New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-10-10

These were worn by a manikin of not quite
such sylphlike proportions yet withaI by no
means stout and with hair arranged in the
most up-to-date style. Then there is the mani
kin who shows off the girlsh debutante ball
gowns. She has her hair most simply coiffured
and Ornamented with ribbon bands, while her
air is the persOnfcation of innocence. The
magnificent evening gowns and wraps of sumpt-
uous brocade glittering crystal and JET or
clnging lace draperies are worn by more regal
and stately manikins. There will be half
dozen of these enhancing creatures on the floor
at the same time. gliding hither and thither
and giving the spectator only time to take in
the general effect.
The essage, or trying on, takes up two full
hours of time, morning and afternoon and each
house presents from fifty to one hundred mod
els. 1t is thus a Kaleidoscope view that one
obtains of exquisite fabrics. wonderful cOlors
and novel shapes, that wonder those spec
tators who meditating investment in the
new modes have intent and preoccupied air.
Even the private individual VIII is purchas-
ing for her use has need of experience and
judgment in her selection. because for some in
defnable reason garments and hats have a differ
ent air over here from that which they have in
the French capital. Some women of experience,
therefore, prefer to trust to their dressmakers
the annual tour go in company with their Amer
lean dressmakers to select their toilets In
deed, it is whispered in Paris that some of the
most fashionaby dressed New York women buy
their costumes at Paris prices, letting the
dressmaker pay the duties thereon. for which
shc mas the privilege of exhibiting and copying
the gowns for certain period. And yet we are
told that the American woman is not econom-
zeal.
BE that as it may, there are other American
women who are accustomed to spending their
summers abroad who vet are firm believers in
the adequacy of the New York shops to supply
all of their requirements. and who say that
they would rather pay the difference in price
than be bothered with declaring their purchases
to the customs authorities. Such women affirm
that with few exceptions. they can find every
thing here that is obtanable in Paris and that
they can make better use of their time while
abroad than to spend it in racing through the
stores.
There is not one Paris department store that
bears comparison in the quality and quantity
of its merchandise or in the beauty of its ar
here. Then, too, everything here is so fresh and
attractive, while in the big Paris shops the
casual passerby is permitted TO haul and maui
dantiest trife to her hearts content, and
to the entire Disagreement of the merchandise
1t will thus be that shopping is entirely
different in Paris from what it is in New York
Here it is made easy for the veriest tyro, there
even the experienced resident finds it a long
and tedious process. One must have an open
sesame to the exclusive establishments. for the
first question met on entering is, From whom
did you Gomez" If your credentials are good
then your welcome is more than cordial.
N sim IN there is no necessity IN cot m pa
for the latest Paris fashions. While Paris is the
originator of fashions for the civilized world
New York give her points department
store merchandise and its arrangement. Pro-
vided one is willing to pay the extra cost Of
Uncle Sans tithes they just as well be
purchased here. And if one is not willing or
patriotic enough to pay the duties one must
oerforce go without run the risk of mourning
The wrath OF the powers that be.