Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-07-04

fiNtflC1 IN O series OF articles
on tOtGt Is being tDor7, tn UGri- !
Gus parts OF the iDorId.l
By EIeni
Beirut is called the paris" Of
the Middle East.
Into this free port" come the
most beautiful fabrics Of other
parts of the world. American
lingerie. sportswear, fabulous
cosmetics and other goods also
flow into this city that is the
crossroad Of three continents
Asia, Africa and Europe. Beirut
is the fashion pride Of the en-
tire Middle East.
Its women are chic in every
sense of the word and in the
French manner mostly. During
the years between the First
World War and the Second,
Lebanon was a French mandate
and the impact of French fash
ion on it's women has remained.
The women love fashion. They
like to talk about it at all times.
Over the small coffee cups that
arrive in a ending stream
through the day. the women
delight in discussing the latest
styles. Last seasons styles from
France are strictly passe among
very wealthy and elegant Leba-
nese women. It's the newest
that will always concern them.
Brides from all over the Middle
East travel to Beruit to shop fof
their trousseaus, such Is the
reputation Of the city for fine
fashions.
Lebanon enjoys the four sea-
sons Of the year and its women
enjoy dressing UP for all OF
them. In the summertime
whether at the beach or the
mountains you'll spot the latest
American bathing suits and
sportswear.
Fall and winter are a more
formal time for dressing and a
Lebanese woman's 'tailleur" will
be Importantly considered by her
for wear at that time. It will be
expertly cut and fashioned of
the finest fabric.
Fabric consciousness is at its
peak in Beirut. Being able to
pick from an exciting array of
fabrics from France, Britain and
America they select them with
a keen and knowing eye. Many
a shopkeeper quickly discovers
this when he attempts to at
tribute specific qualities to a fab
ric and the customer counters
with an equally fine knowledge
of the fabrics worth. A revived
interest in their own beautiful
brocades is also being shown by
Lebanese women, who are having
them made up in lovely cocktail
suits and gowns.
Beirut's women are very partial
to the wearing of beautiful eve
ming gowns. Their seamstresses
are amongst the finest in the
world. A formal party in Beirut
is breathtaking with the beauty
of the Lebanese women contrast
ing with the gowns in lush
fabrics.
They make a point of being
feminine and dressed in a fam
mime manner. They are not
''tweedy" types. Perfume is a big
love with them. New fragrances
get the same attention as a new
book might that is capturing the
public's fancy.
Good taste will mark the
clothing selections of most of
the women. Nothing must ever
shrek for attention if a woman
is to be considered well dressed
in Beirut.
She will sport the latest styled
hairdo that women in other cap
itals Of the world are wearing.
Her manicure will be perfect.
Down to the right shade of
hosiery for her costume the Leb-.
anese woman will watch every
detail in her quest to be perfectly
groomed and dressed.
Nine. Eva Malik, wife of the
Ambassador of Lebanon, notes a
woman in Beirut will travel
mile to change into the correct
dress for the occasion rather go
in something inappropriate.
This city of contrasts where
one moment you will see Partisan
chic and the next when you
travel through a bazaar, a noun
tain woman in native dress SELL
ing vegetables is a fascinating
fashion experience for all con-
cerned.
In Beirut those interested in
costume art make a point of
visiting the Palace Of Beit-Ed-
dine. Here is housed costume
collection dating back to the
days of the 18th and 10Th CEN
fury, periods in Lebanon's his
tory particularly rich in art and
culture.
Beirut's present Interpretation
of the fashion scene is something
else in which Lebanon can also
take pride. It's women are truly
elegant.
Next week: Turkey