Anthony Rubio’s Canine Couture NYFW show put puppies in the spotlight
An unusual group of New York Fashion Week models caused a stir on the Lower East Side on Saturday.
Anthony Rubios Canine Couture’s Spring/Summer 2024 women’s collection hit the runway at the Angel Orensanz Foundation, and while the human models were stunning, the puppies — and a cat — were the stars of the show.
In New York-born Rubio’s world, “the people are the accessories,” and that was evident in his Season 17 NYFW show.
The dog models came from all walks of life, including animal shelters, rescue groups and social media stars.
“The dogs love the attention and love to impress. Anthony designs with comfort and safety in mind. The dogs love his creations,” a Rubio rep told The Post.
The animal catwalkers wore a variety of fashionable outfits, from jackets and capes to hats and glasses – with intricate details, tulle and glitter.
Some of the puppies even wore similar colors to the women and men who accompanied them on the runway.
“Anthony says dogs are the easiest to work with as role models because they never get upset or complain. “Everyone loves Anthony’s art and the world enjoys Anthony Rubio Canine Couture,” the spokesperson added.
The trained dogs walked the catwalk like seasoned professionals, some on leashes and others carried by their humans.
The audience was full of smiles and “awww” – a small dog on a leash shook a little on the way home, causing much joy and laughter among the audience.
Rubio ended the show by walking down the platform with his fancy pooch and even did a playful celebratory dance as the fun came to an end.
Rubio, who is of Puerto Rican descent, grew up in Latin American culture during a time of rebellion and expression in fashion, which inspired his colorful vision and helped him become a sought-after designer.
Before entering the world of pet fashion and earning the prestigious title of Master Pet Couturier, Rubio studied women’s clothing design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York.
He decided to change course after rescuing a Chihuahua mix from an abusive situation, his spokesman told The Post.
Rubio designed a jacket to make his new pet feel comfortable and less anxious.
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“Many people inquired about his designs and before he knew it, his name was out there and inquiries from customers were flooding his emails,” the representative shared. “The rest, as they say, was history.”
Rubio then conceived canine couture and became known as the original pet couturier.
owner fill out a form on its website to place an order — tuxedos and ball gowns cost up to $10,000 each The guard.
In February 2012, he became the first pet fashion designer to exhibit at NYFW.
Rubio knew his new platform would give him the opportunity to be the “voice for those who could not speak.”
He began advocating for animal rescue, pet adoption and pet population control, and he played a key role in raising over $4 million for a number of organizations – including his personal favorite, The Guide Dog Foundation.
“[Rubio] is proud of its thriving and evolving pet design brand, but even more proud of its philanthropic work to save animals,” its spokesperson told The Post.
