Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-01-19
FANS ARE STYLISH.
Some Of the Forms md the Material
Tint il Used.

FANS AXE
Some of the Forms md the Material
Tint il Used.
From the New York Herald.
Fans are once again assuming importance
as a prominent detail of a woman's toilet.
There was time when fans-that is, hand
some ones-were not considered absolutely
necessary, but now every ball gown is sup
posed to have fan to match it, and, as in
the olden days, they are often veritable
works of art. Expensive luXuries are many
Of them, for such rare materials are used
in their composition. ConnoisseurS in BEAU
tiful things have always had an admra-
ton for these fanciful trif1es, and there Is
more than one valuable collection Of fans in
this country and in EUROPEANS which
have most romantic histories connected
with them; fans painted by artists Of
Worldwide fame; fans composed of almost
priceless bits of lace. and fans with sticks
in which are set jewels of great value.
In the Metropolitan Museum in this city
Is very large and handsome collection
which is interesting in showing the differ
ent styles no less than in beauty of the
fans themselves.
The fashionable fan this winter is GER
tainly not pretty or graceful. 1t is what
is called the empire fam and it is the exact
counterpart OF those carried at that period
indeed some were undoubtedly made at
that time. With an entire empire costume
with every detail carefully carried out
perhaps they would look better. but used
as they are this winter with the very conf
pick fashions of this year of grace, they
exhibit most unplcasing anachronism.
The Better, the LOveller.
There are two kinds of these feather fans.
One has a single stick, generally of tor
toise shell or amber, and is made of four
or five long, graceful plumes, with an
aigrette or bird in the center. This sort Of
a fan is more ornamental than useful and
has never been so much liked as those that
close. There is, of course, a great differ
ence in the beauty and price. Perfect os-
trich feathers of the same length are by
no means easy to secure. and the made
feathers, as are called those which are
sewed together, piece by piece, are not
nearly so handsome. These fans should be
as large as can conveniently be carried.
The white the black and the natural color
feathers are by far the handsomest, and
the amber or tortoise shell sticks are most
suitable. In the handle of the sticks dia-
monds are sometimes inserted, but not
large stones. So graceful and artistic are
these feather fans that one of the best
known photographers in the city always
makes his subjects pose with fan behind
the head or held carelesSly in the lap.
Lace fans in the time of our grandmoth-
erJ ere very beautiful, and some of the
most exquisite pieces of lace in existence
have been woven expressly for this pur-
pose. The pattern of the lace never shows
to more advantage than when stretched on
a fan, and If one wishes to have the very
latest luxury one should order the lace for
wedding gown and far to match.
DucfesSe lace fans can now be had for
comps Tatively small expense, and they are
extrem ely pretty. OF medium size, with
mother of pearl. amber or tortoise shell
sticks, they add greatly to the beauty of
an evening gown, but care must be taken
that the lace is fine, for nothing is less de-
strable than poor, coarse lace. Black lace
fans are never very pretty, but the black
gauZe painted are often the very handsom-
est carried. The black gauze, with gilt or
silver spangles and inlaid sticks, tighten up
duh toilet narvelously, and give a de-
lightfully coquettish air.
Gauzy Favorites.
The fans most in style this winter are
made of gauze on which is painted some
small picture, around which are placed
medallions of point lace. A narrow bead
ing of the same sort of lace is also put on
the gauze at the top of the fan. The lace
used is rare old point, and the effect of
the combined materials is very light and
airy ard exceedingly dainty. These fans
are of medium size, between the feather
and empire and have amber or mother of
pearl sticks.
The rarest old painted fans are on paper
or a sort of parchment, which, as time has
proved, retains its freshness and preserves
the colOrS better than any other material
Such treasures though, are not for COM
mon use, but are carefully guarded with
valuable miniatures and heirloomS.
Men are proverbially careless with fans,
and it is amusing to watch the agonized
expression of some of the debutantes' faces
at the dances when their partners, with
an absolute reclSleSsncss, toy with their
cherished trifles of gauZe and lace. There
is an unwritten law that should re-
place the fans they break but it is a law
which has not as yet gone into effect and
in consequence some girls will never carry
any fan they prize to a dance.
The paper fans on which are represented
Mexican or Spanish bull fights are ex-
tremely effective, and have been much used
even with silk and satin gowns. At one
time it was only possible to buy them in
Mexico or the West Indies. and therefore,
they were brought home only as souvenirs
by people who visited those countries, hot
now they can be bought at almost any
shop They are of Medium size, with some
light substance glued on to intensity the
bright colors of sash or ornaments of the
painting, and the wooden sticks are gaily
ornamented with red and gilt.
Plain colored gauZe fans TO exactly match
the color of the gown are carried by some
women, who like to have all points of their
costume to correspond. 1t must be con-
fessed there Is a certain artistic effect in
shoes, gloves, fan and gown all of pale
pink or pale yellow. which. when becoming,
is exceedingly so, but there must De under
such circumstances great care taken that
the original color is not glaring.
For very young girls who wear pale blue,
pale pink or white ball gowns the empire
fans in the same color, with their tracings
of gilt, are very pretty. and DO not look so
awkward as when carried by older women.
to whom the feather and lace fans seem so
much better suited.
There is to be, SO ] am told, a new school
for instruction in the use of the fan, and
rules for the graceful handling thereof.
There are many women who could be ben
Gifted by course of such lessons, for very
few Americans can fan themselves grace
fully. They put any amount of energy into
the act and by so doing defeat their own
ends for slow, grac eful tanning cools
one off much quicker, and. besides, shows
to greater advantage pretty arm and
hand.
Morn niSlincfinu Ihuu difference