Daphne Javitch, a born-and-bred New Yorker, began her professional career as a costume designer in film and theater, exploring naturalistic- and character-driven narratives through garments. Soon her personal style caught the attention of fashion industry insiders and celebrities, and she transitioned into editorial and personal styling, before launching her underwear line, Ten, at Opening Ceremony on October 10th, 2010 (or 10-10-10).
Spurred by the absence of her ideal styles and shapes in the existing market, Javitch created a collection that embodies her idea of sexy: graceful, smart and playful. Ten draws inspiration from style icons of the 60s and 70s such as Joan Didion, Lee Radziwill and Goldie Hawn. The designer’s background in costume creation is also evident in her carefully selected fabrics, custom-dyed colors, thoughtful packaging and a holistic consideration of the real woman for whom she is designing.
In addition to running Ten, Javitch works as a design consultant for Theory and Uniqlo, splitting her time between New York and Los Angeles.
Here, Daphne tells us how she balances her bicoastal lifestyle and shares how she unwinds, both on her feet and in the bath.
Live The Process: What does your wellness routine look like?
Daphne Javitch: I run eight to ten miles every week and try to practice yoga at least three times weekly. Without yoga, I feel lopsided and cranky. I'd like to integrate daily meditation into my routine, though I've been inconsistent so far. I love clean, simple food, so I tend to eat very healthfully, but I'll indulge in anything tasty that's in front of me.
LTP: How do you maintain your exercise regimen and diet while juggling a bicoastal existence?
DJ: I really enjoy and take advantage of each place’s complimentary experiences. The two cities balance each other out with such different environments and energies. It's easy to maintain my routine because I have go-to favorite activities in both destinations. It's also very easy to eat well in both cities, though LA has more of my kind of food.
LTP: What pre- or post-flight tips can you offer for easing the stress of frequent flying on your body?
DJ: I put Neosporin in my nostrils before every flight to kill the germs that circulate. I drink loads of water to flush out swelling and bring along props to help me sleep (cozy socks, my own eye mask and earplugs and sometimes Xanax). I'm not a devotee of Bikram yoga, but I've found that it does help with jet lag and post-flight puffiness, if I do it right when I land.
LTP: You have to wear a number of hats and have many jobs—what do you do to stay sane?
DJ: Juggling is my biggest challenge lately, and I can easily become overwhelmed. The quickest way for me to get sane is to take a hot bath and to call my business partner, Justin Beal. He really gets me and knows how to cut my stress in half—usually by making fun of me. I think dancing is the most effective medicine other than baths. I spend lots of time with my friends because they're the best people in the world and they remind me of how lucky I am.
LTP: What does happiness look like to you?
DJ: Balance.
LTP: What does it mean to you to "Live The Process" and how do you do that every day?
DJ: It means remembering that life is a process that’s nurtured by openness and kindness towards others and oneself.