Full Size Top Hats Coming Soon

Working now with my custom hat block maker on a new design for full size top hats, based on the 'D'Orsay' top hat that was popular circa late 1800s-1930. This will be a hat block style exclusive to House of Nines Design. With time for prototyping, I should be ready to roll them out in 4-8 weeks.

Here are some of the images I've been using as inspiration for the D'Orsay.

Vaudeville!


More Vaudeville: San Franciscans Bert Williams and George Walker.


Victorian equestriennes.




The immortal Marlene Dietrich.


The incomparable Josephine Baker.


Fun during the Belle Epoch.



There was so much variety in top hats during the 19th century.


The famous 'Butterfly Dandy", Comte Robert de Montesquiou (by Boldini).


Una, Lady Troubridge (by Romaine Brooks).

Yes, I know there were no actual hats in either of these last two pictures. It's all in the attitude.

Add a little voodoo.


And now, for some vintage hats.




German circa 1920.


This one was listed on ebay a while back as having belonged to a 'Hudson Bay' American Indian chief circa 1890. I don't know about the authenticity of that assertion, but it sure is cool.

Gift Certificates 10% off through December 15

House of Nines Design now offers gift certificates for made-to-order or custom hats, and to kick off the holidays they're on sale for 10% off if purchased directly from me. Just send me a direct message through email, Twitter or Facebook to make your request. (Note: Gift certificates purchased through Etsy or Smashing Darling are not on sale.) The sale runs though December 15, and all gift certificates purchased on sale are guaranteed for delivery, anywhere in the world, by December 25.




More info about House of Nines Gift Certificates is here.

Men's Hats now on Smashing Darling

All of the men's hat styles I currently have available are now listed on Smashing Darling. More colors coming soon.

Now for Sale Online: Men's Hats

All of my men's hats that are currently available (i.e. that I've had the chance to photograph) are now available for sale on Etsy and Smashing Darling.

More colors coming soon in all styles, including *black*.

Announcing: Gift Certificates part II

House of Nines Design gift certificates are now available on my Smashing Darling store.

Announcing: Gift Certificates

Just in time for the holidays, I'm now offering gift certificates for House of Nines Design products.

Want to give the gift of House of Nines, but unsure what to get? Don't know your giftee's hat size, or just want to surprise them? Don't have time to wait the normal 4-6 weeks for me to complete an order? I now offer gift certificates good toward the purchase of any House of Nines Design product or custom order (purchased directly from me or through my Etsy store).



The paper gift certificate is printed with the amount of your gift, and redemption instructions. It comes wrapped inside a miniature box (4x4x4") with a hand-decorated mini felt hat to keep, so it's more 'gifty' than just giving a slip of paper. Please let me know your choice of a mini top hat or mini fedora when you place the order.



There are several Etsy listings for gift certificates in various amounts; if you want a different amount, just let me know and I'll create a special listing for you. Or better yet, contact me directly for a purchase.

If you'd like me to send this item directly to the giftee, please contact me with their address when you place the order. Also, I'd be happy to enclose a card or letter from you if you like, just contact me for my mailing address so I'll know to wait on sending the package until your card arrives.

These items are ready to ship and can be in the mail within two business days of when you place your order. USPS Priority Mail (2-3 day) shipping within the US is $5. For something else (faster shipping, international mail, etc.) contact me and I'll let you know your options.

Stunning Customer Photos

Check out these photos just sent to me by frequent House of Nines customer Joanna Lam, in Australia. These are all custom pieces she commissioned this year. She looks amazing!





Photographer info: Cassandra Ladru Photography