HATS OFF!

This spring, he put that desire
into motion by designing 70 hats and
30 hair accessories, closely matching
his hats to the important trends in
fashion.
Although Javits makes the hats
that are worn in the runway shows
of Arnold Scassi and Carolina
Herrera, he says he gets ideas from
American and European fashion
designers. "Some people think I have
more of a European flair but I'm
always true to myself. Unless
something sits right in my own train
of thinking, I'm not going to touch
it," he says.
For spring, his collection
includes natural linen trims and
straws to go with the ethnic/folkloric
trend; a Chanel-inspired hat with
metallic trim; and nautical colors.
"When I put the line together,
I always reflect on what I just com-
pleted, because any new line is an
outgrowth of what preceded it," says
Javits from his factory on West 38th
Street. "Intuitively, I have a feeling
for what colors are going to be
important. I don't use a color
service; it's just something I feel."

VOGUE PLAZA
1919 TELEGRAPH
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI

the Bodyshaper

Introduces

THE AZTEC DESERT CLAY BODY WRAP

• Tightens and Tones • Reduces Cellulite and Stretch Marks
• Guaranteed Loss of 6" From Your First Full Body Wrap
• Softens and Conditions the Skin • Not a Temporary Water Loss

TONING AND TANNING PACKAGES AVAILABLE

Call Today: 543-1558

2434 Rochester Rd. (Betwn. 13 & 14 Mile Rds.), Royal Oak, MI

100 IN STYLE

Once the colors and ideas are
ready, Javits begins his designing
process by sketching the shape, then
makes a prototype in felt or straw
before blocking the hat for a first
sample. "Sometimes I get it on the
first try, but usually I'll try it on a lot
of different heads and see how it
looks, how it works, and how it feels
on the head," he says.
Last year, Javits' factory pro-
duced more than 30,000 hats, and
his customer base continues to
expand with famous names like
Bette Midler and Debra Winger, the
socialite set, and a large Jewish
clientele. "I think I do have a large
Jewish following because my stuff is
stylish, wearable, and it's flattering,"
he says. "Many of the Orthodox
women who wear wigs are
conscious of fashion and want to
look their best."
Knowing his customer and re-
specting her needs is vital to Javits.
"I always listen to what the women
are looking for. They give me ideas
in terms of the direction." ❑