Fashion is a topic that has always fascinated me. But how does a small miniature poodle get into dog fashion? This is a legitimate question because, as it stands today, none of this was planned. My miniature poodle Burberry Balenciaga is a successful dog model, dog fashion icon, and a dogfluencer with all the social media accounts you can have as a dog. My own dog fashion brand, Momoselle, developed from this whole story. We have several online dog magazines, one of which you are currently reading. You can find another one under Dogs Preferred. Our YouTube channel is growing every day – so things couldn’t be going better! But how is this all more fitting? You can find out here.
The first dog fashion for Burberry
The Poodle is one of the dog breeds without an undercoat, which means that when it gets cold, this dog freezes and can get sick. Of course we want to avoid that, which is why we choose dog clothes. But it doesn’t have to be an ugly, ill-fitting dog shirt like I think. It should fit perfectly, in no way restrict the dog and look at least a little nice. And with this thought I started sewing dog clothes for Burberry myself. This is the simplest and shortest explanation of how we got into dog fashion. Of course it also goes into detail:
As a trained tailor, it was absolutely no problem sewing clothes and accessories for Burberry. In the beginning we bought everything in stores. Here we tested both cheap and expensive products and I have to admit, I wasn’t that impressed. Of course black is chic and elegant, but does my little dog now need a black rain jacket that looks like a garbage bag without a reflector stripe? I might as well throw the dog in front of the car. And this jacket (we still have it) had a hood that was constantly in Burberry’s eyes and it also cost €65. Looking back, I was really annoyed.
So I started sewing myself. As I said, I can already sew, knit and embroider and I have everything I need there. I bought fabrics. Here in Italy I know a great fabric retailer who works with Dior, Fendi and Cavalli – so I got great designer fabrics straight away. I took measurements from Burberry and constructed my own patterns and that’s how it started.
I sew and knit for my dog
I had so much fun sewing collars, leashes, harnesses, shirts and jackets. I started knitting little dog sweaters. Our fashion became more and more elegant and extraordinary. From glitter sweaters to evening dresses. Of course I was also proud of my work, I had never seen such dog fashion anywhere and we were regularly approached on the street. We started on Instagram, I was studying fashion photography and started photographing my dog. Burberry had fun posing and being the center of attention and the photos turned out incredible. We grew on Instagram and the first collaboration requests quickly came.
It was so fun that I made it my career! Yes, we make money from it. Burberry models and presents products, primarily dog clothing. I take photos and films. This in combination with our online magazines and social media accounts. You can make a good living from it. But it’s also really work, every day – there are no weekends, no vacation! Definitely not as you know it.
Starting my own dog fashion brand
We were so into dog fashion and focused on taking photos that we didn’t even notice until it was time. Dog fashion became more and more unusual and extravagant. We were regularly asked where we bought it and what brand it was. At some point I thought to myself, maybe I’ll start my own online shop. Sometime!
But then a lovely follower came along who harassed and annoyed me so much about a sweater that I eventually told her a price. It was a glitter sweater that was very difficult to knit. After knitting, all the glitter had to be sewn in – so we’re really talking about a weekend project including materials. I told her €200 and I’ll make her one too. At 200 I thought the shock was deep and she would leave me alone. She said okay, well, I would like 2, one in pink and also the one in blue!I wasn’t expecting that at all, who’s crazy enough to pay €400 for two dog sweaters?! – Well, there is such a thing. That was definitely the start of my luxurious dog fashion brand Momoselle.
Burberry Balenciaga Muse & Dog model
This is how a miniature poodle, which is a bit strange and not a typical poodle, became a successful dog model. Muse and face of a dog fashion brand and who knows what will await us in the future?
My life couldn’t have turned out better. I am a happy dog mom with a dog that is perfect for me. I could easily imagine adding a second or maybe even a third dog. Let’s see what will happen. At least we have the perfect job that supports this life and Burberry loves playing with other dogs. So more dogs would really be perfect. Numerous ideas come to mind again, let’s stop…