The costume of the lady is loose and flowing. A jacket or bodice of
purple tissue covers the right arm, and one side of the body to the
waist, leaving the left arm, shoulder and part of the bosom exposed.
A small waistcoat, made of a crimson tissue, is worn underneath the
bodice.
The tunic is of white tissue, beautifully embroidered with a gold
thread. The short skirts show trousers of golden tissue, full, and not
unlike those of your Turks. They are confined at the ankle by anklets,
made of plain gold for the middle classes, whilst those worn by the
upper classes are of ravine metal, ornamented with precious stones.
There are fringe trimmings to the tunic made of precious metals of every
variety of colour, selected for their lightness and beauty, and enriched
at their extremities with precious stones. The colours of the costume
vary with the taste of the wearer, but are selected to harmonise one
with another, and all with our brilliant light.
The feet are protected by a sole secured either by sandals or by means
of an adhesive material.
Women are not allowed to wear stays, or in any way to confine the waist.
Indeed such encumbrances would serve no good purpose, inasmuch as their
forms are actually beautiful; their spines, in consequence of their
physical education, are strong, and every part of the person, which
might otherwise possibly require support, is in its proper place.