The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-05-20

T@HE French dressmakers-and
the American dressmakers,
too-are up to their eyes in
the gorgeous raiment being
turned out as fast as possible now for
the festivities which will make the
London season this June the most bril-
liant in years. Already most of the
desirable suits at the hotels have been
taken, the large houses have been
leased. II their owners do not intend
themselves to occupy them, and all the
seats and boxes for the two great per-
formances of opera and drama to be
given during the coronation fortnight
have been subscribed for.
The most elaborate gowns of course
will be worn at the evening festivities.
and these will include, beside the many
private receptions and balls arranged
for this fortnight, the two important
productions of opera and drama, one at
Coveut Garden and the other at the
Royal theater on the night of June 81.
After these performances there will be
supper parties at the Savoy and other
fashionable hotels.
The sumptuous gown illustrated is
q creation of Paquin's. designed espe-
Gladly for the gala night of opera and
IL a superb affair of black satin and
black chiffon draped over a petticoat
of golden gauze. The satin drapery
crosses In front and. winding around
the figure, extends outward in a long.
square cornered train at the back. On
the bodice of black chiffon are won
drous embroideries done with gold
threads and rhinestones, and this black
chiffon bodice is draped first above thin
gold tissue and then above flesh color
ed chiffon to give an effect of extreme
decolletage Around the hem of the
chiffon petticoat is a line of velvet
roses In tea rose shades of yellowish
pink.
The coronation season is. of course.
harvest time for English and French
dressmakers. for even American wo-
men who ordinarily trust their coun-
trywomen to make their evening gowns
feel that the foreign modistes are bet
ter able to turn out suitable gowns for
court festivities. Although American
women aresnot likely to have any par
ticular part in the great affairs-the
English court is believed to be now
antf-American-it is remarkable how
many women of wealth and fashion
are planning to be in London during
the gay season. Possibly they wish to
impress their friends at home with the
idea that abroad they are quite in the
swim. whatever may be true of other
aspiring women of their set.
There is no question that the London
Americans will spend a lot of money
in entertaining. Such functions as Mrs.
Baldwin Drummond's 100000 dinner
party no doubt will be the excuse for
many extravagant toilets. The White
law Reids. who are to entertain royal
ty at dinner, will probably invite
many of their own country people.
Also the Countess of Granard. the
Duchess of Roxburghe and many other
rich American peeresses are expected to
give record breaking affairs to please
their majesties. who understand per-
fectiy that the shopkeeping middle
class are gratified when money and
plenty of it is put into circulation.
Queen Mary has gone to some pains to
inaugurate a campaign of English
goods for English people. and American
women who have hitherto shopped in
Paris are considering whether or not
It would not be good policy to transfer
their trade to some of the smart Lon
don shops that are patronized by roy
atty. CATHERINE TALBOT.