Paw-drobe

Keeping up with the latest fashion trends can be exhausting, but now, your pets can outshine you too. With luxury brands like Tommy Hilfiger, H&M, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Prada, Celine, and Christian Louboutin diving into the pet fashion game, your furry friends can now flaunt their style while you struggle to keep up.

By – Anukriti Mahajan

Forget your designer handbags and fancy shoes; the real trendsetters are your pets, and they’re strutting their stuff in Gucci jackets and Celine collars. So, while we’re over here debating whether to splurge on that one expensive outfit, our pets are living the luxe life. Pet fashion has officially gone from quirky to high-end couture, and honestly, we’re just here to support our furry friends as they become the new style icons of the family.

“Oh, I’ve seen it all. We’ve had clients asking for custom tuxedos for their dogs because they were part of a wedding. One lady even wanted a matching lehenga for her cat. But hey, why not? If humans can rock designer, why shouldn’t our pets?” says Saksham Arora, a 26-year-old social media manager from Delhi who has worked with Heads Up For Tails for two years.

What’s behind this booming trend of dressing up pets? “It’s simple,” Saksham explains. “Pets are family. Just like we enjoy dressing up our kids or ourselves, we want our pets to look good too.”It’s not just about humans anymore; even top designers have caught on. Gucci, for instance, designed an entire collection of jumpers, coats, and travel carriers inspired by creative director Alessandro Michele’s own Boston terriers, Bosco and Osco. It’s all about making pets a true part of the family and ensuring they look the part.

“Why wouldn’t you want to buy your furry friend’s winter jacket from the same place and at the same time as when you buy one for yourself? And, in the best-case scenario, those jackets would be matching.” he adds. “It’s not just about showing off on social media; for most pet parents, it’s about bonding. If your dog looks adorable in a tiny Gucci jacket that sets you back around 21k, it’s a win-win.”

“Many designers have expanded their collections to include pets. In 2019, Indian designers Shivan and Narresh teamed up with Heads Up For Tails for a premium pet-wear line,” says Saksham Arora.According to a 2023 report by Fortune Business Insights, the global pet clothing market size was valued at $5.01 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $7 billion by 2027. This booming market isn’t surprising, especially when Instagram’s most famous pet-influencer, the Italian greyhound Tika the Iggy, sat front row at Christian Siriano’s 2021 presentation, right next to Drew Barrymore.

From Paris Hilton to Priyanka Chopra, their pets have become social media stars with accounts like Hilton Pets, Diaries of Diana, and Abraham Bailey. These perfectly groomed, accessorized pups have their daily lives shared in posts that go viral, racking up millions of likes and heartwarming comments. Even casual clips of them lounging can leave fans completely smitten.

So, if you’re thinking of treating your pet to a designer outfit, you’re definitely not alone. Pet fashion is the latest way we’re showing our love for our furry companions. And if your dog ends up with a wardrobe as stylish as yours—well, that’s just part of having a fashionable family member.