The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-01-29
eIRTHPLAcEs OF FASHIONS.
Theaters of Paris Are Where Most OF
Them Are First Seen


1t is an undisputed fact that in these
days; under the reign of the third French
republic, the stage is one of the great
edementS for the production OF new fash
Ions. Thus, when a play is put on at
the Vaudeville or at the Gymnase-as
those are the two theaters at Paris which
are most exclusively devoted to modern
comedy-there is a general rush of the
1alr Par1s1enneS to the theater not only
on account of the play, but mostly on
account Of the gowns exhibited therein.
ana by theater gowns do not mean only
those that are On the stage, but also those
that are among the audience in front.
french plays never have a long run, as in
London, for instance. French produc-
lions are continually being put on, and
many plays that are a financial success
are often taken off to be replaced by 9TH
ers which are destined to an artistic sue
cess only.
The theater Is the national French
amusement 1t replaces sport and out
door games, SO popular with the Anglo
Saxons Everybody goes to the theater
regularly, from the richest to the poor
est, so that during the first ten perform
ways sure of viewing the very latest
French fashions in the house The really
smart Parislenne' does not care to see
a play after it has run more than about
ten days, and if the real reason were
sought, it would be found that not only
does she believe that the performance
goes off, somewhat after the first dozen
performances, but also because after the
first few performances the "chic" people
do not go to the play. So that it is during
the first week Of a new play, If one be a
seeker Of new fashions, that one must
be seen in an 'avant scene" or "a For
chestre."
At the present moment there are two
most modern and smart comedies being
performed at the Gymnase and at the
Vaudeville. At the Gymnase the play
is called "Joujou.' 1t is by the young
author Henry Bernstein, who wrote the
play last year which made Mime. lie
Bargy famous. In "Joujou'' we see Nine.
Jane Granier, the most perfectly dressed
Of charming Parisiennes, Mile. Ryter, the
typical ingenue de monde, and Suzanne
Despre, who hitherto has been noted
rather for her exceptional talent than
At the Vaudeville Nine Rejane-that
most typical of elegantes Parisiennes-
triumphs in a new modern play by AL
lie Joug." She also seizes the opportu-
nifty of displaying some exquisite gowns.
Nine. Granier's evening gown in "Jou-
description, most subdued in its effect.
There Is an underdresS of oySter-White
liberty satin, which is almost entirely
covered however, by various embroider-
les and incrustations In a curious Byzan-
tine design. The center of the motifs
are manipulated in pale blue, and af-
forwards are embroidered with silver
threads and incrusted with pearls and the
now irridescent paillettes. These are
various tones of moonlight blue and have
the curious shimmering radiance of the
there. at wide distances. are other in
crustations, formed by applique work
in silver tissue, embroidered and pallet
ted also. From the bust to the feet hangs
a broad, loose stole of Venetian point
This is also richly embroidered and in
crusted with motifs in silver tissue, sill
yer thread, irridescent paillettes and
pearls. The short elbow sleeves are form
ed Of the same lace and adorned in the
same manner as the stole They are
finished off with g. deep founce of white
chiffon, over. which is placed a long
hanging fringe of moonlight colored
beads. Such gorgeous apparel needs no
Jewelry or other adornment, and the low.
round decollette has merely large La
France rose ON the left shoulder -LOndon
Leader.