The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-01
QUEER ORIGINS OF
FAMOUS FASHIONS
Many Popular Styles Were
Results of Chance
THE FEATHER BOW
Society at First Laughs at Innovation
and Then Adopts It-Queen In
troduced Pannier-TO Hide
a Defect
From the New York Evening Sun.

From the New York Evening Sun.
That many of the fashions which be-
came famous in their day and have
come down to our own were due to
chance or accident is now matter of
history Interesting are the stories told
of the odd origin of certain styles
which an unsuspecting world probably
thought were Intentionally chosen for
their beauty or comfort.
The courts of Europe have been es-
pecially noted for their sheeplike fol-
lowing of an idea introduced by the
reigning monarch, when frequently that
idea was evolved to conceal one of the
rulers physical defects. One of the
kings of France came to the throne Il
child of 10; he wore his hair in long
ringlets all about the head. Immedi-
ately men and women coiffed them
selves likewise. The same monarch was
bald at 80 and being a lover of all
that was beautiful and feminine he
ordered the elaborate wig, which was
taken up and revel in during many
reigns.
Followed Childish Prank
AS for the hair being caught in the
back and held with small bow of
ribbon, the style beloved of men sew
eral hundred years ago, little girls are
SAID TO nave originated lit luea, ana
accidentally. One day court leader
happened to be visiting and his hostess
was late in arriving in the salon. The
young man fell asleep and the two
children of the noble lady creeping
in, saw the guest and, to play trick
tied his hair all together The little
girls, fearing to be caught ran away
and the young man never knew of the
curious picture the back of his wig
hnr NFiCitnrS 6iGRnUnvod
the garnish, laughed at the ribbon and
the young count declared barefacedly
that he had so fastened his hair and
meant to keep it always so from his
neck and shoulders. Within a few days
the entire nobility found the scheme
an excellent one and adopetd the idea.
Pannier Covered Physical Defect
The panner was introduced by
queen to cover a misplaced hip bone.
It was an actress who finally threw
the pannier aside after 1t had been
fashionable half a century. One even
ing, Just before she was to appear on
the stage. the actress discovered that
one pannier was entirely drenched in
oil: the dress. 1t was thought was
spoiled by rival.
The actress and her maid quickly
thought the matter over, and both to-
gether quickly tore off the offending
member of the costume. The actress
donned the dress, but, of course, It
presented a ridiculous appearance. So
the other pannier was removed, and
the slim young woman appeared on the
stage more supple and graceful than
ever. The audience at first gasped,
| then admired. and the next day all Of
I,ondon (the scene took place there)
decided to initiate the actress on her
severe skirt.
The origin of the beauty spot Is no
less interesting. The Duchess de Mont
moriIlon suffered with a boil on the
cheek and put on a bit of black mix
ture overnight said to be healing. In
the morning, she either forgot to wash
| her face or did not use enough care
so the story goes-and the inatten-
tive or malicious servant allowed her
mistress to appear before the world"
with her face spotted. Powdered and
nc rfumed Montmorillon received her
callers. who found the black spot
| charming. so much so that before night
thsv had auointed their faces with the
black ointment.
Tn come down to present times, the
feather boa was originated less than