8 Top Designers Choose Dogs
To Celebrate Chinese New Year

We love Chinese New Year celebrations and we love dogs. Who doesn’t?! So we invited 8 of Australia’s top fashion designers from around the country to a special photo shoot feature to welcome in the Year of the Dog.

Why eight? The number 8 is auspicious in Chinese culture. We just had to have 8 amazing designers involved, each with their own signature style. On theme to welcome in the Year of the Dog, our chosen 8 each had their latest creations modeled alongside a dog of their choice. Some opted for personal favourites. Others decided according to what type of dog they thought would “work” best with their garments. Their choices ranged from champion pedigree show dogs to pets to even a greyhound rescue dog.

Welcome to the Year of the Dog!

33 POETS

Perth creative behind 33 Poets, Rebecca Paterson knew instantly that she wanted an Australian dog to welcome in Chinese New Year. She lost her darling Border Collie cross 5 years ago. A black lace dress from her Delphic Oracle collection was modeled by Sky Zdanowicz and Australian Border Collie puppy and a family pet, Arlo.

Rebecca: “Dogs are like angels in our lives.  I wanted something very Australian with my choice of dog and knew that a Border Collie would be a great match.”

VINCENT LI

In keeping with his Chinese heritage, Melbourne designer of gender-neutral collections, Vincent Li chose a Shih Tzu to model alongside Peter McDonald. An experienced model,  Mei Mei is an Australian Champion and top award winning show dog.

Vincent: “The dog is so proud of her unique style, so is the man.”

LUCID LABEL

Sydney designer Joyce Li of Lucid Label and no relation to Vincent, opted for a rescue greyhound to be photographed, alongside  model Katharine Ahern in a dusty pink and black sheer zip-fronted mini.  You couldn’t meet a sweeter, calmer or more good natured beautiful grey than Norton. -Nor a better palette match!

Joyce : “I wanted to show fierceness and chic elegance all in one.”

RED OPIUM – Chirriger

Perth designer Sandra Rives of Red Opium collaborated with Noongar artists Peter Farmer and Kylie Graham on the Chirriger Aboriginal collection. They agreed that they’d like their maxi-length one shoulder dress to be modeled by Keana alongside a pug.  Then again, why shoot with one pug when you can celebrate with six busy little characters?  Meet Henry, Lola, Dakota  and Shelby who are all Australian Champions. Also appearing are cute black pugs, Latifah and Kaisha who are also show dogs.

Sandra :”As a lover of dogs and a dog owner myself I absolutely loved this idea. Being Chinese myself this really resonated with me. What can I say, I loved it!”

Peter: “I’m immensely proud of this collection with Sandra and Kylie. In the Year of the Dog, none are more cute or social than the pug. Happy Chinese New Year!”

MILLICENT ELIZABETH

Millicent Elizabeth designer Tiffany Stuckey from Adelaide paused for a moment, then came up with the perfect pooch to model along side Anna Enriquez wearing her silk black slip dress “Radiance” – a Dalmatian. Enter Marcus, an exceptional match and a pure bred Australian Champion.

Tiffany: “I love the Dalmatian, helping to capture the modern woman’s understated effortless elegance.”

HARVEY THE LABEL

Mim Harvey, of Adelaide’s Harvey the Label chose a poodle, but not any poodle. Mim chose a French clipped standard poodle to model with Mariyah.  Menzies, multi Best in Show Supreme Champion and experienced model came with his own stylist Margie and needed equal prep time as our models.

JONTÉ DESIGNS

Jonté  Morgan from Perth’s Jonté Designs didn’t hesitate when she nominated a black and cream Afghan Hound to contrast with her white lace two-piece body suit and skirt and silver boater.  Rymer, Australia’s number one Afghan Hound in 2014, 2016 and 2017, Supreme Champion and multi Best in Show winner is also an  experienced model who amazed our crew and his co-model Adrianna, with his professionalism.

Jonté: “Afghan Hounds are incredibly stylish and an absolute head-turner to have by your side to walk the streets.”

MEGAN SALMON

Megan Salmon’s eponymous label was always going to be shown with a Great Dane, her absolute favourite. Gentle giant Titan, a family pet, won our hearts with his placid nature and tall dark and handsome merle looks.

Megan: “Dogs don’t need to match. They are stupendous fashion accessories in their own right. I love Great Danes.”

Kung Xi Fa Cai!

Happy Lunar New Year