PARIS FASHIONS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2550, 10 June 1882, Page 4

PARIS FASHIONS.

[“ Queen,” April Bth.j Milo. Marguerite, 35, Avenue de I’Opera. has some charming demisaison straw bonnets, in color called “ cannelle,” or cinnamon, with feathers and aigrette of the “ oanaquo ” shade, which is a sort of pink mixed with that soft, undecided almond brown. Some of the bonnets are of the caleche shape, and lined with oanaquo velvet, the feathers being shrimp pink; others, like a reversed plate, are prune rice straw, the front being covered with gathered white lace, with a bouquet of yello w azaleas and violets. Flowers are much need as feathers on demi-saison bonnets. A large round hat is in brown straw, with a border of marabouts, an immense feather falling in a curl at the baok. Mile. Marguerite makes beautiful parasols of dark satin, with light linings, and Dresden china handles. One is navy blue, with pink lining ; another is black satin, trimmed with three rows of ecru lace appliques, and bouquets of violets fastened with flots of ribbon. These bouquets are not exaggerated in size, as they are frequently to be seen. Mrs Pfeiffer, who was the first to introduce the Greek dress or chiton into English wear, allowed several of her most handsome costumes to bo shown. They were placed on stands or lay figures, as were all the dresses around the room; and certainly a modern court milliner would hava been greatly astonished could she have seen the unwonted display of feminine attire as worn by their distinguished exhibitors. Mrs Pfeiffer’s dresses are models of the simplest form ot beautiful attire, and entirely free from modern devices or shams in decoration. A perfectly plain comfortably fitting high long-sleeved dress, short or long according to its purpose, made of substantial and good material — vroollen, silk, or velvet—is first put on, and over this is draped the typical Greek chiton, which consists of a piece of soft and beautiful material, measuring twice the height of the body one way, and the width with the arms extended from hand to hand the other way. This is partly sewn together, and fastened on each shoulder by a large button only. The folds fall quite easily, and the whole is confined lightly round the waist by a band. No sewn-on or sham trimming is ever used in these classical shawl-like draperies, but suitable patterns are embroidered by the hand on the material itself. Of course the art of arranging the folds and drapery has to be understood, but when once accomplished it is easy and simple. These Greek costumes excited a great deal of attention. One, wrought in gold embroidery, was expressly done for Mrs Pfeiffer in India. Several ve thetio dresses made by Hamilton and 00. wore much admired. One lent by Mr* Herringham, of rich steel-grey satin, with a full plain skirt, high waist, round-out neck to the bodice, trimmed with falling lace, had eleeves of au old mediteval pattern, slashed and puffed, and fastened in front ot the arm with two jewelled old-fashioned buttons. Another, less dressy, made of myrtle-green satin with a round-pointed bodies, having the skirt fulled and fastened to it. Mrs Eustace Smith sent a black satin dress, looking much like an ordinary one, but it was constructed without any bones or stiffening of any sort, to show that such accessories are not necessary. A tea gown, lent by Mrs Priestly, was made of rich black satin and lace ; and whilst falling into the form in a graceful manner, entirely prevented the slightest restraint, and was especially suitable to ladies who might desire to disguise their figure, and to avoid tight-fitting dresses, still retaining the appearance of being well and carefully dressed. A pretty inexpensive dress, made of terracotta colored brocade, with a gathered top and ordinary kilted and gathered skirt, very light and convenient to wear without corsets, was lent by Mrs Charles Oheston. Mrs Haweis lent her little girl’s outdoor pelisse of black velvet and fur, on account of the Raphael sleeve, which gave it an artistic appearance. Many and varied children’s dresses were exhibited, and smocks and underclothing. A long table, or series of tables at the end of the room, was covered with specimens of the most approved forms of uninjurioua corsets, stocking suspenders, and braces, combinations, petticoats, and children’s garments. A doll, dressed by Miss Bella Gladstone, was very attractive and suggestive to those who scarcely knew how to arrange novel garments. On the walls ot the room were hung well-executed diagrams of the human form in various positions, and copies of some of the most beautiful female figures ; whilst on the table stood a small model of the exquisite Venus of Milo. Admission to this exhibition was strictly limited to ladies, and on the first day of its opening five hundred were admitted. Every credit is due to Miss Lankeater, the seoretary of the National Health Society, who on so short a notice succeeded in producing so interesting an suggestive an exhibition, as an illustrative sequel to the lectures at Kensington during the post month.