New Just My Style Series: Fashion Tips & How To Wear Them from Pet Couturier, Anthony Rubio
Personal advice and tips from a famous pet fashion designer? I’m in; what about you?! The pet fashion landscape has become overwhelming. So many choices. Chic or so no; fabulous or forgettable; stripes, plaids, black & whites…how do we know what’s in style and how to wear it or find great fashion before anyone else? That is the Bark & Swagger mission, so I’m excited to kick off 2016 with the first of many series on fashion, home decor, travel and more. It’s called Just My Style, and the premiere series features one of the most sought-after pet designers, Anthony Rubio, to give us his tips on what’s hot and how to wear the trends.
Rubio with Bogie & Kimba on the beach in Atlantic City in winter. Photo credit: Robert Robb
You’ll even get a DIY pattern from the famous pet couturier, something Anthony just doesn’t do. And, in Week 4, Rubio will take you behind the scenes of his atelier, sharing what its really like to be a prolific pet designer. Are you excited? I am! So, without further adieu, let’s dive right into trending fashion right now, and the expert tips on how to wear them.
A bit about Anthony…
His creations have been worn by some of the most famous dogs on the cat walk, with Anthony Rubio Designs featured on Good Morning America, Today, Fox’s Good Day New York, CNN, USA Today and Sports Illustrated, among others. They are strictly couture and are considered collectible art, inspired by anything from movies to fairy tales and, of course, by the best women’s wear couturiers of Europe. His personal muses are twin four-year-old Chihuahuas, Bogie (named after Humphrey Bogart), and Kimba (named for the famous Japanese anime hero).
Bogie and Kimba have traveled the world with Anthony, showcasing his intricate and beautiful fashion in breathtaking settings. In 2012, Rubio became the first pet designer to show at New York Fashion Week, and he’s been commissioned by the Pepsi Cola Company, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and General Motors, among many others.
In Rome
Photo credit: Robert Robb
If you’re not yet convinced we’ve got greatness in the house, Anthony is also a big pay-it-forward person. One third of all sales of his creations are donated to select charities that benefit the well being of shelter animals looking for forever homes. We love that!
Anthony and the boys in Paris
Photo credit: Robert Robb
Just My Style: Week 1 – Trending Fashion & How to Wear Them
by Anthony Rubio
What’s hot right now?
In fashion, the sky is the limit, as far as choices of colors and patterns are concerned. So take your cue from your own taste and the personality of your pet. One important point I make with my clients is not all pets are receptive to being dressed, and they will show you by their behavior. They may try to take the garment off or not want to walk. I believe we have to respect that, because our pets don’t have a voice. If yours loves to dress, be careful not to overdo, dressing them in clothes, boots, hats, necklaces, bracelets, sunglasses at one time. Not only does it look way overdone, but, unless it’s for a quick photo, it could be very uncomfortable for your animal. OK, enough said. On to my favorite trends!
Chunky, tweedy, leopard prints on acid
For this season, who doesn’t like the comfort of a cuddly, warm sweater? Chunky, cable knits are in and look fabulous, while giving your pet the flexibility to move naturally.
I love pet fashion that mimics human clothing, and this season tweeds, plaids and animal prints are very on trend. They’re elegant and make for great statement pieces. Imagine how amazing you’d look with a coordinated ensemble with your pet? Tres chic!
Shop his couture at AnthonyRubioDesigns.com
Leopard prints have been on trend for many seasons. But this year, they’ve gone far out, perhaps influenced by last year’s obsession with 60’s/70’s fashion era. Leopard prints in psychedelic colors is what’s happening now. This Dog in the Closet Ava Dress in electric pink and red, also features a black fleece scarf and wool felt flower pin.
Shop this at BitchNewYork.com
I came across this UK brand, Dog & Co’s Black Watch Tartan Dog Kilt, which showcases both the plaid and military style trends beautifully.
Shop the Black Watch Tartan Kilt at DogsandCo.com
Soft & fluffy like a marshmallow
Marshmallow colors are a big trend and, with Pantone having chosen the tranquil Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue as the dual colors of 2016, they fit right in. This Heavenly Beasts cape and Inamorada sweater showcase the trend very nicely.
Shop the cape at BarkandSwagger.com/our-shop
Shop these at www.barkandswagger.com/our-shop
Metallics, Snow White (Faux) Fur
Metallics are also fashion forward, but this year, they may have neck to tail sequins, like Kimba’s, or even more encrusted crystals than before. The silver metallic skull vest also shows the snow white fur trend, in faux, of course. Make metallics or sequins your key apparel piece or one accessory. Kimba is modeling for the runway, but it’s easy to overdo for everyday life or even a special occasion. And, look for sequins or metallics that compliment your pet’s fur color.
Bogie & Kimba rocking the metallic and snow white fur, faux, of course, that’s trending. Photo credit: Robert Robb
Sequins for days…
Shop his couture at AnthonyRubioDesigns.com
photo credit: Suica Patricia
Designed by Orostani Couture. Shop the vest at BitchNewYork.com
Indigenous Cultures
I love this trend and will be featuring it for the upcoming New York Pet Fashion Show, but you’ll have to wait until then to see what I’m creating now. This Billy Wolf Cassidy coat with shearling lining will give you an idea of what the trend is, but rest assured, I’ll be adding dazzle to this trend in my pieces! :-
Shop this coat at ShopDogandCo.com
In Summary
Trends are fun to follow and there will always be new ones and those that endure. But, my best advice is to follow your instincts and choose for your pet what you love and know looks great on them. If you include some of these trends, don’t overdo; one key piece is enough. And, most important, make sure they love what they’re wearing, too. Keep them comfortable and warm and choose clothing that breathes. There’s nothing better than seeing a dog strutting his or her stuff, knowing they look great and feel great, too. Enjoy!
Anthony, Bogie & Kimba, ever the stylish New Yorkers.
Photo credit: Robert Robb
