Evening star., 1940-07-03
By HELEN VOGT.

For some time now, fashion au-
thorities have been singing loud songs
of praise for the Lillian Russell in
f1uence in fashion. Like so much
wildfire have spread the words
lavishness, extravaganza and roman
ticism-all adjectives that one as
sociates with the magnificent Lii
Ian and her era. The results of
this theme are obvious this season.
Needless to say, the variations far
exceed any original modes Of the
90s, but adaptations are prevalent,
and should the toast of the handle
bar mustache and red plush furni-
ture period take a peek at 1910
here's what she might see:
She'd see hats that are vaguely
reminiscent of those she affected.
Wide, sweeping brims, turned up
ward in the profile manner are be-
ing shown by some of our leading
milliners. and though they are lack
ing in the lavish plumes an orna-
mentation that distinguished the
originals, there is little doubt that
such leaders as Lily Dache and
others have taken the theme rather
seriously and converted it into styles
that certainly suggest the large fiat
tering hats of another day.
There would be parasols to make
La Russell feel quite at home. Very
similar to the long handled, beruf-
fed styles that were the order of her
day are those advocated by stylists
as extremely chic for summer wear
Long enough to touch the ground
are the new models done in the
same manner as those which sup
ported" the famous star.
Inspired by the same source are
the full organdy collars now being
featured. Frilly ruffles rank high
in the present vogue for lingerie
touches and succeed in carrying
out the feminine feeling as
we'll as giving fattering frame to
the face.
Into beauty salon would 60 the
lovely Lillian, there to find that
pompadours are fast returning to
favor. Not, it is true, the extremely
elaborate coiffures of her time, but
modern variations designed to give a
finished effect when worn with the
new hats that sit quite far back on
the head. Altered as they may be,
pompadours seem likely to enjoy a
new wave of popularity even as they
have done before.
BuStleS could be seen, too, al
though for true prominence, Lii
Ian should have been around last
year when they were really at their
height. There are still few about
and If the Russell influence is to
continue, there seems to be little
doubt that they will flourish again
this year-possibly in the fall.
Jewelry that would make Diamond
Jim Brady gasp at its size, If not
at its authenticity, would greet the
| returning heroine everywhere she
went. Brooches, clips, and orna-
ments of all types, shapes, sizes and
descriptions are the decree of FASH
ion, and these costume pieces grace
clothes from the most casual sports
outfit to the most formal evening
attire.
What Lillian would not find, of
| course, are dust-catching, floor
length dresses that were the order
OF her day. Gone, unfortunately
are the jewel studded bicycles. al
though there are plenty of plain
ones around. Shed have to ride
them in shorts or slacks, though,
instead OF flowing skirts. We could
do very little about furnishing her
! with a heavy corset that nipped in
her waist and ruined her health
but we could substitute comfort
able, sensible and far more ef1ici-
ent foundation garments. And as
for Lillian's poundage, there would
be a line of reducing experts and
diet authorities waiting at the gate
for her and her Victorian measure
ments.