The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-06

seen such a gay season. The # Y presidential wedding was, ot rn ~ course, the impetus that set the social ball a-rolling, and the revolu- uons thereof have been more and more rapid as the weeks have drawn closer to Lent, when all social gaeties cease in Washington. Balls there have been, and small and select pri- Vate dances; dinners of state and more informal but quite as important din- ners where high personages of the land met around the board, and re- captions and teas have followed upon each others heels with bewildering rapidity.
 All these social doings have brought together untold numbers of wonder ful costumes; rich furs, sumptuous wraps, stunning afternoon and recep- tion gowns and gorgeous evening gowns, most of them bearing the Paris stamp and attesting the freshness of Paris tissue wrapping.
 Evening Gowns Alike In Silhouette.
 All the new costumes for gaslight wear bear striking resemblance to one another in one respect. They all begin with next to nothing at the top and spread outward to enormous width at the foot. In some cases this width is made to emphasize itself by way Of crinoline support underneath; i; Tn other cases the rich fabric falls, Told upon fold, in soft, graceful lines. The younger women favor the saucy, nlting skirt with it's hooped effect, but this skirt must be worn very short to look attractive, and the majority or matrons who hold high places in official society are neither young enough nor slim enough--and far too conservative in taste-to faunt them selves in billowing skirts that reveal good deal more than the ankles. So at Washington one has noted Q great many Paris - unmistakablv Paris-evening gowns of instep length and with full materials draped to give lines of grace rather than piquant gaiety A gown in point is a model of jade green brocaded faille and sil- yer lace. This costume lacks no ele- ment of dignity, yet 1t is perfect in its modishness and it's conformity to the canons of the mode. It was built by Cheruit and evidence of Cheruit's s unfailing grace and charm is evident in every line of the costume. Sleeve lessor all but sleeveless as ft is, in accordance with present fashion, the bodice gives no suggestion of nudity as do so many of this years evening gowns. It is rather modest in cut of decolletage and the silver lace is gracefully draped over shoulders and bust, yelling flesh-colored chiffon. In the skirt the silver lace falls over jade green chiffon, with flesh colored chif- ion beneath and band of seal holds the two layers of chiffon together. The girdle and drapery are of jade colored faille brocaded in silver and a lining of silver tissue shows at the edge of the drapery. In the decolle- tage is soft fold of white tulle.
 The Train Falls From the Waistline. has the inevitable train, emanating from drapery attached to the belt, that one has noted on all formal even- ing costumes worn at Washington during the after holidays season. The first lady of the land. having expressed her personal predilection for trains in various gowns in her recently com- pleted rousseau, trains have become the rage forthwith. Dressmakers have been busy adding them to dance frocks that hitherto possessed them not, and every new gown turned out for the late season has included a train in it's design. Sometimes the train is incorporated with the gown itself but much more frequently. as has been said 1t depends from the