Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-03-30

IF THE fashions Of this coming season could be
described with any one word it would be
composite" They represent great many
different periods and they give. evidence OF
In the end they are our own for all that is sought
is suggestion and what has gone before is modi.
led and adapted and changed to suit present
day needs.
The very latest advices from across the sea
assure us that Chinese embroideries are to be
extensively used. Chinese coloring is being
largely employed and the Chinese influence are
the dressmakers and designers were looking at
Louis XIV period and they are giving US various
evidences of that fact. As natural sequence,
we must look for Chinese effects for China
became automatically affiliated with France
during the reign, Of the previous Louis and
fashions of his day.
1t has been said with great measure Of truth
that the fashions OF today are not of one sort.
but are If several, determined by the dress
makers of Paris and the women Who follow in
the wake of one adopt one style and the women
another style This year we have the Louis XIV
influence Just referred to, we have the Eugene
period largely drawn upon for suggestion and
we have still earlier nineteenth century inhu-
ences apparent wherever we turn. Because OF
the interest in the various warning countries
studied and considered. While it is to be hoped
that designer Of repute would not consciously
make such combinations as the Louis XIV
period with the Eugene, nevertheless modifca-
lions of all these periods are to be found and
there will be features of them all worked into
really new designs.
The Chinese embroderies referred to are
always so rich and handsome that they make
an especial appeal but to give the best effects
to be treated as they are by the great designer,
they must be sparingly used, in bits only and
undoubtedly we will see embroidery suggestive
of the Chinese inspiration upon costumes that
are in no way related to the Louis period. The
gown that is shown here makes good example.
It is made of Georgette crepe combined with
Pussy Willow and the embroidery gives just
little hint OF the Chinese in the design and in the
coloring. The skirt is simple straight gathered
one tucked, with bands Of ribbon for trimming
and ribbon trimming makes an important and
notable feature of the spring and summer
fashions. Ribbons never were more beautiful.
They are to be found in the most exquisite
weaves and plain colors with dainty finished
edges, and they are also to be found in wonderful
They are being used as bands upon skirts, they
are being used for trimming of almost every
known sort. They are being employed for the
making OF the handsomest girdles that the season
has to show. They are extensively used for
trimming of hats. Ribbon bows and ribbon
trimming are familiar but this season has brought
US hats of straw with the crowns completely
covered with ribbon in new and entirely inter-
esting way.
Some of the clever designers from across the
sea are pulling the edges of the ribbon down
between the crown and the brim to form
irregular frilI against the face. The effect is a
very charming one, it is generally becoming and
it certainly is novel. A fancy Of the season is
for the hat trimming, the girdle and the little
silk bag or reticule, that must be carried with
every afternoon costume if it is complete, to be
made of one and the same ribbon. notable
example shows a broad brim Leghorn hat. the