137-Year-old Headwear Publication is Giving Out Awards to Headwear Companies that have made a worthwhile Contribution in 2009

Long Beach, CA., August 26, 2009 - Hat Life, the headwear industry bible, is looking for talented headwear designers, retailers and manufacturers that have made a significant contribution to the headwear industry in 2009. The winners will be awarded a prestigious Hatty Award in December 2009.

This is the second year that Hat Life has given out Hatty Awards to Headwear Industry leaders (and newcomers) that strive for excellence. Last year’s winners were KOKIN (hatter to the stars), Mainland Headwear Holdings, hat designer and instructor Eia Radosavljevic, Legendary Headwear, New York hatter Ellen Christine, Lisa Battaglia, Lina Stein and others.

Hat Life not only covers the red carpet aspect of headwear, but they report on all aspects of the hat industry both retail and wholesale. And now that fashion designers are making Hats their new protégés, they play an even greater role in the 2009-2010 fashion equation.

To be considered for a Hatty Award, nominees must submit an entry form (with pictures) to http://www.hatlife.com/hatty_awards.php by October 15, 2009. Winners will be profiled in the Annual Hat Life Book, a 350-page headwear guide with articles, photos and resources from the headwear industry. Winners will also be part of the marketing and PR campaign for the 2010 Hat Life Book.

Hat Life, launched in 1872, started out as a single sheet dedicated to covering the hat industry. Since then it has grown into an annual fashion and resource guide that features thousands of suppliers, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and other industry contacts worldwide.

Hat Life also publishes a popular bi-weekly email newsletter and an online directory featuring thousands of industry sources.

"With so many talented people in the headwear business (some who rarely get recognition) we thought it would be great to honor those who stand out among their peers. The Hatty Awards are given out to designers and companies who have developed their brand - and their fashion skills - to make an impact on the headwear industry. Last year’s Hatty Awards were wildly successful and we look forward to honoring new headwear talent this year,” said Diane Feen, editor of Hat Life.

Hatty Awards are open to anyone in the headwear business – Bloggers, designers, suppliers, retailers or suppliers. The 2010 Hatty winners will be chosen by a panel of industry experts.

Apply for a 2009 Hatty Award at: http://www.hatlife.com/hatty_awards.php

To learn more about Hat Life go to: www.Hatlife.com.