Fierce Fashion Abounds at the Tompkins Square Park Dog Halloween Parade

Sophie and Holly

The Titanic; The Shake Shack (with take out bag); Stevie Nicks; a Robin Williams tribute…creative and, definitely fierce, fashion was in full display at this year’s Tompkins Square Park dog Halloween parade. With my friend Nina and Sophie’s good friend, Holly the Havanese, we schlepped costumes, bags, goodies and my camera down to the East Village to experience the marvel and mayhem that is the parade. It didn’t disappoint!

Sophie was a pretty peacock this year. Holly was an adorable ballerina in pink. I was planning on taking Jasper, too, as the zebra boy you might’ve seen earlier on the blog. But, he’s been having some difficult days with his fear aggression issues, and we felt it was a bridge too far. So, Jas stayed home with his daddy.

When we arrived, the park was a crush of pet parents and their pups. From the get-go, I saw some wonderful costumes I had to capture, so you’ll see those included here.

Fashion aficionado and friend, Ada Nieves, orchestrated the show again this year, with television personality, Ross Mathews, hosting. Mathews’ wit and charm, his repartee about the dogs and self-depracating humor kept the packed-to-the-gills crowd entertained.

The panel of judges included Celia Kutcher, creator and host of Animal Instinct on the Heritage Radio Network; children’s book author, Audrey Carangelo; Time Out New York Kids’ Allie Early; Time Out New York’s Jaz Joyner;  columnist/digital strategist and design scout, Campbell Kliefoth and  journalist/television host, Tony Sawicki.

l to r: Audrey Carangelo, Jaz Joyner, Allie Early, Celia Kutcher, Campbell Kliefoth, Tony Sawicki, Ada Nieves, Ross Mathews

The parade itself is best reported in pictures. Some were my favorites from the runway show; others are of dogs and parents that attended as spectators but created something I thought was very creative and special.

One of the first Halloween creations we encountered was by Mika G. He made an impressive tree and mushroom wilderness diorama, featuring his adorable pup, Pachino, sprawled in the middle, dressed as a colorful caterpillar. In case I didn’t figure it out, Mika made sure I knew he was a mushroom.

Pachino lolling in his tree and mushroom garden

Aimee Henkell, when not guarding the entrance, was hosting a childhood rewind for her dog’s costume. Pups, Eli and Mimi, portrayed Oscar the Grouch and a Chia Pet, respectively.

Childhood Rewind

One of my faves was a great rendition of the beloved NYC burger joint, the Shake Shack. A boy was inside a windowed “shack”, with its marquis boasting food fare including Corgis (oh, my!). The Corgi in question, was dressed as a Shake Shack take out bag, and mom of both proudly displayed her handiwork, which was fairly impressive.

The Shake Shack with take-out

Stevie Nicks was in the house, complete with signature lacy, flowing hippie gown.

Stevie Nicks with facial hair

Another amazing creation was the cowboy dog on his horse. I swear this dog was smiling!

A dog and his horse

A fresh veggie stand was another wonderful one. The pup, place in a center spot on the cart, was dressed as sweet peas. On her card, what was the cost? Priceless, of course! 🙂

Fresh veggies, anyone?

This was another costume that took a lot of effort and came out great. Lady Liberty with the cutest overbite!

Little Lady Liberty and her fans

My friend, Nina, decided to enter Holly into the contest fray, and Sophie, who I’d put into her bag to avoid the crush of feet, perked up when she saw Holly walk the runway.  In true Holly fashion, she refused to leave, planting her little feet firmly on the red carpet, smack in front of the judges. You go, Holly girl!

Nina and Holly take the stage

Jennifer Joan Moyer, of the New York chapter of Pup Scouts, put together a Robin Williams tribute, starring her three dogs.  Meteor was dressed as Mork of “Mork and Mindy” fame, Beanie was Comic Relief, the non-profit of comedians that Robin Williams was an integral part of, and Fifi Gigi was Mrs. Doubtfire, complete with her specs. Bravo to Jen for a clever and heartfelt creation!

Her Pup Scouts partner paid tribute to Dr. Seuss.

Robin Williams Tribute

Pet couturier, Anthony Rubio,  paid homage to one of our favorite tv shows, Game of Thrones, but with his own spin, calling it Game of Bones. Little Bogie, on the left, was dressed as the Night’s Watchman Jon Snow, wearing chain mail armor and a faux fur cape, and carrying his companion, Ghost, the white wolf. Kimba was Daenerys Targaryen, in a flowing blue gown resembling dragon scales on the dragon she carries. It’s  adorned with a jeweled belt and collar. And, it wouldn’t be Daenerys without her stand-out white, braided wig. Anthony portrayed a soldier, wearing his own chain mail armored top, with a faux fur-trimmed cape, and matching fur boots.

Anthony Rubio, with Bogie & Kimba

I was happy to see Heidi, founder of Yorkie 911 Rescue, with a presence at the parade, getting more people familiar with her wonderful organization.

Heidi, founder and head of Yorkie 911 Rescue

So at the end of it all, who trotted away with the big prize? It must’ve been a tough decision for the judges. The depiction of the Titanic, with doggies portraying Rose DeWitt Bukater, Jack Dawson and Caledon Hockley, took the honors. It was one of several great costumes!

The Titanic

When Sophie had had enough of socializing, we headed home. As we were leaving the park, amidst the blur of costumes, out popped a couple of piggys! Hmmm…I beelined over and met Matt H. and his little dachshund, Sunny. Matt was sporting a large pig head and Sunny had on a little piggy hat that was pretty adorable. Matt was carrying her in a front harness, like a baby. Why pigs, I asked? “We love the pigs!,” Matt enthused. And, on that note, Sophie and Holly, and Nina and mommy wandered off into the East Village sun. Another great year at the Tompkins Square Park Halloween Parade. See y’all next year!

Matt & Sunny, two happy piggys

What did your dog wear this year, and what was your Halloween adventure? Tell me about it in the Comments!