Canine Haute Couture

Where can you get a gorgeous, genuine Christian Audigier t-shirt for only $30? Here, of course. While we may not be able to justify paying $200 for a t-shirt for ourselves, $30 for our pups is not out of the question. Especially if he’ll be looking as fierce as any runway model.

Lynn Crosby, who owns a pet couture boutique in Studio City, LA, says, “The ownership of dogs is pretty consistent with where it has been for a while, but attitudes toward dogs have changed. It is much more part of the family. Our dogs sleep in our beds and have full run of the house.” We want the best for our dogs, who are more than pets. They are family members. And luckily, we can get some hot haute couture for them that won’t break the bank. It’s still pricey, but when you have a dog who deserves the best, it is not outrageous.

The canine couture trend was spread like wildfire, primarily on the West Coast. If you are interested in treating your dog to the best, here are just a few tips that will make the experience more fun for everyone:

• Remember that the point of dressing your dog is to promote his comfort. Will the outfit you choose make him comfortable physically? Further, will it provoke any response in people that could make your dog feel ridiculed? Yes, dogs know when you’re making fun of them. If you want make your dog feel silly, why don’t you dress up in a clown suit and take a walk? Not so fun, huh?
• Will the clothing be restrictive or inhibit his movement. If so, choose a more natural fit and comfortable fabric. The Duds 4 Pups Purple Pageant T-Shirt from Christian Audigeir, for example, is a simply designed (and simply beautiful) shirt that will not hamper your dog from being a dog.
• Haute couture should be wild and edgy; but for your pup, make sure that there are no parts that can snag, become caught, or which will tangle in his paws. This could be dangerous. Also, make sure there is nothing that your dog can chew off.
• Finally, even if your dog is wearing haute couture doesn’t mean he’ll be any more demure or clean. He is still a dog. If he has an opportunity to roll in dirt, chase something, or otherwise be doggish, then he will. Make sure your haute couture can be easily cleaned.

If your dog isn’t much of a clothes-horse, so to speak, he can still enjoy couture. Christian Audigier, for example, designs a beautiful line of dog beds, bowls, bags, and carriers. So whether you enjoy designer clothes or you want your dog to be the best dressed on the block, you can find something that is sleek, comfortable, and useful.