Do dogs really enjoy wearing clothes? “If the fit is comfortable and the garment is made from a natural fibre, then most dogs do,” insists Catherine Young, founder of New Zealand-based animal apparel brand Sparkles the Dog, which launched in 2006.
Her customers, including Jimmy Choo co-founder Tamara Mellon, Vogue Japan's Anna Dello Russo and Elle Macpherson, would seem to agree. Sparkles, the apricot bichon miniature poodle (pictured) inspired the brand, which creates sweaters, T-shirts, and accessories for dogs.
“I couldn’t find a sweater or coat for my shivering puppy that would provide warmth and comfort, was made from a natural fibre, was practical and looked good,” Young says.
Although she has no plans to cater specifically to felines, the clothing can be worn by cats too. "Vogue Japan's executive editor Mihoko Iida had a cat and during her later years she virtually lived in our sweaters. Her new kitten now enjoys wearing them in the very cold Tokyo winter."
MY FAVOURITE THINGS
1. 1890s French dining chairs
I generally have quite modern tastes but I also love a bit of well-made vintage and these, being over 100, prove that quality is enduring.
2. Hello Kitty doll
This was a gift from my good friend Mihoko who works for Vogue Japan. She knew how much I loved Hello Kitty and this was a special anniversary plush doll. I love how something with so few lines can appear so endearing.
3. Brent Wong painting
This is one of my favourite paintings by one of New Zealand's best artists. Even on the worst day of Wellington weather, I still have my own beautiful blue cloudy sky.
4. John Walsh painting
Technically this is not mine but my husband's as I gave it to him for his birthday a few years ago. I was delighted when John Walsh agreed to do a special commission piece for us. He wasn't aware I was pregnant at the time with my little girl, so it was uncanny that he delivered a picture with a mother and daughter as the central figures.
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Jewellery represents many moments in a woman's life — engagement, wedding, birthdays. I've been lucky enough to have had a number of lucky moments (and even created some of them myself), from the "something borrowed" bracelet I wore at my wedding from my Mum, to my engagement ring from my husband to gifts from my children.
