The critic. (Washington, D.C.) 1890-1891, 1891-01-17
FASHIONS LATEST rANCyEs.


Special Correspondence of tho Critic.
New YoRR, Jan. 15.-At a pink dinner
given recently in New York there was q
central square of pink velvet upon which
was placed French fish basket painted
white filled with pink roses, Similar
baskets of roses were placed at each end
of the table These baskets are much
used now for dinner decoration. When
filled with growing plants they nal ke a
beautiful central piece, which VIII last,
with care for weeks. Flowers are occu-
pying more space each day in modern
luxury, and in truth there can be no more
beautiful decoration. With a profusion
of cut flowers arranged in vases and jars,
the most modest drawing room takes on u
look of splendor, while for table adorn-
ment they seem to be almost indispensa-
bic. New effects are constantly sought
for, and any original idea Is speedily
adapted. At stately dinner this week
the decorations were very beautiful. The
table was large circle and was covered
by cloth of the finest linen damask em-
broiderod in one corner with the family
coat of arms, and trimmed on the edge
Of the broad hem with Irish point. All
around the table, about eighteen inches
from the edge, lay q magnificent wreath
of pink roses and ivy closely massed to-
gether. In the centre large bowl of pure
white chrystal, very flaring in shape and
mounted in silver gilt, was filled with
similar roses. On each side of the bowl
were silver gilt dishes of antique form,
which contained fruit piled up in studied
disorder with here and there pink rose
among them. Two tall silver gilt pitchers
occupied the other sides, and upon the
ladies' plates loose punches of pink roses
were laid, tied with long pink ribbons.
The name cards were printed in silver
upon pink satin. No compotiers or other
dishes were to be seen. The table was
most attractive in this guise, and the pure
white cut glass sparkled with gem-like
radiance. The china used was pale blue
Sevres, and the ices were in the form of
pink roses and were served with real stems
and leaves.
Furniture, Draperies, Toilcttes, etc.
No one can fail to notice the great
change that is going on in fashion of fur
niture and dress. The aesthetic craze for
dying colors and faded draperies seems to
have passed away and in their place we
see rich tapestries, heavy silken stuffs
woven with gold and silver threads, rococo
furniture, exquisite enamels, soft and
luxurious sofas and chairs upholstered in
rose, gold and blue lampas, gilded wood
carvings and all the graceful accessories
winch marked tnc LOUIS NgullZc peTlOu-
| period famous for the lavish ornamen-
| tation known as rocco. In woman's
| dress, fashion reaches its highest note of
| splendor. Embroidered satins superb
| brocades, shot velvets, jeweled aigrettes,
| gems upon the arms and around the
| throat, all 60 to make woman's toilette
| an ensemble of color and richness which is
| full of charm. Even in the simplest ball
| gowns worn by young girls the soft dra-
| peries of m0uSSoline de sole or chiffon are in
bright shades of rose, blue, carnation,
amethyst or yellow, often with embroid-
cries of gold and silver.
One of the prettiest weddings of the
season took place last week ut Calvary
| Church, New York. The wedding-gowi
was particularly rich and beautiful, being
made of white silk velvet bordered around
| the skirt with white fur. The corsage wa.
of velvet outlined with fur, with from
of white satin embroidered with pearls
There were long, slashed sleeves and {
Medici collar edged with fur. The vel
was of heavy white blend lace, fastened
with diamond pins, and prayer book o.
white vellum, the corners bound in silver
was carried The bridesmaids wore gowns
made walking length, Of pale yellow
tdiUe, with tablier draped in misty fold
of nousseline de sole, and Louis Quaterg
jackets of old-rose silk with revers open
ing over surplice bodices of the yellow
'nOuSSeliHo de sole. About the waist wer
tied soft sashes of old-rosc silk, and tn
hats were of old-rose plush with ostricl
| TIPS of the same color.