Short Chic

It’s chic to be short, according to Cleveland, Ohio, clothier Bob Stern. And to prove his point, Stern recently issued his second annual list of the 10 best-dressed shorter men in America (and the looks that make them so chic): Dustin Hoffman (“trend-setter”), Ted Koppel (“buttoned-up”), Joel Grey (“Broadway”), H. Ross Perot (“magnate”), Pat Sajak (“guy next door”), Michael Tucker (“nolo contendre”), Michael J. Fox (“climbing higher”), Spud Webb (“flying high”), Paul Shaffer (“loud but fitting”) and Ralph Lauren (“hall of fame”). Fox, Shaffer and Lauren were on last year’s list, and presidential hopeful Michael Dukakis might make the list next year. Stern says he just learned that Dukakis is “5 feet, 8. Did you know,” he adds, noticeably disappointed, “that since 1900 the taller of the two candidates always wins?” We didn’t. But it’s the kind of information we would expect from Stern, who caters to men under 5 feet, 8 inches in his store and by catalogue. (The address: 5385 Warrensville Center Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44137.)

Bardot Is Back

Thirty-two years ago Roger Vadim introduced tousle-haired Brigitte Bardot to America in “And God Created Woman.” Now he’s released his new version of the film, this time staring Rebecca De Mornay, but it’s still Bardot who’s in the spotlight. Trends a la Brigitte are already starting to resurface: oversize sunglasses and silk scarfs worn babushka-style are showing up on Melrose Avenue. And Beverly Hills hairdresser Cristophe has given Kelly LeBrock and Cristina Ferrare permed versions of Bardot’s just-out-of-bed tresses. He’s snipped a straight version for “Hooperman’s” Sydney Walsh--”long, light-colored layers in front, cut imprecisely with contours around the face,” explains the French hair stylist.

Hines Sight

We never noticed before, but Gregory Hines is a real muscle man. Listen spied him wearing a T-shirt and sweat pants, taking a lunch break while filming a movie in downtown Los Angeles. The man’s got some biceps. He’s also got some red highlights in his hair these days. And he’s not wearing that single, dangle earring he wears in so many of his pictures. Just as well, it wouldn’t do much for his sweat suit.

Multi-Millinery

Elizabeth Marcel, the hat designer, got a nice surprise the other day when actress Helen Slater stopped off at her Melrose Avenue shop and chose six of Marcel’s whimsical creations to wear in her next film, “Happy Together.” Slater chose cloche styles with ruffles, ribbons or fans and one that Marcel describes as a non-traditional black felt derby.

Moonlighting Seamstress

“Moonlighting” definitely becomes her. Ana Alicia of “Falcon Crest” fame had an air of mystery about her when she appeared this week on the Bruce Willis-Cybill Shepherd sitcom. Listen hears from Buffy Snyder, costume supervisor on the show, that Alicia’s ethereal look was aided and abetted by clothes from Laise Adzer on Melrose Avenue. But even Adzer might not have recognized the garments on the screen. Snyder says she reshaped, rescaled and lightened a pants outfit and a skirt, blouse and jacket. Does Snyder do this sort of thing often? “Oh, yes. My fingernails will attest to that.” Frequently used tools of her trade: “bleach, dye and our trusty washing machine.”

More Moonlighting

While on the subject of “Moonlighting”: Costume designer Robert Turturice celebrated his XL (that’s what the invitation said) birthday on Sunday with a party for about 100 people. According to one aide, it was a purposely low-key affair, which meant no stars on the guest list. But we think we spotted at least one star of sorts: designer Bob Mackie, wearing a very creme-de-la-creme white linen-and-cotton shirt trimmed with a silk-lace collar.

A Heeling Process

Down at the heels? Folks at Cadillac Shoe Products, based in Lathrup Village, Mich., think they know a way to prevent that. The 25-year-old company has a new product called Lift Savers, which are little caps, in clear or black plastic, designed to slip over the bottom of your heels. A spokesperson for the company says the caps have to go on new heels or heels that have been repaired; they won’t work on ones already worn to the ground. A package of two sets retails for $2.50, and they’re offered in five sizes. We’re told Lift Savers “are available wherever shoe accessories are sold” and could keep you well-heeled from two to six months, depending upon your turf.

Courting Issues

Those yuppie lawyers on “L.A. Law” really know how to put themselves together for a party. When the show’s cast and crew got together at Century City’s Twenty/20 the other night, Listen took note. Getting right to the good stuff, Michele Greene stole the show in her skintight leather micro-mini and the long braid of hair that tickled her waist. It was fake, we found out. Greene’s real hair is chin length, as it is on the show. For funky flamboyance, the prize goes to Susan Ruttan in her white petticoat skirt, skimpy black top and suspenders. “I’m not getting married if I can help it,” Listen heard her say. It seems there were plans to write an episode were Ruttan’s character marched down the aisle this season. What saved her? The Writers Guild of America strike.