Renowned designer Anthony Rubio orchestrated a spectacular display of canine fashion at the now-annual Pet Gala held on Monday evening. Hosted at New York’s esteemed American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, the event saw 18 impeccably styled dogs strut down the red carpet, each adorned in couture creations reminiscent of the recent Met Gala’s celebrity attire.
Rubio emphasized that the Pet Gala is not a mere imitation of the Met Gala but rather a celebration and homage to the artistry showcased by world-renowned designers at the prestigious event. “I want people to understand that we’re not making fun of the Met Gala. We’re not mimicking the Met Gala,” Rubio clarified. “We’re elevating and appraising and appreciating the wonderful designs that were presented at the Met Gala by the most talented designers of the world.”
With tickets priced at $300, the Pet Gala serves as a fundraiser for the hosting museum, mirroring the philanthropic essence of its human counterpart, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala.
The four-legged fashion icons varied in size, with even the role of celebrities like Chris Hemsworth portrayed by a shih tzu. Notable stars from the Met Gala were playfully impersonated by the furry attendees, including Daffodil the Pomeranian as Jennifer Lopez, Kimba the chihuahua channeling Zendaya, Miley-Jo the Chorkie as Cardi B, and Bastian the terrier embodying Colman Domingo. This year’s gala theme, the Garden of Time, complemented the Met’s “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibit.
Rubio revealed that the dogs’ exquisite ensembles will be on display at the Museum of the Dog throughout the month of June, further extending the reach of this extravagant canine couture showcase.
“Every photographer tells you it’s the hardest job to work with … kids and animals. Not in my world,” Rubio remarked, praising the cooperation of his canine models. “I think the people are a lot harder to work with because the dogs do not complain. In my world, the dogs don’t get forced to wear what they don’t want to wear.”
While the red carpet at the AKC Museum may not have been entirely free of unexpected incidents, unlike Messi the dog’s recent Cannes carpet appearance, Rubio maintained his admiration for the Met Gala while playfully extending an invitation to its organizer, Anna Wintour. “Now, I should say that I would love — if Anna Wintour is listening — I would love to be the first one to walk on the red carpet with a canine model in canine couture. Just putting it out there,” Rubio expressed with a hint of jest.
