LONDON FASHIONS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2163, 31 January 1881, Page 2

LONDON FASHIONS.

[From the " Queen."] Imitation laces are more beautiful than ever, and no acoount of the London fashions would be complete without mentioning them, for everyone wears them, and the prejudioe against " maouino-mede laces " is gradually disappearing. The best are " Mireoourt point," " Modena point," double or antique Valenciennes, Mechlin, and Brussels, and the old English thread, which is really beautiful. In black laces the Spanish is improved, and there is a Ohantilly whioh in appearance is equal to the real fabric The wide Spanish lace, which is sold by the yard, will probably replace gauze and net for evening wear. The beaded jerseys are very handsomo, and likewise costly, but are effective in the evening ; the last application of beads being made to the long gloves, which have the backs beaded in a pattern up the arm, even above the elbow.

The mania for plush increases rather than diminishes ; for wearing indoors and out there are ruffs of plush fastening at the throat, with looped bows of narrow ribbon, a box plaiting of ribbon above coming next the neck. A more dainty addition to the dress is a deep half oircle of ruby plush, which just reaches to the shoulder ; and depending from it are two muslin laced-edged ends, which are loosely knotted in front, a lace plaiting at the neck. They are put on easily, and look very dressy.

The " Umritzur cashmere" has been received with immense favor, especially amongst those who aspire to be artistic in their apparel; the hues are so singular, and yet besoming, and plush mixes so well with it, that it is sure to be popular. Gowns of the Egyptian red, or blue, mustard-yellow, or clay-red, all look extremely well with plush trimmings of a darker shade and silk cords to lace them. And as plush is made in all the artistic colors, there is no difficulty in matching the cashmere. The method of making these artistic gowns is with a short plush underskirt, made quite plainly, and rather full, a pointed cashmere bodice, the rounded portion on the hips filled in with a muchpuffed scarf of cashmere falling in double loops behind. The sleeves are the feature of the costume, and have puffs of plush and close gathers of cashmere alternately, the prettiest being gathered from the shoulder to the elbow, to meet an elbow-puff of plush, the cashmore gatherings then re-oommencing down to the wrist. A very large collar of plush, and a standing collar, wired at the edge a la Marie Stuart, are added, and under this collar is placed a lace and muslin handkerchief, whici is knotted loosely in front. There is a full ruff of lace at the neck, and necklace of beads hanging in different lengths. There is no doubt that of all the "art-cos-tumes " this is the most successful yet made. White kid gloves are once more seen, but do not attain the extreme popularity of tan and biscuit-colored Swede gloves for evening wear. Stockings are still worn to match the dress.

The newest muffs are made of a piece of the drees. They are about 14in. deep, Sin. wide at the base, Sin. at the top, where is a looped bow with a bird. They are stiffened and lined, but not wadded. Made in brocaded velvet, to wear with a dress of the same; they are most pretty, but they serve rather as a receotacle for a handkerchief than to keep the hands warm. And a novelty just now are amull round hand-warmers, covered with the inevitable plush. By-the-bye, the newost patterns in velvet brocade are diamonds, hearts, spades, and clubs.