The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-21

w Of them"
one heard the question
continually wherev
French frocks were on view at the
New York openings. Moreover the
tone. Ike the question. held doubtful
note. The usual aggressive cocksure-
ness of the importer who has chosen
and brought over a collection of
models rightfuliy wearing the names
Of the most authoritative French
dressrnak.ng houses was lacking.
Each buyer was conscious that he
had nothing sensational TO offer. Buy
ing had not been the usual ollthe
business There had been no oppor-
tunity Of studying French fashions
outside Of the dressrnakers salons.
Fashion matters had seemed discon-
certingly topsy turvy.
And so there was disturbed and
anxious look on the face Of the I'm
norter who watched and weighed the
reception accorded to hts showing.
He was even Apologize when criticism
was adverse
But materials were limited. you
know. Don't you think they've done
wonderfully well considering the CTR
eurnSlances2''
II Paquin and Cabot and Cheruit
and the others could have heard that
And yet they ~ us>elves would
probably he the frs, to admit that
their output is not NJ To that o.
normal years The thing was IN
evitable. That they have teen abr TO
make the standard as high as 1t is
speaks eloquently for their artistry,
and a large percentage Of the fnooks
they have sent us are very charming
III spjto Of all the difficulties that lay
IN the way Of their production.
Models Of 8 superhly elaborate type.
and frocks Cor grande toilette are very
few. one misses them for their
beauty's sake, but one can understand
fheir atrsence Or the other hand,
frocks for informal evening wear, for
afternoon wear frocks' in the dernl-
toilette class, are unusually attractive
af,d speak loudly Of that talent for chic
simplicity which is one Of the French
:irassrnaker's most valuable gifts.
II ss In this field that the Imported
models score heavily. Some American
designers have produced ta4lored cos
tunes and serge frocks that compare
favorably with anything the French
houses have sent over, but at the risk
Of being considered unpatriotic one
must admit that the French versions
of the seasons 1880 and 1870 tenden-
cies. as exhibited IN frocks of dressy
sort, are more succe ssful whether
taken from the viewpoint Of clothes
or pictures. than most Of the models
for which American designers are re-
sponsible.
A few exclusive dressrnaking houses
here in New York which have very
strong foreign affiliations and cater to
a restricted trade have given us
models that compare favorably with
anything the importers have to show;
and one manufacture who supplies
very high grade models TO the dres s-
making and speciality trade all over
the country has. TO rather surpr5s-
Ing degree. reasoned his logical way
TO about the sa1ne conclusions al
which the best French makers seem
to have arrived HIS models have al
most all the features that have been
generally emphasized in Paris and he
has obtained his s!lhouettes. his effects
Of line. through many OF the same de-
vices that have been used by the best
of the French designers, But when
complimented upon his achievement;
he proved surprisingly modest.
I'm glad you think my things stand
COMPARISON with the French models