New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-10-20
cHA WIS.
WHAT THEY ARE Used FOR NOW.

WHAT THEY ARE Used FOR NOW
THE shawls are on the second floor believe"
the lady said she received her change from the
salesman.
We have shawl department THIS season.
she informed. There was little demand for
them that 1t did not pay to keep an assortment"
But want shawl in subdued colors for my
mother" protested the shopper. where can get
one?'
Possibly at one OF the Twenty-thlrd-st. stores
al u.s." the answer, but am certain W.
haven't one IN the house,
Dear, dear" exclaimed the Virginia matron 10
her companion as the two left the store ITO think
Of SUCH a prominent firm giving shawls the go-by
in this fashion, Why. mother never feels dressed
without nice soft shawl and they are 50 con-
venient TO throw around one in travelling and to
ward of draughts."
Let's continue orr search" the younger woman
said; and forthwith they repaired to another Broad
way shop.
"Shawls," repeated the keeper OF stock in the
suit and cloak department. You might find them
the house decorators. We don't keep them any
more"
AT the house decorators" exclaimed the shop
pers aghast a. this information What should
they be doing there"
THE last season that kept them IN stock We
sold more OF the antique long shawls for draperes
and ornamental than for any other purpose.
There IS literally demand for them an
article OF wearing apparel. Occasionally We order
a handsome black shawl FOR some regular patron.
who wears mourning" and the man Of business
turned away to attend on other customers.
There's a shawl Well I'm glad they keep them
here calculated the shawl-seekers as they
emerged from the elevator on the airy upper floor
Of another shop and caught sight OF the much
desired article pinned firmly about petticoated
figure.
oh yes, We have a good assortment" said the
salesman unfolding the camels hair shawl on the
counter that the many-coored pattern might be
seen to advantage.
But" he added. stroking the rich fabric admir-
lngy. we only sell one shawl now where we sold
twenty few years ago. They seem to have gone
out OF favor entirely. Even these India beauties
at 500 similar 10 the shawls which the British
Queen Victoria is fond of bestow!ns as wedding
gifts are little sought for few years ago we
sold a shawl the fac-simile OF this $500 one for
81 500 II would be impossible to get that price
now Many people have shawls. almost as pretty
as this which they have made sacrifices 70 OBJ
tain. in days when to own fine camers hair
shawl was accounted a distinction: others prize
them as heirooms. What Is to be done with them?
Are they 10 be shut away out OF sight for moths
20 prey upon7
Consumers fertile % IDEAS have devised novel
use for these shaws." said he salesman They
are using them 20 line carriage wraps and opera
coaks Bring M OF those new wraps. he said
TO a subordinate and forthwith al arnpe carriage
cloak Of dark green Droadcloth. ustrous as satin
a beautiful Persian shawl The colors blended adj
mrably and the effect captivating Cold cord
outlined the edges II the mantle, the hood exhib-
tied the orange. blue and crimson OF the tapestry
like lining ar1 there was a hint Of color in the
heavy ribbon float at the back The wrap
study in blended color. without beins bizarre or con-
sp.cuous
While wraps are lined with them" said the
clerk The more delicate cooring or the deeper
richer hues being chosen according 10 fancy. Wraps
OF astrakhan. thlck-ribbed corduroy. heavy covert
cloth ali are lined with these exquisite shaws.
lining richer and more durable than any satin or
Sill: that could be devised
This IL what W. do with shawls now" said
Fifth-ave decorator a the wayfarers gazeG upon
dvan which spoHe .oud.y or .uA1ry ana invited 10
The low. broad seat OF this couch-wlthou,-a- back
was covered with Persian tapestry. The mu.titudn-
ous pillows were likewise encaset and tnree magnh-
cent antique shaws were disposed as a canopy
carved arrow-helds supplied the martial note nsep-
arabic from the idea of tent. For a bachelors
den" explained the artist.
For cushions. couch covers porueres. lambre-
quins over other curtains and any drapery pertain
Of them have firmness and body TO the warp taat
prevents their getting sleezy and Sy-looklns,
even while they draDe I'm soft folds AMI the color
ing Is such to yield Itself readily to any style Of
decoration \ bed OF antique oak. whose canopy
formed Of softly falling shaw!s was also effect
80 shawls have had their day" unused one who
listened 10 an o. ne shoppers expedition.
They are relegated TO the realm Of hOuse-furnish-
lngs and have come TO be recognized as admirable
lining material Wei goes the world, but ,0ok
here" and she displayed the Illuminated page OF a
''Godey's Ladys P)1k" OF 1850 showing four fem'-
nine figures manted in shaw!s Of exceeding elegance.
'In ;hat day IL mark Of distinction for a
gentleW 20 b. able 70 wear shawl gracefully,
and the shawls were folded Just so and put with
the utmost care The only objection had TO them
was the knowle lgg that We were pnioned down IN
them as j. were AMI could not use our arms with
ease bat the ,OYer double points Of the shawl out
spread the ample folds OF our hoop-skrtsd gowns
were regarded with satisfaction. Those were the
DAYS when In default OF crinOilne wire. wore
seven peirols four yards in width starched TO the
extreme % stiffness. added tie Oe.lun maron.
There came time along In the sixties or seven
ties whel young women disposed their square
shawls coquettishy. pinning them over hoodfashion
In the back and throwing one long end over the
left shoulder"
The shawl may be displaced FOR Americans in
America" observed listener. but II remains in
high favor yet with the foreign born. Go down on
the East Side some hne morning and note how
many women. young old and middle-agcd, wear
ing shawlsshe wis % al kinds. from the little plaid
tippet, reaching scarcely To the waist 10 the yellow
and red lorequlrter OF ample proportions and gauzy
quality. pinned over the bOny breast OF some VIZ
enel egg-vender cOffee-selier'