Ruby Metro Designer Pet Carrier
By Petote
The Ruby Metro by Petote is the latest in fashionable and trendy pet carriers that are styled more like purses than traditional dog carriers. A bestseller from Petote, the Ruby Metro is available in three sizes: Petite (for teacup size puppies), Small (for dogs weighing between 4 to 8 pounds), and Large (for dogs up to 15 pounds).
The Ruby Metro Pet Carrier features designer Italian leather, gold-plated hardware, three mesh panels for ventilation, an adjustable safety strap, zipper side pockets, removable faux fur bedding, roll-up side windows, and waterproof nylon lining for easy cleaning. Available at Tails in the City’s online boutique for $440.
BITCH NEW YORK: DESIGNER HEAVEN FOR
DOGGIE FASHIONISTAS
By Katherine J. Chen
Bitch New York is the largest luxury pet boutique on the Internet, carrying over 8,000 products from all over the world. The online store caters to pet parents who love to dress up their dogs with accessories and brands that are being worn by the pooches of some of today’s hottest celebrities. Selling custom size clothes, pet perfumes, designer dog jewelry, and luxury carriers, Bitch New York presents the best of dog fashion each season. In addition to featuring what’s hot in canine couture, Bitch New York frequently donates both its money and designs to charities and charity fashion shows. The boutique’s venerable list of charities includes Paws for a Cause, The Humane Society of New York, The North Shore Animal League, The Good Dog Foundation, and much more. The following feature is an exclusive interview with Bitch New York owner, Stacy.
What makes Bitch New York stand out from other dog boutiques?
First of all, we carry over 8,000 products which makes us the largest luxury pet boutique on the Internet. We also import items from Europe, Australia, Canada, and other places that most pet boutiques do not, which gives us a very unique selection unlike anything else you will find on the web. Thirdly, we do many custom-made items which allows us to serve a broader range of customers. We can fit any dog and create items that are more appealing to the customer as they have chosen either the color or size that makes them the happiest. Finally, our customer service is second to none. I answer e-mails at all hours of the day and night, 7 days a week. It is the most important aspect of our business. The customers can speak directly to me if they have questions or concerns and know that I am available and willing to help them in any way I can.
What is considered “in style” for dogs this season in terms of accessories, clothes, collars, and carriers?
Purple seems to be the hot color. I have seen the most luxurious colors and jackets done in all shades of purple. Rhinestones are always in fashion. Bling has always been the hottest seller in dog collars. Carriers are looking more and more like handbags and have to function as such with pockets for personal items so that you don’t have to carry a handbag as well. Eco-friendly items are still big. We created an entire section dedicated to just products that promote a healthy environment.
Is there such a thing as dog fashion? Does it change from season to season? Are there trends?
Of course there is dog fashion. Dog fashion follows human fashion. The designs that come out on the runways of Milan, Paris, and New York are how canine couture is born. Designers of canine couture are first and foremost, designers. They are inspired by what they see around them and those patterns and materials show up in their body of work. It does change from season to season. In the Spring and Fall, almost every manufacturer changes their line by either adding a few new items or changing the entire collection. It is the hardest time of the year for us because we have to update the site to keep up with all the new items that are available.
Do you have your own line of dog clothing and accessories?
I try not to be a jack of all trades, master of none! There are a lot of fabulous products out there to purchase, and I have an eye for what my customers will enjoy, so I try to stick to promoting my vendors’ products. We do make Bitch New York logo dog and people clothing, and we have made our own line of Swarovski crystal pet jewelry, but we don’t concentrate on it. We are introducing a new fragrance line in a few weeks because it is fun to create things and see how they are accepted. People love the name of our company, so we always like to have something signature to offer. We are starting with a Bitch Perfume and a Stud Cologne.
Based off of your experience, how can you tell that a dog is comfortable or even confident in the clothing that he/she is wearing?
I have 6 Chihuahuas. I have 3 armoires packed with clothing for all of them. One of them will stand in front of the armoire and tap on the door to let me know that he wants to get dressed. If he hears me open the armoire, he comes running into the room with a look of excitement and anticipation. He has even chosen his own outfits. If I pull something out he doesn’t like, he spins around or runs away and comes back. Once we put clothes on him, we have to chase him down to get them off! That is a dog that is comfortable and confident in clothing. Of course, then I have other dogs that once they are dressed, they will stand perfectly still with their heads down and sulk. So I tend not to dress those guys unless we are going out, and it is cold.
What do you hope to achieve through Bitch New York? What are your larger goals?
I would love Bitch New York to be considered the “Neiman Marcus” of the dog world. I would like to become the personal shopper to the stars! Ultimately, I would love to be approached by a company such as Sean John or Baby Phat with an offer to become part of their portfolio, much like Juicy Couture is now part of Liz Claiborne Inc. I would still like to run the company, but it would make me feel like I have accomplished my ultimate goal to be acknowledged in that way.
Do you think that there has been an “unhealthy” trend towards small dogs recently, which makes larger dogs more difficult to adopt?
We sell clothing and collars for large dogs as well. I think that large dogs are primarily the favorite of the men while small dogs are the choice for women. There have been many people who see my small dogs and tell me that they only have large dogs. In fact, I used to have a 185 lb. mastiff as well. I think that it is only “unhealthy” when people get a dog without fully understanding the responsibility of owning a pet and when they realize how much dedication it takes, they just give it up.
What are a few favorite accessories/clothing items of yours on the site?
We have so many beautiful things that it is hard to choose just a few. Chien Coature makes the most luxurious Pink Funk Faux Fur Coat with Swarovski crystals dangling from it. Haute Puppy has a Pink Scarf Dress that is to die for. Kiki Hamann designs the trendiest one-of-a-kind harness vests with air-brushed patterns and vintage decorations. I choose the items that we add to the site, so I generally want at least one of everything!
Bitch New York has donated clothes, items, and money to so many different rescues. What is one charity experience you will never forget?
Honestly, I am passionate about helping animals AND people. I take pleasure in knowing that we could be a part in saving even one small life. That is why I never turn down any charity that is in need of help. If I had the capacity to adopt every dog in need and provide food, shelter, and medical care to thousands of animals, I would do it. Bow Wow Wow is usually a lavish event where the celebrities come out to help raise money for the Much Love Animal Rescue, and the one held at the Playboy Mansion two years ago was a very fun and exciting experience.
Beasty Bling Jewelry Drizzles Pets with Unique, Luxury Pieces
By Amanda Egolf
Jewelry makes the wearer feel glamorous, luxurious and poised. It creates an opulence that Beasty Bling is extending to fashionable dogs with its high-end pieces of precious and semi-precious stones, metals and found objects.
Launched by gemologist and art historian Kate Noto, each piece of the Beasty Bling pet jewelry line is uniquely hand crafted and individually influenced by the materials and the wearer. Ultimately, the brand exemplifies an unbridled love and affection for both pets and fashion.
“Personal adornment is a very intimate creative expression both in the design process and in the choices made by the wearer,” said Noto. “We enjoy adorning the things we love, for me, that included my pets. The neckwear I create for them is actually what I would design for myself or for anyone.”
Thus, Beasty Bling jewelry is not the kind of fashion that causes one to suffer for style. In addition to coming in a variety of sizes, each piece features a toggle closure that is comfortable for the pet and allows the jewelry to be easily adjusted or removed.
Originally based in Manhattan, Beasty Bling is moving to Los Angeles and launching its first online store. Shop the latest styles in pet jewelry at BeastyBling.com.
Juicy Couture
Juicy Couture uses its creative juices to design a fabulous dog line
Founded in 1996, Juicy Couture has been outfitting our upscale, casual wear needs for years. Known best for its cozy and cute tracksuit, the company has evolved into a multi-million-dollar brand that offers women's and girls' apparel, shoes, swimwear, timepieces, handbags, intimates, jewelry, eyewear, small leather goods, baby gear and women's fragrances--and of course, doggie gear. 
Read the full article in the Holiday 08 Issue of Doggie Aficionado www.doggieaficionadomagazine.com
RALPH LAUREN
A favorite line of classic American couture offers uncomplicated doggie designs
Ralph Lauren is one of the most established, well-known brands for classic yet contemporary clothes that stand the test of time. The brand stives to redefine heritage style with a sophisticated edge, showcsing preppy looks and elegant sportiness with a certain urbanity. And it doesn't just offer apparel for men and women, but its pieces seem to find themselves on children, babies and dogs, as well.