The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-03-17
BEAUTIFUL NEW GARMENTS.


at Besten q L0ngenS.
Probably never in Indianapolis has there
been shown greater variety Of handsome
gowns and wraps for women than were to
be seen yesterday at the spring opening of
Besten & Langen. Despite the bad weather,
the store was filed from morning until
evening with visitors, eager to see the
latest models from the East, which were
on display.
1t is only in recent years that the women
of the city have been afforded an oppor-
tunity of viewing such handsome and thor
oughly up-to-date costumes. The firm men
toned has established reputation for I'M
porting some of the most attractive and
artistic models that are designed each year
by the worlds arbiters of fashion, and at
the opening yesterday the garments were
handsomer and more elaborate than ever
before.
The display in the showroom was but a
hint of the firms resources. Frocks and
wraps for all occasions, such as balls, re-
ceptions and dinners, as well as gowns de-
signed for street and general wear, are to
be procured here in the most exclusive pat
terms and choicest fabrics. The gowns
shown are not duplicated. Each one has
an individual style which commends itself
to the fastidious woman, who naturally
does not care to see her garments repro
duced either by her dearest friend or bit
terest enemy.
Besten & Langen have spared no pains
in the floral decoration for their opening
Southern smilaX in profusion forms a
heavy green border the entire length of the
walls; from the ceiling, which is likewise
covered with trailing Smilax. are suspend
ed great Japanese parasols, from whose
borders hang numerous Japanese lanterns,
their soft light illuminating the whole
room. Palms, potted plants and fragrant
flowers finish to perfection the beautiful
adornment of the store.
The gowns which attract, perhaps, the
greatest admiration. but which are no
doubt beyond the limits of the average
purse, are a number of New York models
ranging in price from $50 to $500. Two of
these artistic creations are TO be seen in
maline, spangled with iridescent paillettes,
forms the foundation of one of these gowns.
Fashioned over with white taffeta silk,
great advantage. The bodice has its yoke
outlined with rare old lace and the skirt
is cut with spangled panels finished with
narrow black velvet ribbon, flaring at the
silk The other gown TO be seen in the
window is of a tint that promises to en-
Joy great popularity this season. the new
softest crepe. shirred on both the waist
and skirt. The yoke and sleeves, which
are generously full at the waist. are trim
med with a silky white lace. A distinctive
tone and style are impaired TO the whole
frock by this lace, which is applique on its
edges with black lace border.
Among the other garments, quite as
beautiful as the one mentioned in both
correctness of cut and quality of material
is a suit of cream etamine, destined for
dressy occasions such as receptions or din
ners. The fat collar is overlaid with a
deep shade of green velvet, which material
is also used TO form the tabs that all fall
from the front of the neck The sleeves
which show the same tendency toward ex-
IRENE fullness at the cuffs have dainty
undersleeves of chiffon and display touch
of the green velvet trimming The coat is
further elaborated by an embroidery pat
tern, done in black and white, which is
carried out on both collar and sleeves
Again in this costume is seen the full
shrred skirt, which in this instance Is
carried out by duplicated shirrings from
the waist TO the full finishing fiounce
Less elaborate, although none the less
attractive, is a gown of pink Powered
organdie. made with applied insertions OF
cream lace, its daintiness Increased by a
transparent yoke OF white chiffon. out
lined with graceful bertha OF lace and
organdie. A gray wolfe gown with skirt
and bodice bearing horizontal applications
OF hand embroidery and elaborated with