Rensselaer Republican, Volume 22, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 April 1890 — STYLES IN PARASOLS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

STYLES IN PARASOLS.

PLENTY OF GORGEOUS DESIGNS AND SOME VERY PRETTY ONES. All Kinds of Combinations of Materials and KV&rjr Knows Color Used to Pleas* i tho Fair Bax.— —— —t- —y r— ’ Although the winter months are not yet at an end the display of parasols and sun-umbrellas At the establishments where a specialty is made bf them is suegestive of the days when blazing skies and heat will prevail. Never before have such artistic and novel designs in these manufactures been evolved, nor a more comprehensive assortment been seen. ——— —

Every possible combination of materials of every known color is to be found, especial prominence being given to the use of point d’esprit, crepe lisse, mousseline de soie, and the daintiest of laced and nets. These materials are puffed, gathered, and made into ruffles and jabots, with which to cover a plain foundation of silk or satin, and the parasols so decorated are styled “Maries.” The first illustration shows one made of pale gray crepe lisse over satin of the same color. The lisse is gathered very full under the flat knob at the top of the stick and again at the edge of the parasol, from which point it hangs in a softruffle about one and one-lialf inches deep. A large bow and ends of striped satin ribbon finishes the top, and a silken cord and tassel decorates the handle.

The parasol shown in the second cut is of black and while point d’esprit over white silk. The net, which is only slightly gathered at the top, is arranged in a full puff with a narrow beading on the lower half of the parasol, and the edge is finished with a deep fall of lace to match. The knob and handle are ol natural “acacia” wood. The prevailing shape m this style—in fact, in nearly all the designs—is the “Dome,” which is much more bowed than were those used last season. Another style, a compromise between the “Marie” and those whose cover is •tretebed perfectly plain over the frame, is shown in the sketch above. This parasol is of black figured net and dark red surah. The net is gathered into s full double rosette in the center, and is then divided and drawn over each rib in a full puff. Loops and flowing ends double-faced black aqd red ribbon corn-

plete the top; the inside of the parasol is lined with red silk; the handle is of “wachsel” wood, beuutifuily carved. Frequently in this design the space between the puffs is covered with openwork embroidery or lace. For ordinary wear no style will find greater favor than that made of planted surah or silk, for in these parasols every combination of colors can be found in plaids of every degree of size*. The one illustrated has twelve ribs, and the shape is less deep than those found in other makes. The ribbon bow matches the plaid, and the handle is of buffah--born. A variation of this style has fourteen ribs, and resembles in shape a fiat Japanese umbrella.

A distinctive feature of this season’s designs is the introduction of horizontal trimmings of Vandyked lace, either qs an applique or an insertion on a silked satin foundation. Contrasting colors are usually employed, although in some cases the rarest of point and duebesse laces trim gros-graln silk or satin of the same cream tint. The ifth model shows a parasol mads of electric bias st]k,

trimmed with white laee in Vandyke pointe, used as an applique. The handle is of bamboo, the ribs are finished

on witb cubical-shaped Ivory tips, and on the inside are covered with silk the color of that outside. This idea is an innovation, which adds much to the appearance of a parasol. The illustrations given are but a few of the many novelties to be found in the market. There are “Maries*’ which are literally covered with dainty frills ol mousseline de sole or gauze, aud others where sections composed of loops of ribbons alternate with cascades of filmy lace. Surah parasols in plain colors are edged with puffs of variegated silk; brightly colored horizontal and perpendicular stripes trim covers of a dark hue, and' gorgeously tinted brocaded satins are also utilized in these manufactures Sun umbrellas, which on occasion can also be used for rain, have handle! which ore decorated with very naturali looking fruit and nuts, such as cherries, lady apples, grapes, walnuts, and hazel nuts. The formation of the handle! show a decided modification in size, smsllknobs,balls, rnrd jagged crooki apparently being the most in use, and in the materials emploved the Dreference is given to the natural woods. In some instances two or more kinds of wood are combined to form a latticework handle; others are beautifully carved, or oftener still made of the unpolished wood without decoration. The same moderation is observed in the ferrule or stick, which is * neither long nor short, but a compromise between the two.