Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-30

.eHAT parasols have not kept pace
in size with hats this season is
cause for universal rejoicing,
for, to quote Dominic Sampson,
prodigious would have to be |
their proportions even to corner a part
of the modish chapeau. II Is curious !
fact that the idea of effeminacy has al !
ways been attached TO the use of the um-
brella. Without attempting to write
primer concerning the history of the UNI
brella, 1 would recall that when 1t was
first introduced INTO England by Jonas
Hanway. the great DR.. Johnson directed
some of his mighty thunderings against
the use OF 1t by men, predicting thereby
the sapping Of Engiand's manhood. ETC.
In the east. however, where the suns rays
are most potent. the umbrella is the SYM
Dol Of the greatest possible dignity, ana
scarlet is the color of the imperial UNI
bre.la. The evolution of this very useful
and often ornamental article is. too. not
without a certain interest FROM the early
bulging brutal form which WED with the
modern coaching umbrella In dimensions
has been evolved today's dainty parapluie
Of fairyike lightness and sylphlike ele-
gance. And in the sunshade and tout en-
cas- Of the summer we have an instrument
as deadly as rapier. Originally the
umbrella was a mass of wood, whalebone
and heavy clothlike material, and from
these extraordinary foundations have been
evolved the present fascinating types. The
comic element in connection with umbrel-
las is from one point of view rapidly dis
appearing-the tendency. l mean, of some
individuals. however conscientious. to APP
propriate their neighbors umbrellas. eSpe
cially II by any chance they happen TO
be an Improvement on their own. In fic-
ton the umbrella plays an important part.
and its association with humor may be
said TO have originated with Dickens. for
would not be recognizable without the
huge umbrella which bears Der name for
all time. Another character dear to the
reading public. created by Charles Ross,
the editor Of Judy. Is that of Ally Slorer.
who Invariably appears with bulsing
umbrella tied in the middle.
But there is no fun about paying for
the parasol OF the moment as quite an
appalling amount of cash has 10 be given
up to be the possessoP of modish exam
pie. The simple parasol of silk in plain
colors with a modest wooden handle which
in other years we thought quite good
e-ough for everyday use is this season
not to be thought Of by the smart woman.
II the sunshine present plain appearance
on the outside don't he fooled into think
ing that things are what they seem. for
they're not Oh. dear no. this demure and
unassuming affair furled IS mass of
foamy chiffon ruffles when fluttered TO the
breeze. The f1ounces are SO small and so
fine that they do not add particle TO The
for my 1ady's face. Another ornamental
ton that the seemingly plain parasol also
takes into itself consists of all kinds Of
quantity twisted gold ball tassels that are
attached TO the handles. Others have chic
little bows OF silk matching. the paraso
in color. with their ends tipped with gold
or silver fassels
All Of the dressy sunshades have their
metaphorical SILVER lining" and the hand
painted silk and chiffon affairs are often
decorated inside with real lace ruffies OF
the most cobwebby texture. The mate
rial for the parasol ranges this year from
chiffon to leather. and suede is cut into
designs and applied as a border One OF
the very chic examples in which leather
IL pressed into service Is on a parasol OF
natural pongee on which Is cut-out bor-
der OF Robin Hood green suede. The ham
die Is also covered with the suede Brown
suede Is stunning in connection with nat
ural colored pongee or rajah silk Rows
OF graduated ribbon velvet are a smart
trimming. and stripes of white In varied
widths are very good in border effects on
blue and brown sunshades Another fa-
vorite device is a latticed pattern in silk
or velvet. and even lace In a contra sting
tone is popular. But perhaps the newest
ornanentation Is soutache. which is hav-
ing such q vogue in the costume world
just now. white soutache braid en-