The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-01-23


turieres or "dressmakers' re-
hearsaI" of Octave Mirbeau's new
comedy, "The Foyer" This play has
been much talked about There was
an exciting lawsuit over the produc-
ton, which always adds to the dra-
matte effect But, to come back to
the rehearsal, nothing is more anus
ing than to assist at this first trial of
the all important costumes when the
artist in DRESS" the head man or wo-
man, alters and changes the smallest
details or the most important lines of
q costume There are a hundred tiny
nothings that make all the difference
between what is perfection and what
is "impossible." To watch these
changes is Immensely interesting. The
running to- and fro in the side scenes,
on. the stage in and out of the actors
dressing room, is bewildering. There
Is rustic of silk, hutter of lace and
ribbons; the actress poses before her
mirror, discussing her attitudes, her
gowns, her very gestures The green
room was full of dresses on the after
noon when 1 attended the rehearsal,
and there were about 500 OF US lucky
ones who had obtained permission to
assist at this strange scene of the
atrical costuming. The opportunity
for Judging how the actresses robe
themselves or are robed and how they
have their hair dressed was unique.
You probably know what an important
part the couture plays on the stage,
perhaps the most important of all.
Then one can judge with ones own
eyes and quite openly Of the effect
produced by the difficult art of make
up. The rouge pots stand on the per-
fumed table among puffS and hares'
feet. The side scenes in a side scene
are very curious indeed. One learns
how rapidly a clever artist can give
the proper touch, the tour de main.
and the chic so peculiar to the stage
which the cleverest society belle al
ways lacks. If at times many an &C
tress might really gain by learning a
little from US, we in our turn might
often improve our appearance by i'm
ftating her. When not obliged to be
'sgot up for stage effect, a real come
dienne one who is a perfect actress to
her finger tips, possesses a charm and
grace surprising the most exquisite
refinement. Such, at least, is what I
gathered recently at the journee des
couturieres.
Mime. 5artet's Toilets.
Mime. Bartet, the leading lady in 'aThe
Foye-," wears some stunning gowns
This actress knows thoroughly what
suits her graceful figure and manages
on every occasion to introduce a per-
sonal note or effect in all she wears. A
delightful morning costume of hers
was in copper colored cloth, one of
the smartest shades Of the season. The
long jacket, with its wide revers al
most covered the neat short skirt The
velvet waistcoat to match fastened on
one side with uncut rubieS encircled
with gold. A triple white tulIe jabot
and a copper colored velvet toque
added to the charm of the creation
Another subtle frockz this popular
artist wore with grace and distinction
was of clinging champagne charmeuse.
The bodice had a transparent yoke
and a surplice effect carried out with
the charmeuse both at the back and
in the front. An oriental scarf dra-
perry of champagne tulle sewed tightly
round the front Of the bodice hung in
q couple of ends on either side of the