Rimmel, Eugene: Recollections of the Paris exhibition of 1867 (London, 1868)

68 RECOLLECTIONS OF

CHAPTER VI.

CLOTHING.

That part of the Clothing Court which faces the Grand
Vestibule is composed of handsome glass cases wherein are
displayed the most elegant novelties of wearing apparel from
the principal Parisian drapers and silk mercers; it need
scarcely be added that this spot possesses a particular charm
for ladies who crowd round to contemplate these costly
fabrics, richly embroidered dresses, and gorgeous Court
costumes. We must confess, however, at the risk of ap-
pearing a barbarian in the eyes of our fair readers, that the
place has not a similar attraction for us, and we shall even
question the propriety of admitting as exhibitors people who
manufacture nothing, and whose natural exhibition is their
shop-windows which can be seen every day.

We may perhaps be told in answer to our objection, that
these establishments represent Fashion, and that this capricious
and despotic sovereign has a perfect right to a place in a
department over which she holds her more than usual sway.'
If it be so, we bow in humble submission and pass on,
contenting ourselves by mentioning as one of the greatest
eccentricities a dress representing a peacock, the tail forming