BIOGRAPHY OF A 'MAD HATTER'

When Carlos Lewis -- the colorful, innovative, high-energy New York millinery designer -- is asked about his roots, you will hear a lilting Caribbean rhythm in his voice, and almost see a rainbow of exotic flora spiraling about him overhead. "My motto has always been 'Color and creativity are the mirror of the soul!'and I am so grateful for being born into the most colorful place on the planet!" Mr. Lewis smiles with special pride. "My fashion foundation was always bursting with all kinds of exciting natural tropical materials and zillions of dazzling colors!"

The Jamaican-born, designer/owner of Carlos New York Hats, and winner of many outstanding millinery awards is creator of the acclaimed "Snail Hat" featured in the Philadelphia Museum of Art Costumes & Textiles permanent collection. The one-of-a-kind "Snail Hat" is a rainbow of Caribbean colors gently spiraling, like a snail shell, into a tower of natural grace; surely, a hat that turns heads. This millinery masterpiece -- called "fabulous" and "spectacular" by Dilys Blum, Curator, Costume & Textiles for the Philadelphia Museum of Art -- was featured in the Museum's 1993 exhibition "Ahead of Fashion: Hats of the 20th Century." Mr. Lewis later presented the "Snail Hat" to the Museum for its permanent collection.

Awards for spectacular millinery designs are a natural for Carlos Lewis. As a youth in Jamaica, the future milliner polished skills as a tailor's apprentice. In spare time, he took delight in modifying hats worn by the ladies in his family, by adding or subtracting colors and native ingredients. A growing public took notice.

Upon arrival in New York in 1970, Carlos Lewis worked for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, honing skills and keeping watch over Seventh Avenue fashion leaders of the day. All the while, his colorful background kept the dream and energy levels soaring. In the early 80's Mr. Lewis was introduced to the exciting New York Fashion Institute of Technology and immediately enrolled as a student. Upon registering, all classes he had hoped to take were filled, except Millinery. "Why not?" Carlos remembers asking. "Let's give it a shot!"

"At F.I.T.," Mr. Lewis fondly recalls, "my prayers for future career guidance were answered abundantly." He counts F.I.T.'s Professor Ann Albrezio as a special contributor of superb advice as he rediscovered "The Hat" and took the first steps toward a wonderful future in fashion.

In 1992, Carlos Lewis received the "Maurice Turpin Award" for continued excellence in design from his prestigious alma mater: New York's Fashion Institute of Technology. This award was created to honor upcoming fashion leaders and to inspire fashion students to seek excellence. The award was soon followed by many others, including being presented the key to the City of Memphis, Tennessee, following one of his innovative trunk shows. In 1993, more headlines were made when he was given the title "Role Model" presented by then Manhattan Borough City Council President Andrew Stein. Last year, Mr. Lewis was again honored by the New York City Council at a celebration of the 36th anniversary of the independence of Jamaica, hosted by council member Hon. Una S. T-Clarke.

In 1985, Mr. Lewis and business partner-spouse Amy Taylor, opened the first Carlos New York Hats studio/showroom.. From this millinery epicenter came hundreds of dazzling creations soon to grace international runways, salons, boutiques, and leading fashion publications, including: Elle, Modem Bride, Black Elegance, and more. Today, Carlos Lewis' "Hattitudes" can be seen turning heads from the streets of London to the back lanes of Jamaica, West Indies. Carlos New York Hats have also accessorized the wardrobes of recent Miss USA, Miss Jamerica, Miss World and Miss Jamerica winners. From the outrageous to the sophisticated, Carlos New York Hats are seen crowning the, heads of beautiful women around the world.

Occasionally referred to by his peers as the "Mad Hatter," Carlos Lewis can often be seen strolling the side streets along Manhattan's Seventh Avenue wearing a favorite bowler, or on more formal occasions, an impeccable top hat. Wherever his creativity leads, Carlos Lewis creations are pure magic. A recent example is the nifty red and white straw done for Allison Williams for a billboard poster, and later exhibited in the Black Fashion Museum.

Currently, Carlos New York Hats are beautifully displayed in exciting fashion media and on national cable TV's "Program-ne Kaleidoscope." His showstopping creations have also graced the pages of Essence magazine, Accessory Market magazine, and were a standout feature in the AT&T network TV commercial "Hats Off To You!" created for the United Negro College Fund.

Mr. Lewis also travels extensively throughout the fashion year, often presenting special-theme "Trunk Shows" to benefit dozens of charity organizations and institutions of higher leaming. His excellent fashion style offers unforgettable creations along with clever insight on how to choose and wear flattering hats for every occasion, in every season. He simply loves what he does: "We welcome the opportunity to greet old friends and make new ones in this most energizing fashion era -- when everyone wants to step out in a beautiftil new hat."

For more information about CARLOS NEW YORK HATS, Inc.

Tel: 212-564-6825. Fax: 212-564-6894

Showroom: 307 West 38th Street, Suite 20R, New York, NY 10018.