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

PARIS. March l9-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 a costume seen at haphazard win prove
an easy guide later on. Sometimes a
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 a dress with fixed idea Of having it
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 sense,
because they are surer Of having har-
mouy Ia the many details CT 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 i'm
ways perfectly distinguished. Moreover,
a trihe can brighten up black and white
costume; flower in the hat or a 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 taiior-made costumes which are the
most classic Of all, manufacturers have
created materials in checks. stripes, and
spots, which, however, viii be mostly
used for fancy costumes.
Alpaca yelling, pacha, and fanny come
in with the medley. aud considerable IL
cense has been given to fancy in the
composition OF original fabrics
Fortunately. the soft shades of color
give to this fancy 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
symphonic harmony OF color; nothing
must clash in the general aspect of a tot
lette, II should be that OF monochrome.
Taffetas viii still be in favor. but ex-
tremey soft in texture, and many with
printed patterns. Then there are shot
bow. There is an enquiry for taffetas of
certain periods The Lyons manufactures
are turning out 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
new aspect
Stripes Will probably be the prevailing
fashion. Some charming patterns are
made with sarlands 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 il is likely to find a place
among the Innings. There are whole
series OF absolutely novel designs, stripes
borrowed from retrospective fashions,
etc. which viii be offered for dresses,
and VIII 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 dTessmakers create marveis it
must be admitted that they are splendidly
backed up, If not forestalled. by the Gre
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 viii be worn 10 an enormous
extent.