New York  Fashion goes to the Dogs

Pet fashions are big biz, with major retailers opening in
swanky districts

From a Chihuahua in a white Marilyn Monroe dress to a
bulldog in a purple net tutu, the dogs of New York today
are as well dressed as their owners.

At a dog fashion show this week at one of New York’s
hottest clubs, waiters circled the room with glass bowls of
dog food as well-groomed young people sipped cocktails
and their dogs sniffed out new friends at the bar.

Preparations for the show, which raised money for an
animal rescue centre, were as chaotic as any fashion
event, with some new problems.

“There’s a lot more barking and a lot more interesting
smells,” said actress Stella Keitel. Stella Keitel was among
those walking with the canine models on the catwalk. “I’m
definitely watching where I step.”

       Per fashions are big business with major retailers
such as Target producing lines of clothing and accessories
and boutique stores opening in swanky districts of New
York.

According to the American Pet Products Manufactures
Association, 63 per cent of US households own a pet and
total spending on pets-including food, vet care, services
and products such as fashion-was around $ 35.9 billion in
2005.

The animal fair magazine show drew a parade of socialites,
reality TV stars, models and B-list actors with their pets-
mostly lap dogs with a few retrievers and collies.

Model Beth Ostrosky brought Bianca, an English bulldog
belonging to her boyfriend, radio shock jock Howard Stern.

“Animals are people, especially dogs, they’re part of the
family,” Ostrosky said, admiring Bianca’s purple net outfit
which was coordinated with her own Nicole Miller silk dress.
“Quite frankly it was supposed to be a skirt but it kept
sliding off her so we decided to make it a collar,” she
added.

       Another dog - a tiny Chihuahua - was sporting a white
1950s dress inspired by an outfit immortalised because
Marilyn Monroe was wearing it when a subway up draft
sent the flared skirt flying up around her shoulders.

Some of the audience brought their dogs too. Stephanie
Warren came with her miniature schnauzer Minerva and
the two were wearing matching grey and pink wool
ponchos. Warren said she takes Minerva everywhere and
that they frequently wear matching outfits.

“I hope I’m not being ridiculed,” she said, “ We even have
some of the same jewellery I’ve had made. “I’ve taken her
to a wedding before,” she added. ‘I had got divorced and I
didn’t have a date so I took her.”

Stylist Kristine Karam had a cocktail in one hand as her
dog Minuda peered out of a bag under her other arm.
“She wouldn’t wear a hat but she has a beautiful blue
cashmere turtleneck and she has a beautiful strand of
pearls,” Karam said of Minuda, who was unadorned on this
occasion.

Susie Essman, an actress who appears in the comedy
‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ wore a black and floral dress
while her dog, a Shih Tzu named Sumo, wore a matching
coat- Reuters
                                                                                       BL: 7-4-06, New York  
Search anything, anytime !
©  Cheerans Lab (P) Limited        About us | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact us | Site Map  
Services
 
Web www.cheerans.com