The Washington herald., 1914-04-26

At last we have an object lesson in
dress that is of international interest
and Importance.
Queen Mary. of England. whose views
are widely known, but whose example
here so far has never been followed, ex-
cept in England and by few loyal souls
in outIaying British territory, has actu-
ally effected a reformation of the
fashions in Paris
Just how long this reform will last re-
mains TO he seen. but even though limit
ed to the single week that the British
Queen is passing at the French Capital.
the result is worth nothing.
According to daily reports by cable the
official and social world OF Paris is so
anxious To avoid offense To their royal
visitors jfoT on the matter Of feminine
attire King George is said to be entirely
in accord with his cOnsOrtl, that the
"modesty gown has lCaped into general
favor and is as definite a qusntity as the
DircctoirC. the InCrCyablc. the Second
Empire. the latest mineret tunic, or our
own American type of 1897. The mOdesty
gown may be for day or evening, those
worn at LongChamps last Saturday were
OF serge. as the French know that use
full material of taffeta in every color,
and of substantial silks and satins show
ing the newest ColOrings, but made on
lines guaranteed by their new title.
For the gala opera and the several
official receptions there are a conspicu-
GUS absence of the tulle bodice held to-
gether by beads and jewels. There was
also a change in the silhouette showing
that the petticoat as known and ap-
proved in London had found its way
across the channel and right into the
salons of Paris.
At the banquet at the British Embassy
Wednesday evening, and at the Elysee
Palace on Thursday. the gowns of the
women all had sleeves OF some sort if
only an inch or two of tule, while the
majority extended half way to the elbow.
The decollatage. We are told by cable,
changed its latitude by at least three
inches with a proportionate covering OF
the shoulders. which made most of the
gowns sedate enough for a Cardinals din
ner party, rather than state banquet
to king and queen.
All of which is a hopeful sign and very
pleasant reading 10 men and women who
believe in the influence OF good example.
and hold optimistic views on the matter
of dress and morals of society. which
Is deservedly and properly described as
the best.
The assembling Of every smart COM
parry from the reception of the Vice
President and Mrs. Marshall on Monday !
evening to the beautifully appointed we'd |
ding of Miss Francis Brookes and Mr.. /
Edward Fletcher yesterday afternoon. |
served To emphasize tho significant |
changes in fashion in which the femin- !
inc portion Of polite society finds un- !
5i.F1iu bnl
Mexico.
Notwithstanding that high officials Of
our own and foreign governments have /
cancelled social engagements Of every .
kind. and that half dozen dinner par
ties have already been called off many
hosts ann hustesses are to continue 10
entertain in a manner only a little less ,
formal than IN mIdwinter.
To meet this round of -ayety have I
heen imported not only new gowns in
great variety, but now wraps. new shoes
and it is said an entirely new line that
a prominent and weII-dressed young
woman describes as underpinnin-s. Tie .
Undcrpinnings having much to do with
the outward appearance Of he average
gown of this period.
Mrs. O. II. p. Belmont. whose frocks
are not only purchased in Paris hut l.,
tire individual order Of this leader OF
fashion gave Washington 4 Visw of H.,
new silhouette that will mark tho we'll
Sowned matrun OF the coming Newport
season
The gown she wore Mrs Marsha!l's
reception was of satin and tulle in dceD
petunia purple as its foundation tone Th,.
skirt of satin was to judge by appear
anceS rather thar ? tar'. line fully three.
yards wide At the hem. without tn.
tram which was long and broad There
WIS an Ovcrdrcss Of tulle that fol .
lowed the general line Of the satin skirt
hut was much shorter and opened in
front. AID still another ovordress in
Guiding the bodice. was Of satin.
This was cut on princess lines with
much curved UnG"r arm scam and half
lon-th. close fitting satin sleeves The
deCollctagc was rounded rather than in