The countdown is on backstage at the annual Pet Gala, where chaos ensues as furry fashionistas prepare to strut their stuff. Bastian, the rat terrier, frantically searches for his missing Bad Bunny-inspired jacket, while Lala, the Pomeranian, struggles to find a moment of privacy on the pee pad in her stunning silver sequin dress. And then there’s Superman, the majestic Leonberger, whose mane requires endless grooming before he’s ready to hit the stage.
Much like its human counterpart, the Met Gala, the Pet Gala is a star-studded event created by pet couturier Anthony Rubio. Each year, Rubio designs custom outfits inspired by the most iconic looks from the fashion world, with all proceeds going to the AKC Museum of the Dog.
This year, 15 stylish pups descended upon a Bryant Park venue, sporting miniature versions of Cynthia Erivo’s Givenchy ensemble, Colman Domingo’s Valentino jacket, and even Whoopi Goldberg’s Thom Browne top hat outfit, expertly modeled by a maltipoo named Hersey.
With just a two-week turnaround time after the Met Gala, Rubio works tirelessly to create these canine couture pieces. From Doja Cat’s leopard jacket to Janelle Monáe’s more outlandish ensembles, Rubio carefully selects which looks can be realistically translated from human to canine form.
For Rubio, designing for larger dogs is a bit easier, as the intricate details required for smaller pups can be quite challenging. He discovers his canine models through his Instagram network, which includes dogs from all walks of life, from show dogs to shelter rescues.
As the excitement builds backstage, Rubio is drawn to the garments that truly speak to him, exclaiming, “this is so fabulous!” The Pet Gala is a celebration of creativity, style, and, most importantly, the bond between humans and their beloved pets.
Stay tuned to see the stunning looks that grace the stage at the Pet Gala, where fashion and furry friends come together in perfect harmony.
