New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-05-05
STRANGE COSTUMES
CHARACTERISTIC DRESS IN FOREIGN
LANDS.

1t does seem rather strange that whereas in
country OF Europe there exists, so 10 speak,
distinctive popularity OF costume, not a!ohe
among the peasantry. but also with the hisher
classes. there should be absolutely nothing OF the
kind in North America. The comparative he"Hess
of the country. moreover. has no bearing upon ths
condition OF affairs; for IN South America ana
even in Australia such national characteristics
to be found 1t may therefore be interesting
10 describe OF the quaintest OF these IN
dgenous sngularities in Europe.
one OF the most charming is undoubtedly the
Russian "Kakochnik' or red velvet dadem. COW
cred with precious stones. which the ladies' of the
Cour. OF ST. Petersburg wear at all official rune
tons This very becoming headgear. which, orig
inay used exclusively among the Muscovite peas
ant women lin their ease being made or crimson
cloth slightly embroidered with gold thread. has
been adopted by the ladies Of the Czarnas en-
touragc within the present century. Nothing can
give an idea OF the coup d'oei, presented by the
Sale des Painters during a court ball. and much
OF the pcturesquencss noticeable on these occasions
Is due the quaint and gorgeous costumes OF the
fair ones belonging to the Russian aristocracy
The plumes and veil at buckingham Palace
dra wing rooms look very tame when compared
with the stately "Kakochnik,' which forms go
exquisite and graceful n frame for young or old
faces Ii is an admirable complement for the RED
velvet court mantle and jewellcd stomacher as
played at such ceremonies. and. moreover adds
greatly to the pquancy of the MuscoYtc type oi
beauty.
What the "Kakochnk' Is to Russian women the
mantilla is 10 Spanish fcmnnlty, for It Is alike
worn by great ladies and commoner3. spanaTd
without a mnntilla IL but half Spanlard. ana !
might add that mnntllla without tall she'll
comb and a red cnruaton stuck IN the hair above
tho left ear Of the wcarcr. ana accompanied hj "A
IAN or even a guitar. IL almost no mantlln AT al'
This national garment. unfortunately, rs so WHEY
known that II has become somewhat VulsarH'd
IN all civilized countries both on the stage ASA a.
fancy dress balls Not go. however rs the national
enrb ~ Rumnnln. which Queen Elizabeth. better
known by her pen name OF carmen sylvia IN
ynrlahly wears when ~ home her example being
followed by al the ladies belonging 10 the liu-
fnnnlau nobility. n consists ~ white linen,
siooyclosa garment made with as few folds 49, pos
sibe ana vaguely resembling the "gnndourih' OF
the Egyptian fcllahccn. II re thckly embroidered
I'm a rich design of cross-stick arabcsqucg exc
cutod I'm bright red. sky blue orange. yellow and
black silk niermnglod with gold and silver threads
Il band OF similar embroidery oncircling the waist
with strcamers OF blue red and yellow ribbon fall
Ink thcrcfrom In shimmcring cascade over the
back and front The hair Is braided In four plaits,
loosely tied with chains OF sequins. and the feet
are cncascd In crimson kid slippers sewn with
seed pearls.
In Poland. Princcsscs and peasants wear around
the throat several rows OF huge coral beads which
are supposed TO bc lucky-the bigger the beads the
greater the auckland the dnsy-.ooklng merchants