The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1873-06-25

GLASS BONNETS.-lH HE --LATEST NV ELI
OF FASHION Whatever may be said of the
aim or result of the Vienna Exposition, it has
certainly been the means of bringing together
the choicest products OF the world, and OF CIV
ing the people Of the various nations new ideas
concerning matters of which they had never
before thought. Ia no direction has wider
range been given than in the manufacture
of glass, and new forms, designs and uses
of this material are now presented to the
world for the first time. Conspicuous among
these is lady's bonnet or head dress, which
/ for elegance and beauty caanot be excelled -
The idea OF glass hat is certainly novel, and
many objections might be made to it on ac-
count of the frugal material, but in reality
the glass is much stronger and more durable
than the delicate materials now in use for the
same purpose.
These articles as may be imagined, come
from Bohemia, and they have already gained
"a fair share of popularity. Specimens have
been sent to Paris and London, and that we
should not be behind-hand in so important
matter, an enterprising firm in Western Penn-
sylvania have imported quite nun Der, and
will Immediately begin their manufacture to
he ready for the Fall season.
These hats are the most delicate and beatti-
full designs, and such is their adaptability to
all costumes and occasions that they will pro-
badly soon come into universal use. The body
of the hat is made Of loose pieces of fine glass,
fastened closely together by a g,itta percha
band, which allows'i it to conform to the head.
Inside there is a lining of silk, which is the
only piece of fabric used i'll the manufacture.
The trimmings on the outside are after the
prevailing mode, consisting of wreath flowers,
feathers and ribbons, all made of delicately
spun glass of wonderful beauty. OF course,
all the trimmings have their natural colors,
and by patent process the CLASSY appearance
is so well subdued that the material is not sus-
pected. The most beautiful hummng birds
are used as ornamentation, and colored so
naturally that in appearance they are far SUI
perior to the usual artificial goods.
It is almost incredible what small amount
of glass enters into the construction of one of
these hats, for the thread is so fine that a
great space is covered without any perceptible
increase in weight. They weigh but few
ounces or about one-flfth e the average
weight of the present style. With the care
that is usually given by a lady to new hat,
these new art icles will outlast twenty ofthem,
for there is no wear to then moisture will not
stain them, and if dust should settle to dim
their beauty, it is removed by a gentle spray
of water The colors are so blended that for
ordinary occasions they present a general
neutral tint, but at small additional expense
they can be made to flash and sparkle like di-
almonds either in the sunlight for carriage
costume, or in the blaze of a ballroom or at
the opera. Their cost is insignificant, and as
it is understood that several well-known firms
are going into the business extensively, they
may soon be expected upon our streets. 1t is
probable, however, they will not be readily
known, as the resemblance to the genuine ma
terals is SO great.