculous will be ridiculous every
where Let your paners be starched not of steel,
until some Improvement has been made on our pres
en-. a 9'epnansne theories For myself can compare
pr0priate than dromedary.
! think the following styles at the Longchamps
races on sunday far more elegant:-The Marquise
de Meyronet was In white Mousaia costume, trim
med with white lace, and white lace bonnet. The
Marquise de CansoZ was In gray, with tulle scarf
fanchon and bird of paradise on her forehead. The
Comtesse of Montgomery was In lovely redbreast
robe, r without any trimming and an Italian straw
wore IN her hair with veil, wreath of rich,
luscious grapes. She did not look unlike an Italian
picture, leaning back In her open carriage.
lne prettest toilet at the short pettlCOat ball was
Nine de Metternch's-a white poult underskirt,
IN white, with blue satin boots and tea roses in her
hair.
Immense preparations are being made at the opera
Tor gala Jee tomorrow evening, held for the benefit
or wounded soldiers. Nine. de Meternich IL
pressdente. The Emperor and Empress are ex-
The great event OF this week has been the con-
nrmation and communion OF the Imperial Prince at
the Tuieries chapel which holy ceremonies took
place. yesterday in presence OF the Emperor, the En-
press, all the Imperial family and their household.
most rigorous ostracism pTecIuded every possible
attempt TO battle the strict orders given to admit no
one whose names were not down on the list drawn
up for the appreciation of the Empress Not one in,
stance OF favoritism was shown, and still the chapel
was full, without even an ambassador or minister,
senator or deputy being countenanced:
The Empress had formally expressed her wish that
the pomp of court should be laid aside this
sion and as far as this could be erected her desire
was faithfully obeyed ior everything was carried on
all the deeper. The Empress had ordained every de
tail OF the preparations the day before. The chapel
70 uot spaclOus. WithOue ute sanci!i V.ouP'cu vi
ordinary occasions by the court. the building would
not contain more than hundred persons. Large
rhododendron and Hortepsias formed kind OF bush
TO the right and left Of the altar In the spaces gene
rally filed by chairs and stools. Two red velvet
seats and cushions were placed in IN advance Of the
behind. At halfpast eight all was in readiness. Az
nine o'clock Messrs Auber, LeborDe, Jules Cohen,
Faure, and the Misses Black and Maudult were AT
mitted to the organ gallery, and Mr. ThirIon an.
nounced the Emperor, with loud, clear voice. Inc
nave had filed In no time, each guest finding MS
aea Wi
Archbishop OF Paris advanced to meet the imperial
cortege, followed by his clergy At that moment
jules Cohen executed solemn march,.
Far behind, long after the Duke OF Cambaceres,
who headed the procession now entering, came
General Fleury, then the Prince OF Mosk0wA, then