Miami’s First Dog Fashion Week
This past fashion month was not just about ready-to-wear and accessories runway shows and presentation; it also shone a spotlight on our furry best friends and their unparalleled sense of style and fashion. Miami hosted the first Dog Fashion Week, and event created by the founder of Art Bound Miami,- Yoeli Goldstein, and a former model, philanthropist,- Aura Copeland. This event took place at HYDE Beach at the SLS Hotel in South Beach and was a pre-launch to what they envision to become a multiple day event dividing dogs by categories of weight and breed. The event featured various industry related vendors and a myriad of dog fashion and accessory designers from across the country.
The fashion show saw 45 pre-selected cute and stylish little furry friends of about 20lb that were walked down a sparkly pink runway by their “pawrents”. At the end of the runway, with much consideration, six judges Jeniya Penrod, Aura Copeland, Patryk Strojny, Deborah Hediger, Nino Dif and Alina Sushchenko, selected the winner and best dressed dog. A 16 year old pup named Franky who’s mom went above and beyond dressing him up in a matching red outfit, even decorating his stroller with red flowers matching her floor length stunning gown. The winning pup’s mom, Simone Oliveira was presented with an award for Best Dressed Pup, signed by all 6 judges.
Dogs today are more than pets, many “pawrents” reading this would agree, to many they are like kids, they are company and emotional support. However, they are still not welcomed in many places, therefore the mission of this events is not just to spotlight the love and appreciation for our furry companions but also to challenge the limitations of dogs in spaces like events, restaurants, hotels etc.
The fashion show that had in attendance about 300 people, featured the unveiling of Miami’s anonymous pop artist Sans Sucre latest piece, a new multicolored dog sculpture called Man’s Best Friend. Showcasing, was also renown artist Kyle Schindler who created a series of dog sculptures specifically for Miami’s Dog Fashion Week. Moreover, “pawrents” could book teeth cleaning services with Anya Baranova and Doggy Dental. To continue with all of this events surprises, The fashion show also saw a dynamic performance by Ukrainian artist, Kin Chi Kat, who just has recently relocated to Miami.
This playful fashion event featured DJ Angie Be, who was spinning at the mixing board while about 100 pups attending the event, dressed in extravagant outfits were sniffing and getting to know each other, while introducing their happy ‘pawrents’ on the other side on the leash. But to those who wished they attended, there will be many more opportunities. The founders have already started planning the September edition of Dog Fashion Week, this time lasting a few days and will be supporting shelters in town and encouraging people to rescue rather than buy their furry companions.
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