v I o I TIMELY TOPICS I ITHE 0 0 I I THE NEW SYMBOLISM OF DRESS Isn't symbolism wonderful It long ago Invaded the domain o of ot art Now It is to dictate the fashions So at least a French silk designer who has been vis vIs- vis- vis sting America prophesies The new silks for feminIne fem fern mine wear are to be perfect riots ot of symbolism There will be a design to suit every temperament and match every mood The use of ot color schemes to express personality Is not new of ot course Deep thinkers have discussed the ethi ethical al as well as the aesthetic effects of ot this tIlts color or that Lives may be made or marred by draperies or eilt candle shades It is all very Intricate and subtle and not easily comprehensible to the stolid and matter tact I mind The new s symbolism Is to be more direct and In in- in DefInite patterns will leave no doubt In Inthe Inthe inthe the mind of ot the beholder as to the Idea It Is sought to convey The Tho designers will wUl have a a. wide scope for their art No pent up Utica of ot conventionality will contract their powers They may work anything they please Into the fabric Cubist dancers ships tea cups ballroom scenes skyscrapers barnyards all according to the taste and fancy of ot the artist Since moods especially feminine moods change quickly the possession of ot an extensive and varied wardrobe will be essential No woman It is safe to say would woud wish to go to church decorated with cubist dancers or to a ball In the tho environment of ot a barnyard Perhaps this fact has not been Ignored by the designers After all this new Idea Is only an an old one adapted Through the the middle ages and the renaissance ren tho the apparel proclaimed the man manery very ery literally Each Kach craft each trade had Its own way of ot dressing A woman of ot fashion could be told at a glance a lord could nover never be confounded with a peasant Whereas now the way people dress otters offers very little clue to their real status Wo We do not see why fashions for both sexes should not be symbolic Thus Thug 9 a banker would always wear checks and a stenographers stenographer's gown would be emblazoned in blue and gold type type- writers Think how liow much more picturesque and poetical the dally daily round the common task would be And what is life we ask ase without a touch of f poetry In PhiladelPhia it-PhiladelPhia Philadelphia Inquirer