Karl Lagerfeld’s cat, Choupette, earns the equivalent of 692 Chanel 2.55 handbags a year…without lifting a paw; an amazing gig at, on average, $4,900 per bag.
Internet meme, Grumpy Cat, could purchase 15,966 pairs of Louboutin Cataclou 60 espadrilles with his approximate daily salary of $34,776.26. I’m going to sit down now because…
Keyboard Cat, before his death in March of this year, is reputed to have a net worth of $100m.
And Jiff the Pomeranian earns $5,950,000 a year.
You could do that, too, if you were a famous, furry internet star with a business savvy mom or dad.
Grumpy Cat
A new tool created by UK pet food brand Webbox, Pets of the Net allows you to find out how your salary compares with that of an internet-famous pet, and how your purchasing power compares with theirs.
Jiff the Pomeranian
Just in time for the September 6th kick off of New York Fashion Week, where all things extravagant are celebrated, well-known stylish canines and kitties are bringing home the bacon, and we’re about to see just how much, and how it stacks up against our own salaries.
These Insta-famous pet salaries are obviously considerably higher than the US average household income of $59,039 per year (based on the US Census Bureau), which it would take Grumpy Cat just 75 hours and 34 minutes to earn.
Can you relate to this photo?
Fashion aficionados, read it and weep:
In one year, Spotify-verified Doug the Pug could purchase a staggering 239 Burberry Kensington Heritage Trench Coats, with his approximate $476,000 annual earning. To make the annual average wage of us mere mortals would take Doug only 2009 hours, 53 minutes and 58 seconds to make. Instead of trench coats (although I’m sure he does own a few), Doug likes to spend his fortune on beer, junk food and his cute costumes, like Harry Potter, Frozen‘s Elsa and yes, a taco.
Loving Manolo Blahnik’s iconic, dark-blue tweed Hangisi flats? These timeless classics come with a hefty price tag of $985. Gigoo the Chicken can afford over 15,000 pairs.
Data sources supplied by Webbox, from: the US Census, Time, Vogue, Chanel, Burberry, Manolo and Net-a-Porter. Where salary data was unavailable, a leading social media expert estimated figures based on modern industry averages.
Tell us what you think of this story in our Comments.
The room was packed; the music blared. And, as the human and dog models took to the runway, one by one against the backdrop of the ornate Lower East Side cathedral, the Angel Orensanz Foundation, the hairs on my arms stood on end. Experiencing a New York Fashion Week runway show is nothing short of thrilling. And for this show, it had special meaning. Anthony Rubio is one of the preeminent pet couturiers who, for two years now, has shown at New York Fashion Week with his complimenting human and dog fashion.
With each show, Anthony raises his own bar. Travels abroad, experiencing the culture and fashion of Italy and France, have given him a more worldly view that is reflected in the structure of and materials used in his designs.
@DivaTomasa delights in one of Anthony’s beautiful floral skirts. Photo Credit: Bark & Swagger
For this show, Fall/Winter 2017, Anthony drew inspiration from a variety of places, creating an almost mash ups of styles and textures. “I have an affinity to fashions from the 1940’s and 1950’s,” Rubio shared with me. “I explored those time periods in fashion, and drew my color inspirations from European Royalty. I chose to infuse deep jewel toned colors in the forms of embroidery and my chosen textiles, as well as the hand made flowers I created, set against dark backgrounds. Think of it as ‘Night Flowers’.”
Night Florals inspired by European Royalty. Photo credit: Bark & Swagger
Indeed. The floral skirts worn by the dog models were rich-looking and very detailed. Embroidered organza featured a appliqued riot of flowers, yet maintained a lightness. Anthony elaborated on the pet fashion pieces.
“For the canine models, I continued my study into night flowers and also included jewel references and luxurious sequined fabrics. As per usual for my shows, my canine models included rescues and, in this case, an adorable White Schnauzer from The Sato Project named Boomer.” The Sato Project saves dogs at risk on the streets of Puerto Rico, and now Boomer is gracing the catwalk of New York Fashion Week.
Boomer, rescued via The Sato Project. Photo Credit: @jasonhowardnyc |@nycdogswag
“There were also two rescued Chihuahuas named Yeyush and Rezno, who were all too happy to model in my show,” he shared. Yeyush was a puppy mill rescue, who still bears the number 13 tattooed on his right ear; a reminder of the horrible years he spent in a cage as a breeder dog. “And, who can forget Henry, the rescue who represents Bideawee and was adopted by investment banker/philanthropist Todd B. Richter,” Anthony added. Bark & Swagger spent some time with Yeyush and Renzo backstage and they, as well as their daddy, were lovely.
Rescue Chihuahua Yeyush of @Yeyush_the_Chihuahua Photo credit: Bark & Swagger
For the ladies’ garments, Anthony loves them all, but does have faves. One of them was also a favorite of mine.”The skirt is in fuchsia and it features huge clusters of flowers embroidered in metallic gold thread, layered over another solid organza skirt of that same exuberant pink,” Rubio described. It truly is a gorgeous piece, as you can see here.
Our fave fuchsia with gold skirt, with a gorgeous complimenting pastel dog coat. Photo credit: Bark & Swagger
I asked Anthony what his most challenging piece was and why.
“I would have to say the design worn by Magneto, the Leonberger, which resembled chain mail and featured an incredible collar of glass jewels,” he shared. “It was my biggest challenge. Did you see the size of that magnificent creature? I had to hand sew most of that garment and I fused the glass to create that incredible collar. But, no challenge is too big for me to overcome! At least it has not presented itself to me as of yet.”
Magneto in sequined crystal perfection. Photo credit: Bark & Swagger
Anthony also shared an interesting tidbit with me, regarding a favorite childhood designer who influenced some of his fabric choices. “I was shopping for fabric when I stumbled across two crinkled textiles that reminded me of the timeless creations of Mary McFadden, who I referenced for three dresses,” Anthony revealed. “They were in shades of midnight blue and one in a blue silver.”
One of the three Mary McFadden-inspired gowns. Photo credit: Mouhsine Idrissi Photography
A memorable part of the show for him? The debut of his first junior miss design, a gorgeous white organza fantasy dress with a swath of bright tartan, worn to perfection by professional child model, Brielle Simpson. Brielle is a special girl, and not just for her catwalk prowess at such a young age. On her ninth birthday, Simpson requested monetary gifts only, then donated them all to animal rescue. She was delightful backstage, very warm and engaging.
Brielle Simpson in Anthony’s junior miss debut Photo credit: @jasonhowardnyc | @nycdogswag
Other looks I loved:
Photo credit: Bark & Swagger
Photo credit: Mouhsine Idrissi Photography
Gorgeous white organza floral with a silver sparkly gown. Photo credit: @jasonhowardnyc | @nycdogswag
Photo credit: Mouhsine Idrissi Photography
Prior to Anthony’s show were two others, presented by Ana Ono and by 21 Reasons Why by Madeline Stuart. Both were very powerful.
Ana Ono’s show was honoring everyday woman living with breast cancer. Cancer fighter and activist Champagne Joy, creator of the Facebook community #Cancerland, took the stage with actress/activist and long time friend, Mira Sorvino, to describe what we were about to see. What followed was shocking, powerful and inspiring. Sixteen women, all fighting breast cancer, strutted one by one down the catwalk in beautiful Ana Ono intimate wear and, once reaching the front of the runway, took off their tops, exposing their breasts. Some were scarred, some removed, others intact. But all of these women were courageous and strong; fierce, in fact, everything we do not associate cancer “victims” with being. These women were not victims.
Following Ana Ono was Australian model Madeline Stuart, who became a sensation in 2015 when she challenged fashion industry norms as a runway model with Down Syndrome. At this show, Stuart launched her own collection, 21 Reasons Why, a nod to her turning 21 this year and the extra copy of chromosome 21 that is characteristic of Down syndrome. Her collection was a casual one, with lots of leggings and fit wear fabric skirts and tops. She did a fantastic job.
Inspired and sated, we left the cathedral feeling like we’d experienced something important, across the board.
Taking his much-deserved runway walk. Photo credit: Mouhsine Idrissi Janati
Elegant and inspired, Anthony Rubio’s Fall/Winter 2016 New York Fashion Week runway show was a triumph, pushing the designer to new and greater heights! His were truly the most beautiful dogs of fashion week, but the pup’s accessory models, as Anthony likes to call the humans, were so impressively dressed, I am excited I got to experience it all, and want to share these dazzling designs with you!
Who is Anthony Rubio?
If you haven’t been reading the 5-week Bark & Swagger series from Anthony called Just My Style, and you’re not connected to the world of haute couture dog fashion, you may not know Anthony Rubio. He is a pet couturier, a prolific, extraordinarily creative fashion designer who studied his craft at F.I.T. (the Fashion Institute of Technology) in New York and chose the path of designing for pets.
Anthony has clients from all over the world, who seek him out for his jewel-encrusted, bright-colored, statement pieces. With this, his second New York Fashion Week runway show presentation, Rubio has, in my opinion, taken his designing to another level. He is clearly more aligned with the European designers that inspire him, and there’s a reason. Read on to find out what the catalyst was for this brilliant collection!
Experience other cultures and be inspired!
Photo credit: Anthony Rubio
Travel can be incredibly inspirational for a designer. Whether it’s an exotic locale like Morocco, or a classic one like England, France or Italy, designers throughout the ages have found inspiration in the colors, textures and lighting of a culture’s architecture, textiles, art and more.
For Anthony, it was the time he spent last year in Italy that informed this show, in everything from the rich, deep colors of his fabrics to the way he layered or embellished them to achieve his vision, one he describes as Italian Baroque.
Photo credit: Anthony Rubio
“On my recent trip to Italy, I had the privilege of a private viewing of the works of artists like Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Raphael, Dosso Dossi and Jacopo Bassano at Galleria Borghese,” Rubio shared. “I was, at first, taken by the rooms and the elaborate decor and the richness of color. The paintings drew me in to get a closer look and study of depth and contrasts. I noticed so much darkness surrounding the saturated colors. This was what inspired the choice of colors for my collection.”
Nicole & Henry strut down the runway in a saturated, rich yellow piece with sequined netting overlay Photo credit: NYC Dogswag
I asked Anthony how the particular fabrics he chose, reflected this theme.
“At first, I chose textiles in colors that had just the right sheen and texture as I was going for, but that was still not enough,” Anthony explained. “There was something more that needed to be done to bring the depth to the forefront. I studied the art work, and when shopping for the fabrics, I came to realize that I was not bringing in enough of the darkness. I had a moment of enlightenment, realizing that to capture that depth, I would have to layer the fabrics. I chose to layer dark sheer netting over the bright saturated fabric, in this case shantung, and it worked beautifully. To add that final touch I was looking for, I chose to use glass beaded netting. The bead work is in rich jewel tones of deep crimson red, emerald greens, amber, gold and deep blue.” Stunning!
Instagram dog, Marshall, shows off his and his human’s rich, brocade outfits.
The Piece De Resistance…
The final design that comes down the runway is a very important piece, indeed. It’s meant to tie the show together for the viewer and leave them wow’ed. The dress Anthony chose was just breathtaking. Its skirting was so voluminous and intricate, the color so wonderful, I wanted to know what fabrics and embellishments he used to achieve this incredible effect.
The Grand Finale Ball Gown; Bogie complements in his coat of many colors Photo credit: Dez Santana
“As a designer, I knew that I had to leave my audience with a lasting impression,” Rubio declared. “The last piece had to bring that Wow factor. I chose to do a huge, over-sized ball gown with a contemporary feel. I wanted to recapture that old fashioned way of closing a show with a wedding gown, but at the same time, I did not want it to be an actual wedding gown. I must confess, I really wanted to do this closing piece in a rich red, but after shopping for fabrics and trying red, it started to look too much like Christmas. It’s funny, because the show was unexpectedly moved up to February 14th, Valentine’s Day, from the original 17th, and perhaps that red might have been better received, but I stumbled upon this rich navy blue, sequined, sheer fabric, which has metallic gold embroidery. I knew right away this would be the show stopper.
“To achieve the depth and volume, I used layers of navy organza, which was also used for the train. I created a simple, three quarter sleeved top with a scooped neckline, and attached an applique I made from the same sequined fabric on the skirt. That made the entire look more contemporary and less stiff. The end result was that magical gown, which stole everyone’s breath away as it seemed to glide down the runway. [My Chihuahua model] Bogie wore a robe of many rich colors, which I decorated with tiny metallic autumn leaves. The collar of the robe was jeweled in crystals and amber.”
Who was Anthony’s special canine guest?
If the human models were dressed so elaborately, the dog, who Anthony always calls the stars of his runways, were certainly no slouches. I asked Anthony if there was an especially challenging dog outfit he created in this collection.
“In this show, I had a very special canine guest,” Rubio divulged. “You may recognize him. He was rescued by Bideawee and went on to became the poster dog for their adoption campaign, including a huge billboard in Times Square. He was ultimately adopted by a wonderful gentleman, Todd B. Richter, who donates to Bideawee.
“For Henry, I created a vest of putty-colored ultra suede, to which I attached a very opulent layer of black sheer netting encrusted with vines and flowers of metallic gold, black jet beads and white crystals. His accessory model, Nicole, wore a fabulous dress, which featured a mustard yellow skirt, covered with the same sheer jeweled fabric as the one on Henry’s vest.” It was so beautiful and I couldn’t help myself from oo’ing and ah’ing, but I wanted to know how regular pet parents could incorporate such opulence into their dog’s wardrobe.
Henry in his complementing vest Photo credit: Rula Kanawati Photography
“All of the garments, though opulent, can be used for various occasions,” Anthony explained. “There are so many dog friendly functions, as well as weddings. I attend fundraisers for shelters and I dress up my boys in elaborate outfits like these to make that grand entrance.” And you, do, Anthony, my darling…you do! We look forward to seeing what you’re going to dress those boys in next!
Now, more of the runway!
Yellow floral, sequined gown and dog coat. Ceili the Shih Tzu was the winner of a contest to model in the show.
A gorgeous floral paisley skirt and embellished top. Model is walking Roxie.
A dramatic, sequined, bold striped gown worn by model walking Leonberger, Mr. America, in a stunning filmy, blue sequined vest.
Instagram dog star, Mochi of @MochiintheCity, in a rich colored coat.
Dex, the Dachshund, in a lovely colored olive green, sequined and appliquéd jacket.
What are Naughty Ties and how do they fit in here?
Speaking earlier of what’s next, Anthony is doing so many things right now, including a new men’s shirting line and his Naughty Ties, an embellished and whimsical tie collection for humans. Would this fertile time of inspiration and vision give birth to other things for these fabrics and this palette?
Anthony in one of his Naughty Ties Photo courtesy of Anthony Rubio Designs
“Oh, you are so intuitive!” Rubio exclaimed. “Yes, I have started the new Naughty Ties, using some of the same fabrics, as well as colors. I am thinking I’ll create other men’s accessories, as well, to match the pups.”
Another Naughty Ties style Photo courtesy of Anthony Rubio Designs
Ladies, alert your stylish guys and guy friends and consider for yourselves. I love a woman in a smart tie! Fashion lovers…Anthony Rubio is in the house!
After a very long day, a tired but happy Rubio at the afterparty with Kimba, both still in their runway attire. Bravo, Anthony!!
Hear more from Anthony Rubio in my exclusive post-fashion show radio interview on my YouTube channel! Please Subscribe for more interviews and other stylish stuff! 🙂
Have you ever been behind the scenes at a well-known designer’s atelier? What about backstage at a New York Fashion Week runway show? This week’s Just My Style is extra special, because we’re going to do just that! While for the past two weeks, celebrated pet couturier, Anthony Rubio, has weighed in on current trends and how to wear them and how to get the best fit for your pooch, today it’s all about what’s behind the curtain, the grit behind the glamour. Anthony has invited us into his studio to watch him work, and backstage for his Spring/Summer 2016 New York Fashion Week celebrated runway show, featuring pet and human fashion!
So, grab your favorite beverage, get cozy and let’s be voyeurs!
Just My Style: Behind the Curtain
by Anthony Rubio
A peek into my process – The Sketch & The Hunt!
For those who don’t know, New York Fashion Week presents a full season ahead. It descends upon New York City two times a year; in September for Spring fashion and in February for the following Fall. As such, designers have to research and get insight into what may be trending, if not make their own predictions for that coming season. Things I consider when predicting what will be hot, are what is being shown on runways in other locales like Paris, London, Milan, and even Dubai. Inspiration comes from where ever and when ever. Fashion, to me, is like religion. I read, eat, drink and dream fashion!
Anthony’s tools of the trade
While I originally studied women’s wear design at school, pet fashion is my priority. In preparing for my shows, I decide what direction I’d like to go, then begin basic sketching. The next step is the fun part I call “The Hunt!” Taking into account the season I’m presenting, I begin searching for the textiles. A lot of foot work and investigation is necessary. I refuse to skimp on materials. For me, quality is more important than price. While a discount is welcomed, I usually break the bank purchasing what I deem necessary to bring my designs to life.
In the studio, putting the finishing touches on an adorable outfit
The design takes shape!
I try to create all of the canine designs first, and then coordinate or match the human designs afterwards. I create patterns, followed by mock ups of each design, where needed. I collect my mannequins and start draping the fabrics to make sure the chosen textile will work and meet my desired specifications.
Then, it’s time to cut and pin! As the fabric takes shape on the dress form, it’s very exciting. Once I’m satisfied, I take the pinned fabrics and do my basting. For those who don’t know, basting stitches are usually long, spread out stitches done by hand to hold fabric pieces in place, prior to permanently sewing them. They can easily be pulled out, once you’ve permanently stitched. After basting, it all goes to the sewing machine!
After the garment has been sewn, I schedule a fitting with the pet or human model to make needed adjustments. Once done, I either steam or press the garment, depending on how delicate the fabric is, before I start doing any decorating or embellishing, which is a featured part of my designs.
Freshly created, ornate hats
Is your dog my perfect model?
There are a few things I consider when choosing who will walk in my runway designs. What dog or human model will meet the criteria to fulfill my dream presentation? I have a vision about how I want my designs to look on the runway and I do my best to choose models that will bring that to life.
I prefer to use seasoned models, but do bring in new dogs and humans. I’ve also been known to contact the local shelters to include a dog up for adoption, in order to do my part to bring much-needed attention to the plight of abandoned pets needing forever homes. Once casting is done, I’ll get the specific measurements of all the models. At this point, the production of my new creations begin!
Sometimes, my canine models are famous. Just below are Instagram dog stars @ChloeKardoggian, @EllaBeantheDog and @ChloetheMiniFrenchie. They might look like nervous models, but they were just relaxing backstage.
l to r: Chloe Kardoggian, Ella Bean, Chloe the Mini Frenchie
What’s behind the curtain of a big runway show?
The most important garments in a runway show are the ones that open the show, because this sets the tone and get the most media coverage, and the grand finale, which must leave a memorable impression. This is the WOW moment that leaves the audience wanting more and looking forward to your next presentation. It can make or break a designer.
For my upcoming New York Fashion Week show on February 14, I am presenting examples of the trends we discussed in the first post of this series. I’ll have metallics, faux furs, animal prints and lots of bling. I design every piece with the idea that any of them has the potential to either open or close my show. I couldn’t begin to tell you how many crystals, beads, stitches or trims have been utilized for a particular garment, because I don’t limit myself and use as much as needed to get that garment to the level of my expectations.
Pre-Show Prep for Doggie Divas
It may be hard to believe but the canine models are the easiest ones to work with. There is no competitiveness or envy. They are here to please and don’t get stressed about showing. Before the show begins, they actually sleep and cuddle with their owners. I take advantage of this, and ask that the owners spend time with their chosen human model to get to know each other and for the dogs to acclimate and get comfortable. It’s important the dog feels safe when walking the runway. I want it all to be a seamless transition.
Model, Nicole, wrangles Magneto down the runway
In my SS16 show, we decided to break in a new canine model. Though he has a very sweet disposition, 110 lb+ Magneto, the Leonberger, was still a pup and very attached to his mommy. When he went out on the runway and saw all the people and flashing cameras, he suddenly wanted to bolt, but thankfully, I had assigned him an experienced and brave model, who reigned him in long enough to finish the presentation. They actually got some of the best photos and press of all the models!
Let the show begin!
When you’re orchestrating a runway show, every detail matters. I have to admit, and I’m embarrassed to say this, I help dress and then inspect each and every model before they go out onto that runway. Before that, I will have met with hair, make up people and groomers to stylize each look before they even get dressed!
Backstage preps; tensions and excitement are high!
There is so much tension and excitement rolled into pre-show set up back stage. I go into automatic mode, and suppress my nervousness while setting the order of each model to walk the runway. I try to get personal photos and film footage, but in strict confidence to the human models, prefer not to go public keeping this for my own personal archives.
At that moment right before the first model goes out, I give them a pep talk as a group, while my stomach does summersaults. I don’t show the stress or nervousness I feel, to avoid making the models nervous, too, but truth be told I get light headed at times!
The designer’s walk at the close of the show, with one of my favorites pieces from his runway
By the time the last model goes out, I will have an idea of the audience reaction. I take a deep breath and end the final model’s walk with my runway walk and bow. As I come off the runway, my knees get week, my eyes water and I finally exhale. We’ve done it.
Thank you, Anthony! I have goosebumps! For those who missed Rubio’s New York Fashion Week show last September, you can see it in its entirety, just below. Read on to discover what’s next!
Did you feel like you were there; could you imagine Anthony’s process and the anticipation of the show?
For those in and around New York or who want to travel to New York during New York Fashion Week, Anthony will be doing in his own runway show on February 14th at Gotham Hall, and as part of the famed New York Pet Fashion Show on February 11 at the Hotel Pennsylvania.
I’ll be there, as a presenter and Official Style Expert of the 2016 New York Pet Fashion Show, and as an excited spectator at Anthony’s own show, covering it to bring the most tantalizing fashion back to you, here on Bark & Swagger.
We still have two more weeks to go with Anthony in the Just My Style series. Tune in next week for a post I think you’ll love on DIY fashion, where Anthony will have a very special surprise for you!
It’s fashion season, with New York Fashion Week about to kick off. Just preceding it, the dogs have their day, or I should say night, when the highly anticipated New York Pet Fashion Show hits the Hotel Pennsylvania this Friday, February 7th, and the city witnesses the epitome of doggy dress up. It used to be called the Pre-Westminster Pet Fashion Show because it does, indeed, precede the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, one of the largest and most prestigious dog shows in the world. So, NYC is abuzz this week, and it’s all about dogs and fashion. Got me thinking. We know dog fashion has been around for quite a while now, but when, exactly, and why, exactly, did it start? We’re learning together! Here, then, is the history of canine couture.
Reynolds Portrait of Miss Anna Ward w/Kimball
A Long, Long Time Ago…
There was a powerful king named Arthur, who ruled over Great Britain in 540A.D. with an iron fist. He was a fearless fighter and dogs played a very important and brave role in his military and law enforcement. They were the first recorded to wear clothing to protect them in battle and against the harsh elements. It’s nice to know dogs were regarded enough to be protected back then.
But if you consider any decorative wear on dogs to be canine couture (and we do), you have to go back even further. Cue up the Wizard of Oz tornado scene, house spinning round, stuff flying by the window, taking us back, back, back…to 3100B.C. Thud! Whew, that was a long, strange trip. Yes, I’m weird. 🙂
Seriously, and this is pretty amazing, an archaeologist uncovered a dog buried with Chinese King Cuo of Zhongshan, which dates back to before Egyptian dynasties existed (3000B.C.). The dog wore a collar of gold, silver and turquoise, too ornate and beautiful to have solely been used for identification. This was clearly a statement of status and of feeling for the animal. And it’s here where our journey really begins.
In ancient Egyptian civilization, dogs were already being pampered. No wonder they’ve gotten so good at getting us to jump to their every whim; they’ve had centuries of practice! Doggy devotion had become such an issue in ancient Rome, that Julius Caesar gave a public reprimand to citizens, claiming they paid more attention to their dogs than their children! For the wealthy and stylish, collars featuring precious metals and precious gemstones were di rigueur. In fact, Louis XI of France (1423 – 1483), a notorious miser, dressed his favorite Greyhound, “Cher Ami” (Dear Friend), in a collar of scarlet velvet with 20 pearls and 11 rubies. No expense was spared for pampered pooches, large and small.
Collars from the 16-19th Century
Beginning in the mid-15th century, dog ownership became much more affordable and widespread, including the middle classes, as well as the wealthy. And this is when leather collars started appearing. In the 16th century, those collars were now decorated with engraved name plates and sparkly embellishments.
Word has it that, in the 17th century, Louis XV’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, “Filou” (Rascal) slept on a crimson velvet bed and wore a collar of gold encrusted with diamonds! No wonder Louis would say, “He’s the only thing in the world that likes me for myself.” Hmm…Filou had a cushy job.
It seems that dog clothing entered the picture sometime in the 18th century, because there are paintings of people with fully clothed dogs from that period. But it wasn’t until the 19th century where it became more popular and books and stores were dedicated to it. It is recorded that, in 1833 in Britain, Princess Victoria wrote of clothing her spaniel, that she “dressed dear sweet little Dash in a scarlet jacket and blue trousers.” Cute! And where was the center of a now thriving dog apparel industry? Paris, of course! There were over a dozen doggy couture shops in and around the Palais-Royal.
1905 Photo of Tuxedo’ed & Drinking? Bulldog
Authors during that period wrote entire books on how to properly dress your dog, and for which occasion, including day wear, evening wear, beach wear and travel wear! So, while dog bikinis may be relatively new, doggy beach attire is so not! The blog Montecristo Travels has done a great job of researching this topic, so I have to give her props (or Monte, her super adorable Papillon, who “writes” the blog). She’s found a couple of very cool books from the 1800’s on dog fashion: Paul Mégninwrote “Nos Chiens” (Our Dogs). He is the author who recommends what dog fashion is appropriate for when. Another French author, Jean Robert, wrote a couple of books on dog care around that period, where he says it’s only common sense to have small dogs wear clothing when it’s cold, recommending le maison Ledouble, located at 29 galerie d’Orléans at the Palais-Royal. And finally, author Alfred Barbou wrote in his LeChien: Son histoire, ses exploits, ses aventures about dogs that wore rich costumes, embroidered coats, silk jackets and seasonal wear.
So, in preparation for fashion season and, more important, dog fashion season, no need to feel uncomfortable, self-conscious or at all like you’re cuckoo for dressing your pooch in the utmost of finery. Bring on the jeweled collars, the designer duds, the gold and silver creations! Remember, it has provenance. It’s been going on a long time before you and me. Enjoy it!
What do you think about the style of these antique pieces? If you lived back in the day, would you have dressed your dog in precious metals and gems?
19th Century Dog w/necklace
Until next time…
(Disclosure: If you choose to purchase any of the suggested items in this post, I will receive a small compensation from the company, which goes towards keeping Bark and Swagger up and running and towards the monthly donations I make to animal rights and rescue organizations. Thank you for helping out!)
What does stylish mean to you? I’m passionate about animals, fashion, travel, home decor and rescue, and that's what you'll find here. After a recent move to Fort Lauderdale from NYC, we're loving our new life in the sunshine. Welcome to my world! Grab your favorite beverage, curl up and stay awhile.
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