(Photo: Jude Mooney, www.judemooney.com)

House of Nines Design is an independent, high-end hat design business by San Francisco’s Tricia Roush and one of the many local small businesses in the running for the Chase/Living Social Mission: Small Business program, whose voting ends June 30. Roush hopes to keep San Francisco millinery alive and well by opening a House of Nines Design shop in San Francisco. Like many local designers, she’s hoping for your vote to get her project off the ground.

Here’s the backstory: Over the past few years, hats have made a big splash in the fashion world. Who can forget Princess Eugenie’s blush colored Philip Treacy 3-D bow headpiece at the Royal Wedding? An extended global tour of Stephen Jones‘ anthology exhibition shows how hats have recaptured the fashion spotlight. Locally, many of Jean Paul Gaultier’s headpieces are on display at the de Young Museum. But even with so much attention on hats and milliners these days, San Francisco’s designer hat shops are dwindling. In early 2012, there were only four high-end local designer hat shops in the City. One of them is now gone, and Roush tells us that two others are currently preparing to close. Roush hopes to fill the local hat void by opening a House of Nine Design shop.

House of Nines Design sells foxy headwear throughout the country, online and by appointment. Described as “fancy hats for the fearless,” Roush’s individually-shaped, handmade designs are blend the artistic, whimsical and playful. She mixes modern and traditional techniques while using materials such as ribbon sourced from other small businesses and rare vintage veiling. The hats also include handcrafted trims made by Roush.

Roush designs three ready-to-wear collections per year (spring/summer, fall/winter, and bridal) along with custom pieces upon request. Prices range from $200-$1000. You’ll find additional shots of her work online in her etsy shop. Check out the gorgeous hats on her.

But back to the grant. Chase and Living Social have teamed up to offer 12 $250K grants to small businesses through Mission: Small Business. You may have heard of the program, as many local designers and small businesses are vying for the grants. The application process is intense, requiring extensive essays and a thorough business plan. Applicants also need at least 250 votes from the public by June 30 to be considered. The winners will be announced on September 15. Find out more information on the House of Nines Design blog, including how to vote for Roush or others in the running.

(Photo: John Martinko, jmrtnko.net)

(Photo: Cassandra Ladru Photography, cassandraladru.com)

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