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Show ' M iiiiib ffc hum il.i . Costume of Original American Design OUR fashions spring from revivals and adaptations of styles that havo been worn beforo our day and feel tho Influence of all tho corners of tho earth. For somo tlmo tho agitation on tho subject of American designs for American womon has been going on. Tho war in Europe brought this matter to a climax and a fashion show, under tho patronago of wealthy society women of New York city, was staged recently at tho Rltz hotel, in which tho apparel displayed on extremely ex-tremely clover models was designed by members of Amorican establishments establish-ments and made in their workrooms. Tho display altogether was creditable, credit-able, although any startllngly now and wholly original ideas wore lacking. In fact, fow people are looking for anything of tho kind. What wo really want and take to aro styles that havo associations and suggestions that mako them interesting. Wo llko a hint of tho oriental, a whisper of tho savage, a glimpse of tho ancient, and not a bold copy in nny case. In fact, when nothing is loft to the imagination, something is lost of charm. A lovely gown, among other lovely things, appeared in tho Rltz parade from Kurzman who is famous fo trousseaux. It is pictured hero and 1b a somewhat radical departure from present-day fashions. It is of white satin, brocaded with sliver, and if mado without trimming or elaboration. Tho skirt is Daring and full, hanging In sot folds. Tho absence of shoulder straps, tho pointed bodlco and short puffed alcoves revive memories of th days of tho Renaissance. After much elaboration It seoms severely simple. But there Ib a reaction toward simplicity sim-plicity which, it must bo conceded, has Improved Uio styles of today. Tho skirt flaring at tho bottom is dividing honors with tho straight un-dorBklrt un-dorBklrt and long, full tunic, and bids fair to stand in tho first place by spring. Both are beautiful In outline. Whether wo shall look to Amorican designers to create our styles or And that wo have been looking to them (while wo thought all Inspiration camo from Paris) for many years, we aro sure of ono thing: Amorica Is not without tho talent for creating beautiful beau-tiful clothes and this talent will be recognized through Just such event as tho exhibition at the Ritz. |