VIDEO: Watch the Le Chien fashion show for dogs. Audio prohibited by copyright restrictions.
Every dog has his day, and that day was March 22 at Saxony Group Fashion Week El Paseo 2015’s Le Chien. The event highlighted some of the cutest creatures swathed in canine couture ever to take the stage.
Proving it’s truly a dog’s world, proud pet guardians were invited to bring their furry friends to share in an evening of fashion festivities designed pour le chien living the good life. Red carpet–ready revelers posed with their pooches for paparazzi and shared in a canine cocktail social to raise money for a beloved cause.
• To view a photo gallery on Le Chien, visit Fashion Week El Paseo 2015.
To the sounds of Saturday Night Fever, canines ruled the runway.
Dogs and dog lovers of all ages and sizes gathered under the Big White Tent on El Paseo to support the Humane Society of the Desert in a grand display of delightfully decked-out doggies along with their human counterparts. Party animals savored hors d’oeuvres catered by Mitch’s on El Paseo with wine courtesy of Mulderbosch and bottled water by Voss while enjoying music and entertainment from various beauty and salon sponsors. Saint Bernards mingled with Chihuahuas and everyone mixed it up during the meet-and-greet, pet, primp, and praise reception.
The house was packed as spectators entered the main event to be treated to an opening segment featuring Humane Society donors and their dogs discoing down the runway in a 1970s-inspired tribute. Jumpsuits, big hair, boots, and gold lamé were among the looks worn by both two-legged and four-legged models. It was Saturday Night Fever all the way, with the lively crowd dancing to upbeat music, but it was the dogs and their unpredictable antics that brought the crowd to its feet. Some models strutted their stuff, while others stopped to sniff a pal. Others got a bit distracted, greeting spectators along the runway … or jumped off the stage altogether.
A pair of West Highland White Terriers strut down the runway.
With their good-natured handlers all smiles, the big dogs, small dogs, ballerinas, and doggie divas rocked the runway, stealing the show in all of their well-groomed, fluffy glory, wrapping that portion of the event to a rousing rendition of We Are Family.
Next up were looks from the featured artist, Lola Teigland, an animal activist and former designer for Christian Dior and Albert Nipon. She championed the Humane Society of the Desert benefit with a sophisticated runway presentation that included gorgeous human models in simple black silhouettes to give the designer dogs the spotlight. Cool, calm, and collected, these human models guided their companions with ease and a strong sense of humor as they navigated the runway.
Mom and daughter with matching outfits and their equally dressed up canine.
Cheers erupted for bashful bulldog Nella, who opened the act in a hot pink houndstooth ensemble with a matching sunhat followed by “fashion bitches” bejeweled in lavish leashes and a flurry of frocks fit for a fanciful soirée.
Teigland masterfully created neo-Victorian layered lace skirts that fit nicely at the waist, mixing metal collars and booties for elegant steampunk style. Rock ’n’ roll-meets-princess–inspired jackets and regal capes adorned terriers and whippets alike. Haute gowns in classic soft pinks and modern nude hues offered delicate detailing in silks, feathers, floral overlays, and a feminine bow at the ear to finish the couture canine expression.
These pair of canine fashionistas check out the Fashion Week crowd.
Surprising and whimsical bright colors in blue taffeta as well as rich purple, blue, and green tulle tutus also received big applause. Not to leave out “the boys,” rescue lads were styled in white cotton muscle tees, suspenders, and boxers as well as dapper top hats and super-chic shades.
Teigland’s LOLA brand aims to save the lives of shelter animals through fashion. By fitting the dogs in clothing that people can connect to, she believes she can start a conversation that shows the “power of dogs.” This message was further conveyed by a heart-melting video that encouraged the audience to take a moment to understand the plight of suffering animals and to aid the Humane Society of the Desert in helping to care for, nurture, and find the dogs forever homes.
Canine couture designer Lola Teigland cuddles her doggies.
A spirited live auction ensued as a Yamaha Vino scooter, Grand Paws gift certificate with luxury dog bed, and VIP tickets to Stagecoach Country Music Festival became subjects of exciting bidding wars to end the event.
Saxony Group Fashion Week El Paseo, a Palm Springs Life event, continues through March 28 under The Big White Tent on Larkspur Lane between Shadow Mountain and El Paseo. Visit www.fashionweekelpaseo.com for specific shows and event details.
See related story: Fashion Week El Paseo 2015: 10th Anniversary Celebration
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