The Evening critic., 1885-02-13
THE MoDIsTEs, COMPLAINT.
Washington Ladies' Accused of Prac
ricing Economy.


ricing Economy.
A large number of modistes from New
York and Philadelphia have arrived in the
city in the past few weeks and have set up
temporary headquarters for the purpose of
supplying the ladies of Washington with
dress goods for the Inauguration. They are
not happy lot by any means, as they al
lege that their "fnery' Is not at all in de-
mand. In fact, they say that the society
ladies of Washington do not know how TO
dress, and wear shoddy goods on all occa-
sions. One of these modistes, in couversa-
tion about the matter recently, said:
"Why, have been to the most elegant
Isard important events that have taken place
here-the Presidents receptions, the grand
society opera at tho new opera-house the
other night where everybody was expected
to come in full dress, and other places, aud
the sort of stuff that saw worn was per-
feet astonishment.'
"Chcap stnt?"
"Cheap stuff? Well, should say so.
Why, one would suppose that IL lady Ind
anything good she would wear it whom i'm
vited to receive with the President on New
Years day. En- Cheap stuff might do
for some evening event in which sue was
not TO be conspicuous figure, but for day
reception in which the wearer was to as
sist the President In doing the honOrs of the
day, Of course the best that could be had
would be the proper thing. Well, with my
own eyes, saw one of the ladies there ar
rayed in an old and much worn silk dress,
the front covered with lot of cheap lace
| that you can buy at any store for eighty
| seven cents yard.
"The general run of dresses" she said,
ito be seen at such entertainments rs those
mentioned are thin, cheap 'sleazy' affairs,
| pulled together in any sort Of way--ill-ft-
| ting and ill-made, and Of tho cheapest ma
terial that can be had"
The modiste continuing, said
Sew people in Washington understand
the art Of dressing well. The legation
people, for instance, and there are few
Members of Congress whose families dress
well, but the average Congressman and his
family seem to be under the impression that
anything will do so it makes a showing of
colors and gloss
Being asked what she considered good
prices, the rnodisto answered;
"Well, 800 or 5000 for wrap, and from
$500 to 5000 for dress. Now here's some
material, for instance, uncut velvet on old
gold ground, that costs us between $50 aud
$40 yard. You see there are only few
pieces Of this particular pattern made by the
manufacturer in France. Then his agent
distributes it iudlciously-a few pieces TO
the United States, n few to Paris, a few to
London, and 90 on, the world over, so
that it is very rare, and very costly by
reason of the few pieces made upon a very
costly pattern. Well, it doesu't take much
of this and of tho sort of lace ] spoke of a
little while ago Co make dress cost
something. just laid aside dress for a
lady to-day which cost $500 Now here is
wrap that costs over 5000 to import
Here is another at 5000. There are Others
running down as low as SO. For good
plain dress, of good material, you will
have to pay about $3.50 or $500. Then you
may use this as foundation for as much
point lace and trimmings us yon like and
run the cost up as far as you desire. Or
If you choose to go on Washington style,
you can have one of cheap satin, tulle and
cheap lace at $751;