The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-03-26
OPENING AT THE FAIR
 A FASHIONABLE RECEPTION

The millinery opening of The Fair was brilliant from every viewpoint. More floor space .s devoted this year to mill linery than ever before, and 1t is doubt full if store in the South presents a greater display of hats of every descrip- ton than does The Fair.
 The effect yesterday was bewildering. The usual space was filled with counters of hats. and new mirrors elongated against the wall reflected and doubled the number of beautiful headgear. In the rear the floor space had been cleared for the millinery reception. The tone of the decoration was green. Green laid on the floor, tall palms at intervals and smaller palms In groups brought into relief the exquisite spring coloring of the hats; and above, the ceiling was studded with electric lights.
 As for the hats themselves, they were in wonderful variety. To begin with. there were the costly French models Black hats appear to be in exceptional favor. Red is also a great favorite, and hats entirely of crimson hue were early sellers. Flower hats are symphonies in violet, rose and every shade of nature. Many are composed entirely of foliage.
 A popular hat is what is called the shell chapeau. The model shown was a shell shade of pink chiffon with the new Cluny lace.
 A stunning all white hat was fashioned of lace and seed pearls. One very ele- gant effect was the hatiron hat. Every one Is familiar with the celebrated fiat iron hiiildin0 In foh this model takes its name. The hat men, tloned is of burnt Tuscan braid with Mi Ian strappings. The crown was adorned only with a fiat sarniture of black satin. The inside trimming was of handsome black satin roses.
 An extreme French novelty had a very high leaning crown which might have come from Pisa. It is the only crown hat shown this season. The model was made of black lace and black satin straw. All the trimming was on the un- der side with punches of white roses and dropping buds.
 Another French model was of black Jet, which gave the effect on the lower brim of raining sparkling jet pendants. A speciality of The Fair is hats for chill dren, and lovely effects for little maids from the earliest age up, were among the most admired.
 The hats made by The Fair are ex- tremely artistic. Indeed, they compare so well with the French models that they cannot be differentiated by the shopper.
 The millinery parlors were thronged with fashionable women and at an early hour many of the most beautiful hats were sold. It was said by Miss Morris that never had she seen such a success full and satisfactory opening. The ladies' on the other hand. said they had never seen more exquisite effects in millinery than are shown by The Fair. Miss Nor ris has now been with this department three seasons. She Is an artist, and has made an enviable reputation among the modish women of Montgomery, who pride themselves upon the quality of their headgear.
 In addition to the millinery there was an endless variety of lovely summer fab rics displayed in the dress goods depart ment There were exquisite chiffons, and gauges, silks and imported wools, fine shirt waist cloths and all the modish ma terials for stylish summer gowns.
 The company is in direct connection with some of the largest houses In the country, which enables them to keep In stock the latest and most approved pat terms. In fact, Montgomery is justly proud of such a progressive establish ment as The Fair.