Evening star., 1932-01-01
D|PLOMAT|C CORPS
BR|GHTENS PARTY
Brilliant Costumes Vie for
Prominence at New Year
Reception.

The rapidly changing diplomatic
corps furnished the most brilliant fea-
ture of the Presidents reception today,
this being one of the few occasions
when the entire corps appears In court
or full-dress uniform. Most elaborate
are the uniforms of the Italian and
the Latin American diplomats, the gold
braid on their coats barely leaving
room for their splendid array OF
medals and decorations.
Mobile Giacomo de Martino, Ambas-
sador Of Italy, who appeared at the
White House at the diplomatic reception
December 10 for the first time in his
new guise as dean of the corps, led the
brilliant procession which opened the
reception today and with Nobil Donna
Antoinette de Martino and the mem
bers of the embassy staff and their
wives, flashed along the lire as brilliant
as meteor.
Nobil de MARITIME was regal in a cos
tune of black velvet with large orna-
ment of crystals and pearls on the
bodice as the one high light, and her
becoming hat was also Of velvet. She
wore a rich sable scarf about her
shoulders.
Hoover Sons Absent.
Much to the disappointment of every
one, the Presidents sons, Mr. Herbert
Hoover, jr., and Mr. Allan Hoover were
absent the former having left for New
York, accompanied by Mrs. Hoover, and
the latter for California.
AS rich compensation, however, was
the appearance of Peter Herbert Hoover,
Sd, and his winsome sister, Peggy Ann,
who were accompanied by Susanne
Boone. Peggy Ann wore sensible little
'pantie suit" and Peter was In a blue
suit with very wide and very short
trousers. Susanne wore brown tweed.
For long years the New Year day re-
ception has been looked upon as an oc-
casion for the introduction of new
styles in hats, gowns and furs, and to-
day was no exception to the rule.
Mrs. Hoover Simply Gowned.
Mrs. Hoover wore for the occasion
dress Of seal brown velvet quite simply
fashioned, and she carried a gold purse.
Mrs. Edward Everett Gam, sister of
Vice President Curtis, wore becoming
costume of green velvet, fashioned SIM
ply, a green felt hat trimmed with soft
fiat feathers against the crown, and
about her shoulders scarf Of mink fur.
Mrs. StimSon's costume was of bur-
gundy velvet with bodice Of gold and
burgundy color brocade, and her becom-
ing hat was in corresponding color.
Mrs. Patrick J. Hurley, wife of the
Secretary Of War, was in smartly
fashioned gown of brown velvet trim
med with beige, the material tucked
and plated to relieve its severeness.
Her turban of brown felt was trimmed
with beige.
Mrs. Mitchell Wears Black.
Mrs. William De Witt Mitchell, wife
of the Attorney General, wore black
velvet with ermine trimming and neck
piece and hat of black velvet.
Mrs. Charles Francis Adams, wife of
the Secretary of the Navy was in black
velvet, the severenesS relieved by rare
old lace, and her black hat was trim
med with a black ostrich feather.
Mrs. Brown, wife of the Postmaster
General, wore a charming dress of pale
green woolen material, with a small
black felt hat. Mrs. Wilbur wore dark
green brocaded chiffon, with hat In
corresponding color.
Mrs. Hyde, wife of the Secretary of
Agriculture, wore striking costume in
black and white, the gown designed Of
black fiat crepe and trimmed with n
beaded white chiffon vest effect and the
long sleeves with inserts of lace She
wore a smartly tailored hat Of velvet,
trimmed with curled quill, and her
other accessories were of black dull kid.
Miss Caroline Hyde. daughter of the
Secretary and Mrs. Hyde, was strik-
ing picture in gown of dark red vel
vet trimmed with cream lace, hat to
match in fine velour, and her slippers
were of red suede.
Mrs Robert Patterson Lamont, wifs
of the Secretary of Commerce, wors
brown velvet, the upper part Of the
bodice being made OF brown brocade
crepe and her brown felt hat was trim
med with brown velvet,
Mrs. Doak wore a handsome gown
of dark brown velvet, trimmed with
kolinsky fur Her hat was Of velour To
match and she had on suede slippers to
c0rrasnOnd