Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-11-22
A MANS INTEREST
The Stern Sex May Show
Discriminating knowledge
IN AW0MAN'SGOWN
SOME ARE FAMOUS CoNNoIS-
SEURS IN THIS LINE.
Striking Toilets That Will Please the
Most Artistic Masculine
Taste.
Written for The Evening Star.

written Tor Inc Evening star
women's clothes become more artistic
every year, and for this the thanks are
due chiefly to men, Dress Is an art nova
days because distinguished and manly men
persist in SO considering it. Men have al
ways been the real arbiters of women's
fashions, the inspiration and the reward
of their best efforts. Even Americans, who
have been in the habit of looking upon a
man interested in the feminine wardrobe
as rather effeminate, are becoming accus-
toned to the European point of view.
In these days of strenuous country life
and athletics for women, men and women
meet more as companions than heretofore.
They ride, shoot and play golf together. 4
greater similarity in tastes Is the natural
result, and American men have, in addi-
ton, exceptional opportunities to observe
fashion and peculiarities in women's dress.
The late President Mckinley took the
deepest interest in his wifes dressing Col.
John Jacob Aston, Rough Rider and man
of affairs as he is, is most discriminating in
all such matters, and Mrs. Astors gowns
are considered works of art among fash
ionable New Workers. Peter Marie, whose
collection Of miniatures of lovely women
is famous, has always been looked upon as
a connoisseur of women's attire, and Harry
Lehr always helps Mrs. Lehr decide upon
her gowns Albert Herter, the artist, is the
author of many q picturesque costume
worn by his Madonna-like wife, and Louis
Carey years ago laid aside architecture and
pictures to design frockS for the 400 of
New York.
A man as far from the effeminate as the
great Napoleon was a keen critic of style
and beauty IN clothes, and many a noted
statesman Of modern times is not ashamed
to express his taste in the selection of
wardrobe for his wife, sister or sweet
heart
Dress for His Eye.
King Edward and the Emperor of Ger
many pride themselves on their knowledge
of women's clothes, and both Queen Alex
andra and the empress have awaited them
selves of the sartorial judgment of their
royal husbands. And 1t goes without say
ing that the women of King Edwards court
ard of all fashionable London dress for his
eyes above all, for while women value the
envy of other women, they care most to
please men.
Count Boni de Castellane Is his wife's
highest court in the business of designing
and planning her wardrobe, and it is won
derful what his taste has accomplished for
a woman far from beautiful. The Duke of
Manchester is also an expert on women $
dress, for his wife's reputation for charm
ing and appropriate gowning is largely due
to his Judgment.
Men dressmakers are far more original
than their women competitors, and some
have made their names as famous as those
that designate the artists in music and
painting.
As a rule the average man likes rich
fabrics subtle and elaborate designs, COM
bined with simplicity in cut, with long,
graceful lines. To him grace and distinc-
ton seem to be the essential features in
women's garments. He cares little for