The inaugural Pet Gala featured sixteen dogs dressed in high-end designer wear inspired by this year’s Met Gala. The event was hosted by pet couturier Anthony Rubio, who created looks for fashionable canines, including his own dog Kimba the Chihuahua. Livie, a Morkie, channeled Gigi Hadid in her yellow rose-adorned dress, showcasing her modeling skills on the dog-walk. Rubio carefully selected designs from the Met Gala to recreate on dogs, ensuring that the garments were instantly recognizable and celebrated the magnificence of high fashion.
Rubio’s meticulous work on the canine outfits included hand-sewn elements and attention to detail to ensure they were visually appealing from all angles. Despite the challenges of creating couture for dogs, Rubio was dedicated to celebrating designers and their creations through his work. The Pet Gala was expanded this year to include the public, with tickets sold for $300 and proceeds benefiting the Museum of the Dog. Rubio, known for his advocacy for animal rescue and pet adoption, used the event as an opportunity to raise funds for the museum and raise awareness about its mission.
The designs showcased at the Pet Gala were priced between $450 and $1,200, each purchased by the owners of the model pups. Rubio’s aim was not to mock or demean designers but to honor and celebrate their work through his creative reinterpretations. The event was a reflection of Rubio’s passion for fashion and his love for dogs, combining the two in a glamorous evening of pet couture. The collaboration between Rubio and the AKC Museum of the Dog highlighted the importance of celebrating pets and their impact on our lives.
The success of the Pet Gala underscored the popularity and demand for fashionable attire for pets, with attendees enjoying a luxurious evening of fashion and philanthropy. Rubio’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to raising funds for animal welfare organizations demonstrated his desire to make a positive impact on the pet community. The Pet Gala mirrored the elegance and style of the Met Gala, showcasing the talents of both designers and their canine models. As Rubio looks to the future, he hopes to attend the actual Met Gala with his dog, further blurring the lines between high fashion and canine couture.
