The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-04-14
FASHIONS FROM FRANCE
England's Court Mourning Has
Given New Impetus to Black.
Supreme Style Continues to Insist on
a Symphonic Harmony of Color
Stripes to BE the Prevailing Fa-
yorite-TriumpI of the FOulnrd.

PARIS. March 19.-The great business of
selecting spring toiiettes is at hand, and
the first points to which women of fashion
viii direct their attention are the material
and the color; for the shape, either the
dressmaker. their favorite fashion book,
or costume seen at haphazard viii prove
an easy guide later on. Sometimes
dress thus seen makes such an impress
sion that one could get it copied for one s
self
Generally speaking. one goes out to or
der dress with fixed idea Of having 1t
black white, or red. 1t is, therefore, upon
the materials and colors in vogue that
information is interesting.
There arc women who purposely always
select the same shades. They are often
refined coquettes. who have found from
experience that the shades in question suit
their beauty best, or are more becoming
to their compilations. Others are guided
to the same conclusion by common sens
because they are surer of having har-
mony in the many details of their tot
lettes
In cases like these black and white rem
der enormous service. Moreover, their
reign is by no means over. The court
mourning in England mas given new inn
pulse to the combination, which is al
ways perfectly distinguished. Moreover,
n tribe can brighten up black and white
costume; a flower in the hat or colored
scarf or even a sunshade of some subdued
color is sufficient.
Cloth is the only wear for the opening
of the season, but the new materials of
this description are incomparably supple
and light. Cashmere, which had gone out
of fashion. is coming in again. The fact
is that its suppleness responds to the pre-
vailing note of fashion.
For tailor-made costumes, which are the
most classic of ALL manufacturers have
created materials in checks, stripes, and
spots. which. however, will be mostly
used for fancy costumes.
Alpaca yelling, pacha, and fanny come
in with the medley, and conSidera bic IL
composition of original fabrics.
Fortunately. the soft shades of color
give to this fancy a character OF good
taste; they are akin to those of old tapes
tries. Ash greys, cigar color, pastel blue,
violine mauve, old ivory white, etc, are
still the most in request.
Supreme style continues to insist on a
symphonic harmony of color; nothing
must clash in the general aspect of a tot
lette; it should be that of a monochrome.
Taffetas will still be in favor. but ex-
tremely soft in texture. and many with
printed patterns. Then there are shot
tafTetas. with al! the colors of the rain
bow. There is an enquiry for taffetas of
certain periods The Lyons manufactures
are turning ont silks that are simply mar
Vicious. for they are copied from Louis
XVI and 1880 designs, combined with mod
ern softness. which gives them quite a
new aspect
Stripes will probably be the prevailing
fashion. Some charming patterns are
made with garlands and old designs
blending in the most becoming manner.
In foulards we may expect some charm
ing surprises. The material is so much
the rage that ii is likely to find a place
among the Innings. There are whole
series OF absolutely novel designs, stripes
borrowed from retrospective fashions,
etc. which will be offered for dresses,
and will dethrone the everlasting blue
and white which has hitherto been the
prevailing note in this material.
Then the ethereal, snowy effects are
reserved for muslins and gauzes, printed
regardless of cost.
If Paris dressmakers create marveis il
must be admitted that they are spIendidly
backed up. If not forestalled, by the ere
ators of all the delightful materials
which form the best agents of success.
and even point to the route to be traced
in making models. Last, let me add that
lace dresses will be worn TO an enormous
extent.