Lost Elegance.

A while back, I was invited to lunch at the River Club on East Fifty-second Street.

My host introduced me to the novelist Louis Auchincloss, one of my favorite writers.

Since his main theme was something I could relate to: Lost elegance.

I told him how much I admire his work, when a tall, elegant woman who looked like she had just stepped out of his last novel came towards me.

She was wearing black knife pleat pants, a Charmeuse blouse (a fantasy of smooth, lustrous silk).

And a wide crushable belt encircling the waist.

I took in all the details.

She was carrying her shoes.

Why, I still don’t know.

My host informed me that she was a great-granddaughter of one of the baronial Mumms.

We consumed several bottles of it in her honor.

Pink Champagne Charmeuse Blouse (No. 2629). Silk satin weave (almost liquid). Oversize wing collars, 7-self covered buttons, with softly gathered 4", two button cuffs. Very dangerous when worn with Knife Pleat Pants. Imported.

Women's sizes: 2 through 18.

Color: Pink Champagne.

Knife Pleat Pants (No. 2744). 100% rayon (pleats are baked into the fabric). Side zipper, necessary hook & eye closure. Overlocked edges to insure the loose fluid slow, sensuous, movement. Imported.

Women's sizes: 2 through 18.

Color: Black.

Crushable Belt (No. 2696). Double layer of 100% lambskin. 5 1/4" high at center tapers to 2 1/2" at back. Two leather covered snaps. Elastic for easier fit. Trim, slimming and flattering. Imported.

Women's sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL.

Color: Black.