The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1876-10-05
FASHION and ART
Hand in Hand at the Chicago Exposition
i Western Supremacy Illustrated.
4 n CRYSTAL SALON,
Wherein Are Grouped Figures Of Con-
summate Taste and Beauty.
From. The Chicago Tgnses, sd. q.

FROM me ChacGg0 Times, Sept. d.
The great waves of travel are surging
through Chicago, as the flood of visitors Cen
tennialward reaches the climax Of it's flow. II
is pleasant to note that generous proportion
Of all the travellers, whether rushing toward OF
ebbing back from Philadelphia, take the time
to make the tour of our Chicago Exposition.
Pleasanter still is the fact that only good
words in behalf of the display down by the
lake shore are heard from all such visitors.
? The grand exhibit at Paramount Park presents
the condensed richness Of the whole world,
while the showing here claims modestly to
represent only the capabilities of the West.
Yet we have our points of supremacy, and
oddly enough they come in just where, at first
thought, one would hardly have looked to see
us excel.
Think, for instance, Of the great phaseof art
involved in the designing and finishing of femi-
nine attire. Think of French predominance in
this line of the fact that Paris is the conceded
fount of every blessing, from whence flows all
that is new and autocratic in modes, and then
think that French fashions have peculiarly
conspicuous showing at the Centennial. After
remembering all this, is it not matter to
make even dull mascuhnity Jingle with wonder
ment and pride to know that the Chicago Expo
sition presents an exhibit of toilet and dress
goods considerably more elegant than is made
by any single exhibitor at Philadelphia?
The writer, dweller for three months dur
ing the summer in the Centennial city, and an
almost daily visitor to the assembled contribu-
tions Of nations, took turn through the less
pretentious display in Chicago early the present
week. It was revelation to discover in the
spacious and airy crystal apartment, blazoned
with the name of Charles Gossage & Co., was
grouped q more comprehensive, varied and
beautiful showing of ladies' costumes and dress
material than could be remembered in connec-
ton with an exhibit at the great Philadelphia
bazaar. Knowing the facility with which lodi
vidual Judgment is apt to tumble into uncon-
ecious error the writer took pains to fortify the
opinion thus formed by obtaining the ideas OF
lady friends, art cOnnoisseurs and others who
had wandered through the corridors of the
greater Exposition. There was solid comfort
In recording an unvarying verdict IN behalf OF
home sovereignty.
Within the charming precincts Of this Chica-
go boudor may be counted some 20 complete
toilets. These embrace every variety Of cos
tune, from the rich and substantial promenade
suits for fall and winter wear, to dazzling
evening robes fit to grace the salon Of an En-
press. Robes for the house. for the opera, for
the soiree and for the altar are shown, each
complete. distinct and supremely artistic. In
richness Of material, elaboration OF trimming,
classical design and fnish harmony OF colors,
and that final indeecribable something summed
up in the word s'style," there are at least half
a dozen fulI-dress toilets in this enchanting
glass house OF Gossage g. Go. & which the visitor
to Phila1elphia's display will vainly search to
equal. Bitter than ali, there is q culture and
refinement shining in every fold, every detail
of ornamentatiOn in these costumes which
commend them to the unerring instinct Of
womankind as robes in which a lady would feel
herself more of a lady than ever.
OF the aesthetic Judgment which has guided
the grouping of these superb costumes, hardly
q word seems requisite. Tho most untutored
art soul finds an enjoyment even if it cannot
tell why, in the stately elegance of these silent
figures; the accurate blending OF hues; the I'M
erring taste which has so placed each figure
that it heightens the effect Of it's sisters the
display of uncut goods magnificent in their
scope and richness, and the careless yet care
fully planned strewing of cloaks. India shawls,
costly fans, laces, ct al. which serves as en- adj
mirable foil to the studied grace and imposing
sweep OF the completed toilets. To the lover
of the beautiful, the understanding admirer Of
the artistic the display is as substantial treat
as is afforded in the art gallery itself.
Viewing this superb exhibit in its matchless
beauty, one does not marvel to see lady visitors
from abroad continually catch up the cards OF
the firm who conceived and contributed it In
order to send them in laudatory letters to dis.
tant friends, or to personally visit the great
establishment from whence all this magnif-
cence emanated.
The noble display, which, we learn, is to be
supplemented on the 9th inst. by q still larger
and finer one at their own establishment, is
hereby commended, in all sincerity, to every
lover of true art and faultless costuming Sc
journing permanently or temporarily in Chi
cago.