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by Chrysa Smith
It’s a little bit urban, a little edgy —-with fringes of tradition woven into its core retail fabric. Savioni Boutique has been part of the New Hope retail landscape for about 20 years. And for good reason. According to Revi Haviv, Apparel Buyer, a member of the family business and spokesperson, she wants nothing so much as a customer leaving the store saying, “That was awesome. They have great merchandise.” And come back to do it all again.
But that comes with hard work, and a good eye both for fashion and for people. “Come try this on. Have a little fun” she beckoned. So, I did. Revi picked out a long tailored, black jacket that went ever so well with my outfit. It was a fine, pebbled fabric with a surprise inside— it was reversible, with a black, yellow and white swirled fabric that added a dash of fun and playfulness. Best of all, she made no mention of size. Sizing up a potential customer for fit and style is part of her skill and their success. “I can even tell a person’s shoe size,” she jokingly adds.
Stop by on any given Friday night, and they’ll have their door open, welcoming you with a glass of wine and a smile. Being New Hope, they host men and women from all over, including regular locals and quarterly shoppers who either buy for the entire season, or are looking for that one special piece. Revi has a great deal of fun working with clients. She loves when couples come in and try on something new together. It becomes an event. A place to have fun while they rethink their closets. “We have become a fixture in the community,” Revi says. And so, they seem to be. But it took two locations, a pandemic, and some luck to get to where they are now.
Since 1979, Revi Haviv’s father, Sal had a store on Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. As an immigrant from Israel, with Italian roots as well, he taught himself English—-a helpful step in building his high-end men’s shop. “He’s the best salesman on earth, “says Revi, “He knows what he’s talking about.” Revi seems to have inherited his ability to pull out the perfect size jacket or pants for a customer before they say a word. He grew the business, serving celebrities and the general public, until one day when he landed in New Hope. Enamored with this town of art galleries, restaurants and shops that sits along the Delaware riverbed, Savioni decided it was time for a change. Commuting between New York and New hope for a stint, he put down permanent roots post 911, growing and changing with the times, the region, and the addition of a woman’s line.
You might recognize their ‘winged’ logo and signature orange bags floating around town. The store once anchored the corner at Bridge and Main Streets, until the building went up for sale. Facing major changes, Savioni looked around, found an empty retail space, and took on the job of creating a new shop. Replacing existing décor and adding quality fixtures were the beginning. The clothes were stocked, they were ready for their grand re-opening—-just in time for the pandemic. Ever the optimist, Revi said while she lost a season’s inventory, once they were able to fully open, things went well and have ever since.
There are just different lines that you find in a one-of-a-kind retailer. I have never seen so many contrasting leather vests. A line of sports jackets with fun linings. Some highly tailored, form-fitting jackets with contrast stitching, or vegan leather, like the short purple jacket I tried on. (Yes, I did have fun). Many women’s articles were reversible, much as the longer-length jacket Haviv teased me with when I first entered the store.
When Haviv gets to know you a bit, when she knows you’re coming, she’ll lay out some articles from favorite designers in varying styles, all in your size. In essence, she is your own personal stylist. And when they have trunk shows several times each year, you can be sure you’re invited to be among the first to see the newest line. If you prefer a different color, swatches are available, so you can be part of creating your own custom outfit.
While many retailers work a couple of seasons ahead, Haviv plans a year in advance. Not only is she trying to get a jump on what’s going to be on trend and available, but she also looks at the fashions from some 300 designers each for men and women. Time-consuming for sure, but so are her own clothing designs. One company in California will work with Haviv on linings and exteriors, creating custom pieces not found anywhere else, like that jacket I tried on. But also unique are their clothing lines from Germany, France, Denmark, and Canada. And they are big on USA-made apparel, both on quality and for what it does for the economy.
“Our clients are constantly changing,” she says. “They run the entire spectrum from professionals like doctors and lawyers, to the average guy on the street.” And while their clothing is considered higher end, Haviv says they have balanced price points—-offering something for the shopper, whether they’re spending $200 or $2000. While you are able to find just the right piece off the rack about 40% of their garments are custom-tailored, with an alterations department on premises.
“I always think about how much usage someone will get out of a garment,” she says. She looks beyond being able to wear something for only one season “I like to try and pull people out of their comfort zone a bit. Nothing crazy. Just a step or two away from where they are. They usually wind up liking it better.” It also ensures a solid relationship and return customer. Right now, recycled polyester is all the rage. It stretches several ways, for more ease in wearing and for keeping its shape. Other staples are men’s corduroy pants and that classic pair of black jeans. Women’s vegan leather and colorful tunic-length open jackets line their racks. And as for foot traffic? Haviv says there’s no rhyme or reason with retail. “It could be a beautiful, sunny day, and business is slow. Or it could be a gray day and business is great. It’s hard to predict.” This is why Savioni is open seven days a week, even on many holidays, like Thanksgiving. You just never know when someone is going to pop in for a shirt here, jacket there.
Haviv says, “I look at everything like a formula to get everything down. It’s taken me about 10 years.” And that means everything from ordering to inventorying, researching, going to shows and engaging with customers. So, what’s on the agenda for 2022? They will continue to view garments as art, and introduce a Savioni private-label collection, as well as personalized style boxes.
It’s a family-thing, Haviv adds. They’re a small business with her brother managing systems, inventory and in-house components, her mom does well at selling women’s clothing and taking care of financials, and her dad? Busy at being the greatest salesman on earth. Haviv is a large act, making things tick while also involved in selling residential real estate. The crossover in matching people with something that fits them perfectly is her thing. And as I found out, she’s quite good at it.
Now, about that blazer…
Savioni Designer Boutique is located at 6 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA. For more information, call 215-862-5010 or visit www.savionidesignerboutique.com.
Chrysa Smith is a contributor to the magazine and a shopper who appreciates fine clothing