The age-herald., 1898-10-04
The Fashions That
Were Seen Yesterday

WeIc otcu lSStCtuoJ The fashionable autumn opening occurred yesterday and will continue today. In spite of the inclemeney of the weather the stores were crowded, not alone by the wo- men who came purely on an inspection tour, but by the Monday morning shoppers as well. The rainy day was in some re- spects an ideal one for shopping, for, judg- ing from the varied display in each one or the large stores, one would have no diffi- culty in settling upon the intricate ques- tions that are being discussed just now by maid and matron. Unnecessary outdoor steps could have been avoided, so com plete was each department, but lovely Wo- man, not content with one point of view, needs must get a glimpse at least of all the late fabrics that Birmingham mer- chants are showing this season, so that the unfavorable day had no depreciable effect upon the openings, the streets presenting degree of activity that nothing short of 'opening day. could have possibly pro- duced.
 No one but the fashion-makers realized in the late spring that autumn fabrics would follow in the wake of war. and that the trend of the times in peace would be In many ways a reminder of war modes. The fashion-makers have had an eye to business all along, and prepared for the sudden changes that swept the country and which had their effect upon the fashions and entirely changed the current of thought in regard to color. The war has in one of its results brought out the quiet modes in strong contrast to the bright colors of the spring This was also the nature of things just after the civil war Gay colors were worn previous to the war, and immedi- atey afterwards the fabrics scarcely had a trace of any bright hues.
 The quiet tones serve to bring out the exquisite texture of many of the new ma- terias. The Venetian cloths are shown this season in greens, browns and blues army blue being a prevailing shade. The novelty goods run to corded effects. which is modification of tucks. The evening silks, which are in all the light shades. are very lovely with the corded effect. In silks there were shown yesterday the taffetas, jeaude-soie, faille-de Paris, jeau- 'de-Diane. in all the new colorings for fall. The camels hair plaids are shown again this season, with the cheviots and the light weight cloths. The Venetian cloth will be all the rage for tailor gowns, and they will pc more popular than any past season. everything points to tight-itting garmens. sleeves, coats and corsages mus be tight ntting. "The tailor gowns will be long," said modiste. yesterday, while the demi- .raihs Tor evening gowns will be greatly in vogue. Street dresses with ultra fashion, aoies are quite long, but they will hardly meet with favor with the majority of vo- men, Skirts fastened in the back with but tons will be very popular, the entire hack n fhn vlri
 assimilating opening Sleeves are cut iohg and buttons will be @ fashionable trimming"
 r. among the handsomest tailor gowns shown yesterday was Venatian cloth i,, an army blue. the skirt tight-fitting around tne hips and fiaring on the sides The mili- tary Jacket opened over a chamois vest braided in black. The taffeta skirts that attracted particular attention yesterdav were made with the French flare tbe cir. cuiar founces at the bottom of the skirt attached to the taffeta lining
 Ihe tailor gowns and coats were shown m all the late fall colorings The refers una. were shown for the little tots are quite the handsomest that have been brought on at any previous season They are or silk and velours in the latest shades and taffeta lined. The most eXou'site ono seen was one of mode Vicuna cloth with collar of sma, ruchings of mode ribbon
 
 refers of broadcloth in army blue and red were very much admired. Dresden effects in many of the fabrics are again popular, and they were shown yesterday in connection with 'bayadere and polka dotted materials. which will also be popular. The fabrics that are a mixture of silk and wool and that show a soft color ing that is not unlike the crepons of other seasons come in for popular favor. With all the quiet fashions and plain effects there are still fashion writers who say that tailor made gowns. even those essen tially straightlaced and almost stiff are undergoing a decided modification. They are filled in with soft 'nffy fronts" and are set off with lace and mousseline de soie, scarf ties that wind around the neck and tie in wide decorative bow under the chin, or in lieu of some such softening note. bright colors are used. The new tailor made coat Is very long behind and cut away in front over an annexed vest. A