The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-25
Beads Are Seen
 On New E rench Frocks

eXlC rom the stage or 1Asn1On, ac-
 cording to the latest evening gowns received from Paris. They heavily in- crust overtunics, not in one solid sheath as formerly, but making large conventional designs and patterns. A lined with a single row of beads in one color and filled in solid with tiny glistening beads of contrasting shade.
 The beltless frock is also being re- tained in France fashions for early fall although it's popularity seems to be waning in this country. Perhaps our modistes too quickly interpreted the coming preference for the nauFal waistline to mean a dislike or no waist line at all. At any rate, with the French influence still unabated, domes- tic gowns will no doubt continue to ef feet the tube-like silhouette now that imported models are clinging to it.
 These models show skirt lengths creeping up, although it is doubtful if they ever will reach the exagger- ated brevity of postwar styles. Eve ming gowns seem undecided whether to hover about the ankles or boldly reveal a charming expanse of sheer silk hosiery. On the other hand, frocks for afternoon and sport wear are short without any hesitation, reflect ing the decided tendency away from the long, slinky gown. 5Ne7
 Fringe has retained its popularity in Paris. It has given R conspicious place on both gown and wrap, rival ing the accordion plaited drape for first place. Both have been used to charming effect for the past year; but some times fashion is strangely con stant in it's favorites and seems loathe to discard variations that have made many lovely gowns more lovely.
 Sleeves Have Grown Longer
 While the French skirts become shorter, the French sleeves become longer. Not on evening gowns, of course, where the sleeveless effect is preferred, but particularly on sport frocks. Long and tight or long and bog gy-either is found. Even on the late summer models the extended sleeve is shown, predicting q shortage of bare arms for the winter. Although in the summer abbreviated sleeves are desir- able, fashion is showing good common sense in lengthening them for winter wear.
 One formal evening gown is of gleam- ing white satin which follows every curve of the figure. The swathing eff feet is broken, however, by the de- cided flare about the bottom of the skirt, a new variation of the favored tube" dress. Severe bands made up of rows of long crystal beads follow sim pie design from neckline to hem, giving long lines to a rather plump form. A cape of vivid brocade, collared with a short-haired fur accompanies the gown. Reminiscent of the Spanish shawl, long, silky fringe sweeps around its border, adding grace and hghtness to the cape.
 Beads are again the feature of an- crusted on a fine crepe foundation, other evening gown. They; are in- making a sort of over-slip. Instead of the conventional underskirt, long fringe is used, another partiality for fringe. Their allegiance to plating is also shown in the long split panel of plaited crepe which hangs in uneven lengths at one side. As in the other gown, the tubular effect of the upper part is belt ed by the fullness of the bottom. From this one would suppose that the French designers are undecided between the tight and the full dress, and are mak- ing this compromise.
 A late summer frock is of dark print ed crepe. Again the compromise be- tween scantiness and fullness is shown by the tight underskirt peep ing out beneath a flairing overskirt, pressed into fine plaits. The waist is almost a basque, it is so close-fitting. The waist line is almost normal and marked by a narrow band of grosgrain ribbon. This same ribbon is found bordering the hems of both skirts, as well as a double row of cream-colored lace. The lace note is again repeated on the collar, which does not follow the regular neck line, but cuts down to the waist. The sleeves are long and rather tight, ending in a light cuff of ribbon.
 The hat is the regulation mushroom shape, trimmed with gross grain ribbon and bound with white, carrying out the white note on the dress. A single quill of material breaks the rOundness.
 The sport dress is decidedly youthful inspiration. The skirt, which is fairly short and full, is of heavy crepe, box plated. The crepe overblouse is gathered on a white band which comes lowe over the hips. Two narrow in serts of contrasting dark material break the severity of the band, which is forther relieved by a sligth shirring directly in front.
 The sleeves show another French in- depreciation of the long sleeve, full and baggy, drawn into close fitting cuff. A hat envelope pocket, one low on each side is a simple, useful feature.
 
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