As the founder of Eric Javitsand a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, I've spent nearly four decades celebrating designer hat collection for women through millinery design.Â
Initially, my fascination with how various forms can flatter and alter the face began during my studies at Rhode Island School of Design, where I discovered that millinery perfectly connected my love of art with my interest in fashion.
Subsequently, since opening my women's hat business in 1985, I've had the privilege of creating headwear for royalty, prominent society figures, and celebrities across music, television, and film.
Throughout this journey, I've continuously drawn inspiration from iconic women and men whose timeless style has shaped not just fashion history, but also my own design philosophy.
Introduction to Eric Javits: The Visionary Behind the Brand
Eric Javits stands as a true visionary in the world of designer hats. Furthermore, he's renowned for exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to sophisticated style. With decades of experience, Javits has shaped the landscape of luxury headwear.
As a result, he has built a brand synonymous with elegance, refinement, and individuality.
Premium Materials and Craftsmanship
I meticulously craft each piece in the Eric Javits hats collection using only the finest materials. Specifically, premium wool and resilient straw ensure that every designer hat delivers both durability and style.
This dedication to quality means my hats work for any occasion:
- Formal events requiring elegant sophistication
- Casual outings needing stylish accessories
- Travel situations demanding packable convenience
- Professional settings calling for refined touches
Ultimately, Eric Javits hats elevate your look and withstand the test of time.
Diverse Designer Hat Collections and Styles for Every Woman
Moreover, the brand's diverse range of hat styles offers women endless options to express their unique sense of style.
These include:
- Classic fedoras for timeless appeal
- Chic wide-brimmed hats for sun protection
- Avant-garde silhouettes for bold statements
- Structured pillbox hats for formal occasions
- Casual sun hats for everyday wear
I thoughtfully design every hat to add a sophisticated touch to any outfit. Consequently, this allows you to stand out from the crowd with confidence and poise.
The Art and Science Behind Eric Javits Designer Hat Collections
Innovation in Materials
Each piece in my collection represents a marriage of elegance with functionality—what I call "down to earth glamour." I use advanced fibers and innovative materials like our patented Squishee® technology, introduced in 1995.
This revolutionized the women's headwear market by creating packable and rollable hats that could be rolled for travel while maintaining their shape.
Water-Resistant Technology
My designs utilize premium materials including luxurious wool felt. I celebrate this material for its durability and refined texture.
The water-resistant and water-repellent properties protect against the elements while maintaining a sophisticated look.
What are The Iconic Women Who Inspired Eric Javits Designer Hat Collections?
1. Audrey Hepburn: The Epitome of Timeless Elegance
Having studied Hepburn's iconic style throughout my career, I've incorporated her sophisticated sensibility into numerous designs.
Her influence is particularly evident in my wide-brimmed sun hat collections.
The Wide-Brimmed Legacy
Hepburn's love of wide-brimmed sun hats in films like "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Roman Holiday" directly inspired my Squishee® hat designs. These pieces embody her bygone elegance while incorporating my signature packable technology.
This allows modern women to travel with the same grace Hepburn displayed on screen.
Feminine Headscarves Reimagined
Her chic headscarves inspired my turban-style hats and headbands.
I bring 1950s glamour into the 21st century with contemporary materials and construction techniques I've developed over decades of millinery practice.
2. Jackie Kennedy Onassis: Defining American Sophistication
As someone who has created hats for prominent society figures, I deeply understand Jackie Kennedy's influence on American style.
Her polished, refined approach to headwear continues to inform my design process.
The Pillbox Evolution
Jackie's iconic pillbox hat from the 1961 presidential inauguration remains a masterpiece of millinery. My contemporary versions honor this classic silhouette while incorporating modern materials and my signature attention to comfort and durability.
Incognito Glamour
Jackie's later years featured wide-brimmed hats and oversized sunglasses.
This inspired my approach to creating pieces that offer both style and privacy—a need I've observed among my celebrity clientele over the years.
3. Brigitte Bardot: Embracing Free-Spirited Boldness
Bardot's fearless approach to fashion resonates with my philosophy of creating hats that are both artistic and wearable.
Her carefree sensuality translated into some of my most beloved casual designs.
The Floppy Sun Hat Philosophy
Bardot's signature floppy sun hats perfectly captured her insouciant attitude. Drawing from this inspiration, I've created sun-protective designs that maintain that effortless summer allure.
I incorporate my advanced fiber technology for superior durability and UV protection.
Effortless Headband Chic
Her mastery of the headband aesthetic influenced my approach to creating accessories that enhance natural beauty without overwhelming it.
This principle guides all my design work.
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4. Amal Clooney: Modern Minimalism Meets Professional Power
Observing contemporary style icons like Amal Clooney has reinforced my belief in the power of refined, minimalistic design. Her sophisticated approach to professional dressing aligns perfectly with my design philosophy.
Fedora Perfection
Amal masterfully pairs tailored outfits with beautifully crafted fedoras. This exemplifies the modern woman's need for versatile, professional headwear.
My fedora designs reflect this contemporary sophistication while maintaining the craftsmanship standards that have earned recognition from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.
Minimalist Mastery
Her clean-lined, understated aesthetic has inspired my more contemporary pieces.
These designs blend seamlessly with both professional and everyday outfits while maintaining the artistic integrity that defines my work.
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Conclusion: Where Art Meets Life in Every Design
Throughout my journey as a milliner, from my early days studying painting and sculpture at Rhode Island School of Design to becoming Hat Designer of the Decade, I've learned that truly exceptional headwear must do more than simply adorn.
It must transform, empower and celebrate the woman who wears it.
The Legacy of Iconic Women
The iconic women who inspire my collections—Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Brigitte Bardot, and Amal Clooney—each understood this fundamental truth.
They recognized that style extends beyond following trends. It's about expressing one's authentic self with confidence and grace.
Their influence extends far beyond fashion; they reshaped how we perceive feminine power, elegance, and individuality.
Bridging Art and Functionality
In translating their legacies into my designs, I strive to create more than beautiful objects.
Each Eric Javits hat represents a bridge between artistic vision and practical functionality, between timeless elegance and contemporary innovation.
My patented Squishee® technology, advanced fiber applications, and meticulous attention to how forms flatter the face all serve one ultimate purpose: empowering women to feel as extraordinary as the icons who inspire them.
Your Connection to Excellence
When you choose an Eric Javits hat, you're not simply selecting an accessory, you're embracing a philosophy that celebrates the intersection of art, craftsmanship, and feminine strength.
You're connecting with a tradition of excellence that has earned recognition from the world's most prestigious fashion institutions and continues to evolve with each new generation of remarkable women.
FAQs about Designer Hat Collections
What makes Eric Javits hats different from other designer hats?
As the creator of the revolutionary Squishee® technology and Hat Designer of the Decade, I focus on combining artistic design with functional innovation. My hats feature:
- Advanced fibers for durability
- Water-resistant properties for weather protection
- Packable designs that maintain their shape
- Innovations born from 40 years of millinery expertise
These features address women's lifestyle needs while maintaining luxury standards.
How do I choose the right Eric Javits hat for my face shape?
Drawing from my Rhode Island School of Design training in how forms flatter and alter the face, I design each style with specific proportions in mind:
- Wide-brimmed styles work beautifully for most face shapes
- Structured fedoras offer definition for softer features
- My designs earn features in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle because I create them with universal flattery in mind
Are Eric Javits hats suitable for travel?
Absolutely. My Squishee® hats, introduced in 1995, address changing lifestyle needs specifically. They can be rolled up for travel and spring back to their original shape undamaged. This innovation changed the course of the women's headwear market and continues to set the standard for luxury travel accessories.
How should I care for my Eric Javits designer hat collections?
Having spent decades perfecting materials and construction, I design my hats for durability and easy maintenance:
- Water-resistant properties protect against light rain
- Advanced fibers resist crushing and maintain shape
- Each hat includes specific care guidelines based on its unique materials and construction methods
What occasions are appropriate for Eric Javits designer hat collections?
My design philosophy centers on versatility. I create pieces that transition seamlessly from formal events to casual gatherings.
Whether you're channeling Audrey's elegance at a garden party or Amal's professional sophistication in the boardroom, my collections offer options for every occasion while maintaining the artistic integrity that earns recognition from fashion's most prestigious institutions.
Eric Javits, Hat Designer of the Decade (1990-1999), and a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. His designs are featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute and have appeared on the covers of Vogue, W Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Town & Country, and Elle.
