Dogs Strut Stuff at NYC Pet Fashion Week
Description
by Joey Wahler
August 30, 2008
NEW YORK -- They were prancing down the runway in the Big Apple recently, showing off the latest trends in high fashion. But these were "dogs" doing the modeling -- of styles created for them.
"It was born of the industry need to have an event that was just like humans -- because we all know pets are the new babies," Mario DiFante, Pet Fashion Week founder, said. "So why shouldn't they be treated like human little babies, and have their own fashion show."
In its third year, Pet Fashion Week coordinator and designer Alexa Cach says the show has becoming more elaborate each year.
"Every single year the show has become more intricate. Every single year the designs have become more intricate," Cach said.
At Pet Fashion Week in Manhattan, the crowd was abuzz waiting for the latest in dog apparel. Just like "regular" fashion week, there were cameras and microphones.
Being primped to perfection, some of the models were a hit with the ladies, while others started cat fights -- well, "doggie" cat fights where the pooches rough housed a little backstage.
But according to several owners and Pet Fashion Week attenders, the dogs love playing dress-up.
One woman says her dog actually acts happy in clothes, rather than going out in her natural fur. While another owner says moving to Manhattan is how she caught the bug of canine fashion and now it's a owner-pet delight.
"People love their pets all over the world. And we know this, we've been to Tokyo, Japan, London, and Australia within the pet industry," DiFante said. "And we see the love of pets everywhere. And I think it's not greater than right here in New York City."
Naturally, some of the model and dog tandems wore matching combinations. Sure, sometimes the dogs were sharing the spotlight with the human models, but the money raised goes to a very "serious" outfit -- the Mayor's Alliance.
"The mission is to make New York City a complete no-kill environment for all animals." Cach said to a cheering crowd. "With our new program, which consists of product donations, and monetary donations and ticket sales, we have raised over $40,000 worth of funds."
The event also showcased dog health and grooming items, jewelry, accessories, toys and treats. And believe it or not, the clothes and other products aren't merely aimed at generating sales.
"They're designed primarily as in incentive for designers, to have something to look to create, and to be much more inventive on what they're doing," DiFante said. "It's not necessarily that every dog is buying the over the top piece."
This edition was a rousing success, even if things did sometimes get a bit "hairy."
The next Pet Fashion Week will be this winter, displaying spring and summer lines, on February 8 and 9, in conjunction with the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
August 30, 2008
NEW YORK -- They were prancing down the runway in the Big Apple recently, showing off the latest trends in high fashion. But these were "dogs" doing the modeling -- of styles created for them.
"It was born of the industry need to have an event that was just like humans -- because we all know pets are the new babies," Mario DiFante, Pet Fashion Week founder, said. "So why shouldn't they be treated like human little babies, and have their own fashion show."
In its third year, Pet Fashion Week coordinator and designer Alexa Cach says the show has becoming more elaborate each year.
"Every single year the show has become more intricate. Every single year the designs have become more intricate," Cach said.
At Pet Fashion Week in Manhattan, the crowd was abuzz waiting for the latest in dog apparel. Just like "regular" fashion week, there were cameras and microphones.
Being primped to perfection, some of the models were a hit with the ladies, while others started cat fights -- well, "doggie" cat fights where the pooches rough housed a little backstage.
But according to several owners and Pet Fashion Week attenders, the dogs love playing dress-up.
One woman says her dog actually acts happy in clothes, rather than going out in her natural fur. While another owner says moving to Manhattan is how she caught the bug of canine fashion and now it's a owner-pet delight.
"People love their pets all over the world. And we know this, we've been to Tokyo, Japan, London, and Australia within the pet industry," DiFante said. "And we see the love of pets everywhere. And I think it's not greater than right here in New York City."
Naturally, some of the model and dog tandems wore matching combinations. Sure, sometimes the dogs were sharing the spotlight with the human models, but the money raised goes to a very "serious" outfit -- the Mayor's Alliance.
"The mission is to make New York City a complete no-kill environment for all animals." Cach said to a cheering crowd. "With our new program, which consists of product donations, and monetary donations and ticket sales, we have raised over $40,000 worth of funds."
The event also showcased dog health and grooming items, jewelry, accessories, toys and treats. And believe it or not, the clothes and other products aren't merely aimed at generating sales.
"They're designed primarily as in incentive for designers, to have something to look to create, and to be much more inventive on what they're doing," DiFante said. "It's not necessarily that every dog is buying the over the top piece."
This edition was a rousing success, even if things did sometimes get a bit "hairy."
The next Pet Fashion Week will be this winter, displaying spring and summer lines, on February 8 and 9, in conjunction with the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
