In Milan, one of the world’s most prominent fashion capitals, furry models are taking over the runway. Giovanna Temellini’s new doggie clothing line lets canine fashionistas flaunt haute couture outfits!
For some of us, bespoke, made-to-measure dog clothes usually mean trying to make something for our pooch with a little help of Pinterest (and failing gloriously). In Italy, however, it means taking your four-legged style icon to a tailor for a custom-made cashmere sweater or a matching winter coat with pockets.
Giovanna Temellini, a fashion designer who worked with names such as Bottega Veneta and Armani, is the mastermind behind Dog-à-Porter, ready to wear line of tailor-made clothing for fashion-forward pups. The idea was sparked after a conversation with her daughter, who asked her to come up with a solution that would keep her Afghan hound’s, Ulysses, fur and ears safe from rain.
The 57-year old designer has been involved with a number of animal welfare groups for years, so it makes perfect sense that she would combine her passion for fashion and love for furballs. Giovanna is committed to creating dog clothes that will fit their different body types, provide a snug fit, and, most importantly, be comfortable for them to move in. On top of that, all the fashionable models she creates are made from high-quality fabrics, so it doesn’t surprise that the pret-a-porter doggie clothes come with a hefty price tag.
To dress up your pooch in Temellini’s merino wool bomber jacket, you’ll have to spend €212 ($260), a cashmere T-shirt will set you back €142 ($174), while a stylish doggie coat that has a matching version for the owner goes for €252 ($309). But the Italians are not turned away by steep prices- as a matter of fact, some of them go even a step further, commissioning the designer to make their pampered pooches a one-of-a-kind outfit, like a prominent lawyer who wanted his Saluki to flaunt in a matching tailored coat.
It seems that, at least for style-conscious pawrents, news of haute couture for pets is something to look forward to. Just look at it this way- your pooch might not care for the latest trends from the fashion world, but they probably wouldn’t say no to a dazzling yet comfy outfit. It’s not like they’re cats, right?
