Matchy Matchy
BY MARLA HART
The average American family shells out $1700 a year on clothes, which only goes to show that pet fashionistas are not “average” Americans. Dog-loving Empty Nesters, Baby Boomers, and Millennials happily heap disposable income on apparel from satin ball gowns and Santa long johns to classic Pendleton and Chicago Cubs finery.
If you’re looking for a match made in heaven, here’s a round-up of wardrobe options celebrating the matchy matchy world of human-pet couture.
SWAG THE TAIL
At New York Fashion Week’s Fall runway this year, Anthony Rubio’s showcased a haute couture collection for canines and humans. Long-legged supermodels took turns strolling the catwalk with a short-legged Chihuahua dressed in a metallic and jeweled waistcoat, a Yorkie in sequins, and a pug in organza. “Humans are the accessories,” says Rubio, who began his enterprise after adopting an abused dog named Bandit. Prices start at $500.
CANINE MUSES
Couture designer Roberto Negrin, whose rescue dog Hec-lin inspired his first line, also offers pricey bling and glitter for the anthropomorphic crowd. “My babies DJ, Hec-lin, Abby, and Athena are my muses,” he says. “They are my reason to wake up every day.”
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
For the holidays, dress your dog in a red cashmere Christmas sweater with gold trim from online outlet Posh Puppy Boutique ($240). To match the look, women can get merry with a Burberry London red cashmere sweater adorned with gilded shoulder buttons at Stylebop.com ($539).
BIKER CHIC
Biker chicks can go rogue with dogs in matching pink or white caps topped with spikes or go rad in bedazzled skull t-shirts courtesy of Angela Carolyn. After winning a dog and owner look alike contest at the Big Bear Film Festival, Carolyn started her own line, Canine Rivalry, at doggiesecrets.com. “Creativity came out, and the brain went to work,” says Carolyn. For dogs with attitude, check out matching message dog and human sweatshirts emblazoned with “It’s All About Me” and “Spoiled Rotten and Loving It.”
DOXIE IN A TUX
Formal wear for your dachshund? Coming right up at Salty Paws Inc., then make it a duet with a men’s tuxedo from online retailer ASOS. A blue argyle sweater from urbanpup.com can be paired with men’s argyle at Kohl’s or Macy’s. Find a Pendleton Glacier stripe jacket for your lab mix for $59 at orvis.com. Match it with the glacier park stripe messenger bag $199 or blanket scarf $69.50 from Pendleton-usa.com. The Dog Puffer coat from American Beagle Outfitter goes well with a men’s puffer from Amazon.
MATCHING TUTUS MARK MUTTCRACKER SUITE
Every year, the Birmingham Alabama Ballet company stages a dog-powered version of the classic Nutcracker Suite. During the show, “Muttcracker” canines trot onstage to join the human ballerinas. The performance, which benefits the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, features regal Great Danes draped in capes, poodles in tutus, and Afghans with angel wings.
PETS ON PARADE IN NEW ORLEANS
The Mystic Krewe of Barkus parades through the streets of New Orleans annually during Mardi Gras and showcases a splendid assortment of beautifully bespoke dogs with their equally costumed owners. The number one-ranked dog parade in America, “Barkus” promotes adoption and rescue of homeless animals in New Orleans.
SMELLS LIKE TEAM SPIRIT
People and pooches can proudly strut their fandom with an “I Love Chicago” dog vest from Etsy and find a perfect match with an “I Love Chicago” human hoodie sold at spreadshirt.com. Or get your New York on with a N.Y. Giants mesh pet jersey to match your own at NFLShop.com. Soccer moms? Get a kick out of Brazil’s official jersey for dogs and humans at baxterboo.com.
REIGNING CATS AND DOGS
For your Inner Diva: faux leopard ensembles, rain wear, and faux fur plaid winter coats are customized at DivasDiamondsAndDogs.com. The luxury line was dreamed up by Texas designer/dog show participant Lisa Ashby Lackey. “I needed to do something to raise money for a rescue’s vet bills,” Lackey says. “One day I realized all my show friends are childless like me but feel like they have four-legged kids. They dress their pets to match their own clothing, so I thought, ‘Why not combine my passions?’ I bought fabric and a new sewing machine, and now I create matching ensembles for dogs and their humans.”
