Punk Doggy Fashion: It Ain’t Just for Punks
Dangerous, exciting, edgy and very cool. That’s what punk was back in the 1970’s. And if you were on the punk rock train, it was more than fashion, it was a way of life. It was all about pushing boundaries, and the farther out there you could go in making a statement, the more 
attention you received.
Today, punk is back with a vengence. Maybe not so much as an anti-establishment flag to wave, but absolutely as a fashion statement. Let’s break it down for us and in the world of pet apparel.
Punk’s Pedigree…
Is rich and covered the worlds of music, fashion, art, literature and film . Anarchy, and how you could express that artistically, was its central focus. Although the pre-cursors of the punk movement were established in the 50’s and 60’s, it took the creative genius of London music manager Malcolm McLaren, his band the Sex Pistols and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood to introduce punk music, fashion and art to the world with the rudeness and intensity that came to define the movement. Andy Warhol pioneered the pop art landscape in the US and bands like Television and Richard Hell and the Voidoids created punk with an American sensibility. There are many others who were seminal artists of the punk era, but we are going to explore punk fashion, in particular, and what key elements made up a punk outfit, so we can take it to the dogs!
What Makes it Punk? 5 Key Elements
* DIY – the earliest punk clothing was made at home by ripping t shirts, spray painting slogans on t’s or dress shirts, affixing studs or safety pins to hold clothing together. It was an intentional push back to what the early punk movement thought was excessive in the current culture. So, if you want a one-of-a-kind dog coat or dog t-shirt, this is a great current trend with which to experiment at home. Pick up or pull out some old plaid, faux leather, studs, lace and patches and let your imagination run free.
* Leather – whether its distressed, scratched, ripped, or otherwise, the more leather the better. Make it black or update the look with some color, like this totally awesome baby pink spiked and studded collar. For those of you falling in love, here are the dimensions this beauty comes in and other colors available:
XS: Size: 20″ L x 2″ W, Neck Circumference: 14.5″- 17.5″(37-44cm)
S: Size: 22″ L x 2″ W, Neck Circumference: 17″- 20″ (44-50cm)
M: Size: 24″ L x 2″ W, Neck Circumference: 19″- 22″(49-55cm)
* Colors: Black, Pink, Red, White, Brown, Grey, Rose, Gold Brown, Pink Leopard, Brown Crocodile, Grey Crocodile
Pink Punk Dog Collar
* Studs/Stones/Safety Pins/Patches – now THIS is fun! If you’re making your own, you can go to town here with strategically placed studs and stones or, even, iron or sew on patches. I’d steer clear of safety pins, of course. 🙂
* Plaid – a huge trend this season and a punk staple. Make a runway statement with a little plaid dog dress with some attitude. Perfection! This plucky outfit is made of soft stretchy white ruffle knit, has a crisp fuchsia plaid skirt and a crystal polka dot bow. A definite must-have item this season.
The Kate Plaid Punk Dress
* Slogans – These can be updated and tailored for dogs and there are some very cute and clever ones. This awesome Tangerine Punk Tee has some skater attitude, too. I love the graphics and colors. Great for boys or girls. Made of a 4-way stretch polyester spandex, this tee will fit different body types, which is convenient. I recommend hand washing and hanging or laying flat to dry.
Tangerine Punk Tee
*Rips, Tears, Shreds – Add a little flair to your DIY garment by creating strategic rips or tears or trims of shredded fabric. Might also be cool to mix that with a contrasting fabric. Rips or tears in dog fashion may solely be a DIY project.
In Summary
While punk culture came from a feeling of alienation, today, the punk trend for fall is a fun and creative one. There are several looks to choose from in translating it to dog fashion, so if you love the look, get inspired and make it your own (or your pup’s own)!
Until next time…
