Canine couture took center stage at the AKC’s Museum of the Dog in New York, where over two dozen dogs strutted in Met Gala-inspired fashions for the second annual Pet Gala.
Fashion designer Anthony Rubio organized the fundraiser, featuring dogs dressed in outfits inspired by celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Zendaya, Lil Nas X, Ed Sheeran, Shakira, and Gayle King.
“For The Pet Gala, I have to figure out how to translate garments worn by humans onto our four-legged stars,” Rubio said on the museum’s website. “Humans can suffer for their fashion, but dogs will not. Their comfort and safety is my top priority. It’s a challenge I’m always up for. I thrive under the pressure.”
Rubio explained the event’s purpose, emphasizing the need for joy in difficult times. “I do this to make everybody happy,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “This world right now, in the state that we’re in, there’s too many bad things happening. Everything’s negative, there’s clouds over everybody’s heads. Everybody’s angry. So I do this to elevate happiness and to bring some light into the world.”
Dubbed “Pet Fashion’s Biggest Night,” the dogs’ outfits will now be displayed at the Museum of the Dog. Museum CEO and executive director Christopher Bromson expressed hope that visitors will find delight and joy in the exhibition. “These pieces are so intricate and beautiful. And just to understand the amount of work that goes into it and the inspiration — Anthony truly draws inspiration from fashion and the art that is fashion,” Bromson said.
The Pet Gala showcases the creativity and craftsmanship involved in pet fashion, while also highlighting the joy and positivity that such events can bring to people and their furry companions.
