IT’S EASTER SUNDAY ON FIFTH AVENUE IN NEW YORK CITY

Despite the cool breeze (and frigid temperatures) many New Yorkers put a smile on their face and donned outrageous headwear. The Easter Parade is a time and place where common sense and whimsy co-exist beautifully.

The cold put a damper on many a potential hat wearer (it was fur head bands and knit caps for those not on Fifth) but those with a fair for Easter folly took it in stride. There were originally designed flower pot hats with everything from the Garden of Eden and beyond. Many of the most outrageous headwear designers met at Tavern on the Green for the annual hat contest. Winners got gift certificates for Tavern on the Green as well as a trophy.

The annual doggie competition brought out lots of fancifully dressed canines. And the colorful flower towers and Easter themed hats made the gray somber weather seem more upbeat and cheerful.

We caught up with MIB spokesperson Vicky Gamez as well as hat designer Lawrence H. Levens (a talented hat designer) and Ann Marie Morris. There were designers (Janna K. Hyten), photo stylists (Jodie Trapani) artists (Michael Bonfiglio launch his dot campaign covered in acrylic dots) peace activists (they marched against bombs and war in hats) and other hat fans.

It’s good to know there is such enthusiasm for the art of hat making. It’s also a great occasion to let people know that wearing a hat can be a divine celebration.

MICHAEL ANDRIA made this chocolate topper with his mom Barbara. Andria goes to school in Park Slope, Brooklyn and started working on his chocolate hat tower in February.	EASTER EGG HAT TOPS THE DAY
GENTLEMEN IN VIEW OF COLORFUL HUES	Elite Model braves the cold in silk dress, feathered straw hat and bare legs: Youth is a wonderful thing!
	GARDEN VARIETY HAT
METRO CARD MADNESS: New York City Neurologist Russell Chin (far left) and his buddy Andy Radre took to the streets with hats made entirely of Metro Cards. They brought extra hats so onlookers could pose for photos. “You have to enjoy life and have fun,” said Dr. Chin, with a smile.

Talented Designer Yuka Hasegawa strolls the avenue wearing her original fur topper. “Better to wear a fur hat than an Easter egg,” said the rising star. Yuka has a new line of fur hats for 2008. contact: 212-265-6306 or yukany@aol.com. Photographer: Mark Blacksherr.