Dog Fashion: From Doggy Divas to Feline Fedoras
Written by Corinne Garcia Thursday, July 08 2010
Have a special event coming up? A theme party or an annual summer celebration? Oh, what to wear. Ever considered Oscar Newman attire – one of the finest in couture?
Pet couture, that is.
Pet-wear is a hot market. According to the 2009/2010 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 62 percent of U.S. households own a pet, and in 2009, an amazing $45.5 billion was spent on pet care and products.
Credit Paris Hilton, that cute little Taco Bell dog, or the 2008 hit Beverly Hills Chihuahua. The pet clothing industry has literally gone wild.
“I feel like it’s almost a recession-proof business,” says Linda Weaver, owner of Upscalepup.com, a web-based dog clothing business based out of Ormond Beach, Fla. “People continue to take care of their pets in the hardest of times with expensive, top-of-the-line clothing, carriers, and other things.” 
Weaver has always had a thing for dogs, and she loves dressing up her own cute little Chihuahua, especially on cold days. “They’re so small, they need something to wear when they go outside to keep them warm,” she says.
When Weaver’s husband unexpectedly passed away six years ago, she was launched back into the work force after a long stint as a stay-at-home mom. She went back to teaching, and, along with that, she started researching web-based businesses. She found a perfect fit and a new passion in doggy couture.
Weaver purchased the existing web-based business just four months ago, and it’s already taught her valuable lessons in business and everyday life. “Part of the intrigue is getting out and discussing products and making decisions,” she says. She explains that as a stay-at-home mom, she yielded to her husband for decision making. “You’ve got to build up confidence after something like that happens. It forced me to stay on my own two feet, and I’ve loved it,” she says. 
Although she’s pretty new to the industry, she’s done intensive product research, she’s making good sales, and she’s seeing some market trends.
“Dresses and sweaters are big sellers all through the year,” she says. “And holiday outfits.” Fourth of July has been a huge market, along with Mardi Gras and Christmas wear. And don’t forget about Halloween costumes.
Whatever the occasion, Weaver says her clients can barely make it around the block on dog-walking treks before someone stops to comment on their pooch’s adorable attire.
Here are some noteworthy styles and sites to check out:
Doggy Glam
Upscale Pup: As the name explains, it’s a pups-only shop, and Weaver focuses exclusively on the small ones. But it’s not only clothing, it’s also top-of-the-line carriers, sequined leashes, harnesses, and more.
Oscar Newman: This self-proclaimed house of “luxury pet couture” has some serious, high-end style. From designer coats – like the hand-beaded Central Park Quilted to the Lumière Trench, with silver embroidered threads, crystals, and sequins – your “baby” will stay warm and look fabulous.
Emma Rose: They call it designs for your “posh pooch,” and the style is quite evident in the detailed doggy bridal gowns and outfits. But also look to this line for party clothes in the Rockin’ Dog Collection, or more upscale luxury wear in Bell of the Ball dresses. You’ll even find a puppy-tux for his next black tie affair.
Costume-wear/Holiday Attire
From Wonder Woman to Zelda the Punk Dog, with a red, spiked Mohawk, pet costumes are available all over the web. For custom-made attire, try Doggy Duds, and surprise your party guests with the cutest dog around. For cat costumes, including some pretty silly hats, check out spoiledrottenkitties.com.
Cozy Cat-Wear
Although most of the pet clothing market seems to focus on the canine companions, feline-wear is also out there. Check out http://www.thesophisticatedcat.com for a great selection, from argyle sweaters to quilted vests.
Ultimate Doggy-Diva
For the ultimate in doggy-diva, investigate this line designed by Paris Hilton, the woman who turned the dog into an accessory: http://www.funnyfur.com/parishilton-dog-clothes.aspx.
Corinne Garcia is a freelance writer and editor living with her husband and two young boys in Bozeman, Mont. She has also written for Women’s Adventure, Christian Science Monitor, Northwest Travel, Pregnancy, Fit Pregnancy, and Fit Parent.
