DRESS OF DIAMONDS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9112, 11 June 1908, Page 3

DRESS OF DIAMONDS.

£200,000 WORTH OF2UEM3. Nothing in the way of costumes e/jc seen on the* English, or, indeed any other stage has approached in valje the wonderful duress worn by Miaa Fannie Ward the American actraas, in "The Marriage of William Ashe," produced at Terry's Theatre, In the scene in which "Kitty" comeg on dressed for a funcy ball a» Venus the actress is first heard rating liar maid; then suddenly she bursts into her drawing-room costumed as she intends to appear at the dance, with dazzling effect. Her whole body .'•simply;blazes with diamonds, set over flesh-coloured, gauzy material that 3s only dimly seen between the clustering gems. On her head glows a croWu-shaped tiara six inches high, consisting of rose diamonds and | brilliants set in a solid mass. Round | iher neck is a deep collar, flashing - white fire frum 300 stones of the finsjt water. Knots of diamonds ai'J on her shoulders and over her bo*om falls a pectoral, embroidered , , thickly with the same jewels, such .as any quden might en.-y. Diamond waiters of various patterns are be- 1 •sprinkled all over the costume, diamond buckle? to her shoes. Most wonderful of all is the six-inch diamond girdle round her waist, with which drapery is looped up. On -every finger of both hands diamonds and brilliants glitter and sparkle in almost blinding splendour. The gems are no mere stage geegaws, but •every one the real thing, the costume being worth well over £200,'.OOO, for Miss Fannie Ward is the wife of Mr Joe L-jwis, multi-mil-lionaire, and can aifjrJ to deck, herself accordingly.. 'Aa Violetta .in "La Traviata" Melba has appeared wearing diamonds valued at .£IOO,OOO, but in the matter of .gems the great prima donna is now completely eclipsed by the vivacious little American actraas. ..,