The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-11-28

M uuCtOrS s baton TOT the open NN ing notes of Samson and '" Delilah on November 29th, the social season of 1915-'16 formally begins. There have been one or two important weddings, and the Horse Show filled in the gap between country until the opera season is fairly under way in New York, may the social sea- son be said to be in full swing.
 The smart set attends the Horse Show of course; but to the smart set If not to the general public-the Horse Show is merely another sport ing event added to those that have filled the summer. One drops in at the show of an evening because it seems to be the thing to do; but one does not stay long and shortly goes on to some small and exclusive affair less boring. But the opera is quite a different proposition. One is expected to occupy ones box on society nights even if one does not arrive until the beginning of the second act and must leave before the end of the per- formance. Society is expected to ap- pear at the opera, and in gala array and incidentally there is no such show place on earth for wondrous gowns and gorgeous gems as a brilliantly lighted opera house, where every beautiful woman in her roomy box in the famous diamond horseshoe' is framed in a picture setting, the dark interior of the richly upholstered box making an effective background for white shoulders, lovely gowns and gleaming gems.
 One sees many wraps in the car riage foyer--and indeed they are well worth beholding. This year velvet wraps seem to enjoy special favor. Most of the stunning opera wraps are of rich, soft velvet, and it is the ex- ception when there is not generous quota of fur. The most entrancing colors appear in these opera wraps, indescribable shades of rose, subtle sea greens, all the tints between pale apricot and deep coral, sapphire blue, the new plum which fashion is daft about this winter, and many splendid reds, dahlia, Jack rose, flame, garnet, ruby and others too numerous to men, ton. Colored wraps will be more pop ular than pure white ones this year, for color is at it's bravest in costume now-in evening dress at least Many of the wraps have added glory in gold lace, gold cord and tassel trimmings. in addition to the excessively wide fur collars and cuffs. It is not unusual to see fur cuffs reaching we'll above the elbow and band of the fur, equally wide. may border the whole wrap-quite an item these days when no wrap admits to less than a four yard width at the edge. To what ex- tent this fad for exaggerated fur bor- ders may go is illustrated in the opera wrap pictured; a superb garment Of ruby rcd velvet with a founce of o'possum that reaches from ankle to hip. The wrap is closely shirred across the shoulders and tops of the sleeves and is gathered in again be- low the hips, so that the fur border is not more than three yards around while the velvet wrap, ungathered would probably measure five at least This fullness of the velvet, though cleverly controlled, gives the wrap special luXuriousness of character. the light catching on each fold of the ruby velvet and emphasizing the rich color of the wrap. Cords dyed to match the velvet, and satin-covered buttons effect the fastening in front With an opera gown of black tulle this ruby red wrap is particularly regal and stunning.