THE "TEA-GOWN."

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 44, 20 February 1879, Page 4

THE "TEA-GOWN."

Our London ladies, who a few years ago would have considered the idea appalling, calmly array themselves in the glorified dressing-robe known as a "teagown," and proceed to display themselves to the eyes of their admirers. The reason, perhnps } is not very Jar to eeek. Certain adventurous dames, who determined, some years since, an invasion of man's last stronghold, the smokingroom, arrayed themselves for conquest in bewitching robes dc cliambre. Their less enterprising sisters, not quite daring to follow them to nocturnal extremities, were unwilling to be defrauded of the opportunity of adding an otter weapon to the arsenal of the toilet, hence the origin, of the tea-gown. Of course, it in no way resembles the dress-ing-gown of utility. It is of elaborate design and infinite cost. It is absolutely useiess and utterly ridiculous ; but this is not the worst that may be said about it It is, to all intents and purposes, a desltahillc % and so great is the force of association, that the conversation is exceedingly apt, nay, almost certain to become deshabille as well. The gentlemen's houses where tea-gowns prevail relieve themselves of their shooting attire and reappear very frequently in gorgeous smoking-suits ; there is an ease and sans /aeon about the whole proceeding that favors laxity of discourse, and advantage is generally taken of the latitude afforded. At their first beginning, tea-gowns only put in an appearance when the beverage from which they take their: name was dispensed in the hostess's boudoir, aud only a rare and favored specimen of the opposite sex was admitted on sufferance. But such old-fashioned prudery haß long been thrown aside in the eager desire for more admirers of such becoming raiment ; the tea-gowns have descended to the drawing-room and the hall, and have become more marvellous and more voyant in the transit. With the graceful neglige toilet there has come in a habit of lounging, which is certainly of most doubtful grace. Hands are not unfrequently to be seen clasped above or behiud the head, thus often liberally exhibiting the arm by the falling back of the loose sleeve ; feet and ankles are lavishly displayed as dainty slippers are rested on the fender; more ardent spirits recline in ostentatious repose on various sofas. It is considered the thing to suit the action to the attire and exhibit in it the supremacy of ease. In some very Bohemian establishments it is voted a bore to dress again for dinner; that meal is partaken of in the ease masquerading attire, and, as a not unnatural sequal, there is a prompt adjournment to the smokingroom and a brisk demand by the ladies for cigarettes. — London World.