Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-02

upon the tiny silk squares. which women
are pleased to call handkerchief must
match the other lace In the costume seems
an odd fancy. but to the society woman an
odd fancy Is a veritable boon, and Maltese
lace. with Its exquisite variety of delicate
stitches and patterns. offers species of
entertainment in the endeavor to find one
piece that matches another.
Some women are selecting large squares
OF the lace to drape about the shoulders
like shawl. or over the head, more as an
acornment than a protection from the night
air. when in evening costume.
For the latter purpose the mantilla, made
in Spanish style, is preferred, with its large
square of lace draped gracefully upon the
head and framing the face in a silken weo
of infinite beauty. The long ends of the
mantila are fastened coquettishly to enc
side of the bodice. loosely knotted IN
front. or one end is thrown. with an APP
pearance of careless grace, around the neck
and over the shoulder. However 1t may
be worn. whether with the art of a daugh-
ter of CASTLE. OF with no art at ALL the
mantilla is sure to add beauty to a lovely
face and lend softness to the lines OF an
unlovely one Whether for the sake OF its
own beauty or because It adds to hers the
society woman will not say but she will
crown her dainty couture with its fairy
like folds for many an evening to come.
Pelerines and Collars.
Prime favorites among Maltese lace
pieces are the rich and elaborate pelerinss
and collars. some round and some square,
with pointed with draped fronts They
will lend an air of elegance and distinction
that is calculated to dazzle the eyes Of all
beholders
Not only are there collars. large and
small, but dress pieces OF similar patterns
to insert in the fronts and backs of Do i'ces.
with smaller motifs to put in the sleeves
and skirt. and edgings and 1ounces.
wrought in the same delicate patterns. TO
trim the frOck,
Maltese lace is finely wrought but very
open in pattern, that the decora tive de-
sign stands boldly. if delicately out from a
background of fairy-like stitches in an opan
mesh. Made of the finest of silk threads,
it has a creamy glow about it that is ex-
eeedingly becoming to the face. and 1t IS
peculiarly harmonious when worn with silk
and velvet
Among the articles made in it are very
long and wide scarfs with richly elaborated
ends These are particularly useful,
they may be made to serve many pur-
poses. The low neck of a bodice may be
encircled with a Maltese scarf of exquisite
design, or 1t may hang in soft folds like a
mantilla. from the head. 1t may float in
sash ends or be worn as a scarf or exag-
gerated necktie. at the will of the wearer.
Its effectiveness is enhanced when dainty
lace handkerchief, exactly matching 1t in
pattern, is lightly fiuttered beside it.
Wanted Originals.
The desire to possess a beautiful article
of attire which no other woman can copy
for many months If at all, is by no means
confined to society leader. Every woman,
therefore, will be able to appreciate the en-
joyment of some sister woman who will
trail behind her the long and shining folds
of a Maltese lace gown or who will wear
a superbly wrought bolero, with handker-
chief to match, secure in the knowledge
that no other woman can appear in a gar
ment similar to her own.
Although the demand for Maltese lace
OF linen as well as of silk has caused a
production of this rare old lace in fax
thread for the first time in its history the
linen varieties are more in the line of dress
trimmings than in made-up articles; and
the slowness with which the delicate lace
patterns are wrought by families of lace
makers on the Island of Malta insures ex-
clusiveness to the vogue for Maltese lace for
some time to come