Dogs hit the catwalk in canine couture

Here comes the bride
As in the world of human fashions, bridal wear is playing an increasingly important role in canine couture. Sandy Mahoney and Sharon Bolger, the design team for the I See Spot label, are being hailed as the Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier of pet bridal fashions.

“A lot of people are including dogs in their wedding parties or having weddings for their dogs,” says Mahoney. "Consequently there’s a huge demand for pet bridal fashions highlighting lots of satin and lace and mermaid shapes. Fit is very important and we pay a lot of attention to detail.”

The I See Spot bridal collection includes a velvet tuxedo and a ringbearer T-shirt to which bridal couples can attach their rings for puppies to bring down the aisle. There are also Mother of the Bride and Always the Bridesmaid T-shirts for other canines in the bridal retinue or wedding party.

For wedding guests, Sherri Stankewitz's Golddigger ruffs and jezebel collars make ideal party accessories. She leads with a frothy collection of chiffon ribbons, lace, sequins and satin. Stankewitz also has a collection of what she calls “Do-Dahs" — glitter hairgrips and other accessories with ostrich feathers, rhinestones and plenty of glitz.

And while Fido's out partying — or just taking a stroll around the block — he can now support a cause by sporting a purple collar to raise money for pet shelters across the country. The Rally to Rescue collars, which come with a matching wristband for pet parents, cost $5 and are available at pet rescue organizations nationwide or online at http://www.rallytorescue.org

Sponsored by Purina Pro Plan pet food, the program hopes to raise $1 million for shelters with 100 percent of the net proceeds benefiting the participating organizations.

Fashion forward
For practical yet stylish clothes and footwear, check out Gooby Pet Fashion, which produces two collections a year and caters to a range of canine fashionistas. Considered the Gap and Banana Republic of pet clothing, Gooby is offering a preppy puppy look this year with classic plaid sweaters and striped T-shirts. There’s also a vintage look featuring a JFK Jr. naval officer-styled coat and a Shirley Temple dress with a sailor collar. In addition, you'll find classic denim and a wide range of active wear.

Gooby also specializes in footwear and this season's bestsellers are G-Boots, which look like basketball high tops. Hound Hikers, in suede and canvas, are popular, too, and suitable for dogs up to 100 pounds. Gooby has a patent pending on the shoes' special rubber-soled, ergonomic design.

“Dog owners are discovering the practicality of canine footwear,” says John-Carlos "JC" Ynostroza, who runs the Gooby design team with business partner Timothy Yun. “Many dogs enjoy a very active lifestyle and it’s practical for them to wear footwear in the snow, when hiking rough trails or even when out walking on a hot sidewalk. There’s the cleanliness factor, too.”

Gooby's brightly colored shoes are packaged in shoeboxes with protective drawstring bags to hang them in the closet. Ynostroza says they are becoming a big hit among celebrities and also very popular in Japan. But he still hasn't lost sight of the needs of his canine customers.

“Safety and functionality come before fashion,” he says.

Sandy Robins is a freelance writer and columnist based in Irvine Calif. Her work has appeared in numerous publications in the United States and internationally.

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