Dog Fashion gone crazy!

22 Feb 2006 Category: Events & Exhibitions, Fashion, Features, Japan, Products, Worldwide

Dog Fashion gone crazy!

“Dogs are bigger than me, dirty and run around in nature…” - No, wait! That was a long time ago…..

written by Uleshka

chihuahua-lover back in the days

It is nothing new to dress up your dog it seems. However, I come across so many dog shops, dog hair stylists, dog fashion shows, dog accessories….. I find it unbelievable!

Is it simply the fact that people are less willing to have kids and prefer an easy-to-handle pet instead? But why did all those dogs shrink in size? Small apartments? Or just to fit in your handbag, so you can take them on the train as well? Is it really cute? And if so, why don’t you stop right there? Do you have to dress them up to make them over-cute?

Someone told me they get cold when it rains! I always thought fur was pretty warm already….

Oh dear! It’s a naked dog!

Seems like “naked dogs” are a thing of the past! So let’s take a look, at what happens in the dog fashion business.

dogs at the Nintendo Fashion show for Nintendogs, Photo: BoingBoing

You have probably seen images like these at a dog fashion show. This was quite a special one promoting Nintendo’s wildly popular Nintendogs with Shigeru Miyamoto game, picking the best outfit.

Special dog shops are everywhere. Even at Tokyo’s boutique hotel Claska one can find a long window slit inside their lobby wall drawing cafe visitors attention to a dog hair stylist. I was shocked: the backside of the building turned out to be a kick-ass cool accessory dog shop.

the fancy Claska lobby with a certain, interesting looking window next to the bar

What is behind that window? A trendy dog hair dresser!

What fancy goods do dogs need??

A collar matching the owner’s wrist band for a start…

dog collars and dog owner’s wrist bands

more fancy collars

A cool hair cut, some dog jewelry…


dog hair dresser

dog accessories

…and designer toys of course!

cool dog toys

Besides the jewels I also noticed hair extensions in another shop close to Meguro station. Impressive!

dog hair extensions

Now let’s look at their wardrobe! You have probably seen images of dogs wearing T-shirts, bomber jackets, rain-coats and all that.


dog wearing T-shirt and rucksack

dog rucksacks

Not sure why, but combat patterns seem to be very popular everywhere.


combat variations

combat variations

In the fashion world, Tokyo always seems to be slightly ahead of everyone else. That seems to apply to dog fashion just as well…..

However, I also noticed some typical Japanese idiosyncrasies such as their love for dressing in costumes. Check out some dog variations here: a cute lady-bug and a bunny costume.


lady-bug costume

bunny dog

There are various dog-shop websites with nice illustrations showing how to measure your dog in order to find the right sizes.

size measurement

Looking around the web, PingMag found this excellent site called Nahomilly. Most of their dog clothes are exclusive and tailor made (In case you like their stuff be warned: they are not cheap!). Haute couture for dogs, basically.


Hawaiian shirt

…and romantic outfit

Wedding seems to be a big market! Just look at those amazing outfits! Whow! I’m sure many brides envy their friend’s dog for wearing a dress more expensive than theirs!

wedding bride

wedding groom

And now be sure to notice all the little accessories that come with it: tiara, lace ribbon and a pearl necklace!

wedding tiara

lace ribbon and pearl necklace

Don’t forget the cake!

dog-bone-cake

If you think that this is crazy, be warned! This is just the beginning!!!! Ready!? All I say is KIMONO!


Kimono variation01

Kimono variation02

Kimono variation03

Now, to be honest with you: I don’t really understand the thinking behind dressing up dogs at all. Dogs are animals and should be out playing in nature! Sorry for all of you, who don’t share my opinion here.

BUT I must say that IF you go for all that dressing up and getting into all the “wrapping”, then going for a traditional style doing the full on Kimono is the coolest dog fashion stylists could ever think of!


Men’s Kimono - Hakama

They even though turned the family icon - Mon - into a dog’s pow

These dog kimonos are order made. You can chose different patterns, bows and colors.


pattern

pattern

three Kimono ladies

Quite interesting to study the different shapes of those clothes suitable for dogs.

Kimono shape

Kimono shape

Hakama shape

Yukata (summer Kimono) shape

While on the Japanese theme, some different seasonal dog outfits could be found. The all-red coming-of-age (a traditional celebration for Japanese girls) outfit together with a pink summer Kimono variation.


girls coming-of-age-outfit

Yukata for the summer

A very old, traditional outfit worn by wanderers and a Matsuri (Japanese traditional festival) variation.


wanderer’s outfit

Matsuri variation

Well, I must say - if I was a judge at those dog fashion shows and saw a female dog lounging in such a rich and beautiful Kimono… I know who I would vote for!

Kimono dog at a fashion contest

66 Comments

  1. Pretty Cool Article!

    Posted by: Shin_Akuma on February 22nd, 2006 at 12:31 pm

  2. Haha… Sweet!

    Posted by: bentong on February 22nd, 2006 at 3:22 pm

  3. -_- I prefer them to be naked, like mother nature intended them to be!

    Posted by: Fei on February 22nd, 2006 at 6:12 pm

  4. Dogs in Kimono are really cute… how sweet!

    Posted by: gazard on February 23rd, 2006 at 3:14 pm

  5. [...] Beedogs   Cats in sinks   Dog fashion [...]

    Posted by: Two Sheds » Blog Archive » Is this what the internet is for? on February 23rd, 2006 at 11:58 pm

  6. great article and coverage of all the various fashions

    Posted by: Katie on March 8th, 2006 at 4:02 am

  7. Dogs in Kimonos and More

    What could be cuter than a dog in a Kimono?

    PingMag has an article on Dog Fashion Gone Crazy, including lots of pictures.
    Although the author seems to think that the trend of dressing up dogs in clothes is going too far, it is almost written tongue-in…

    Posted by: Doggiewoggie - All About Dogs on March 16th, 2006 at 12:23 pm

  8. [...] sure if I did I would have to get one of these dog Kimonos. posted by steph tekano at 5:39 pm | | permalink Leave aReply [...]

    Posted by: Steph Tekano | Steady Vibe Design | Vancouver on March 24th, 2006 at 10:39 am

  9. [...] Bizarro esse link! [...]

    Posted by: Brandnews » Blog Archive » Roupa pra cachorro on March 29th, 2006 at 10:55 pm

  10. there are some great pictures on this site of pets in clothes…enjoy :-)

    Posted by: Lee on April 5th, 2006 at 2:12 am

  11. there are some great pictures on this site of pets in clothes…enjoy :-)

    Posted by: Pets in clothes on April 5th, 2006 at 2:14 am

  12. Kjempe kuuuul hjemmeside du har.

    Posted by: parol on April 5th, 2006 at 6:09 am

  13. hello! http://www.dirare.com/Sweden/ online directory. SMART Yellow Pages, About DIRare, Search in Business Category. From online directory .

    Posted by: online directory main on April 14th, 2006 at 5:28 am

  14. Nice house! Pity about the Furniture…

    I don’t whether the amount of time society spends concerned about small dogs, their doggie jackets and doggie kimonos(!) really adds much to the common good. That said, I watch and play too much cricket.

    Nice CSS and I like your the use of images in the Archive and Recent Events columns.

    Posted by: gez on June 8th, 2006 at 1:05 pm

  15. konichiwa

    Posted by: karina on June 9th, 2006 at 11:24 pm

  16. [...] It’s well-known that dressing up dogs is weird. But laying things next to cats? That’s boring and weird. [...]

    Posted by: A Time to Laugh » Post-4th-Goofies (aka July 5th relief) on July 6th, 2006 at 12:11 am

  17. i’m going to buy a dog groom outfit now…

    Posted by: doggieluver on July 18th, 2006 at 2:46 pm

  18. It’s time to relax.lets see dogs closes .

    Posted by: Denise on September 5th, 2006 at 8:52 am

  19. Does anyone know where to get the studded collars with the pyramid studs?

    Posted by: Maybelline on November 12th, 2006 at 2:16 am

  20. [...] Mange skulle ikke hatt dyr. Det inkluderer også sånne som har hunden i veska og kjøper smykker til dem. Etter en surfetur, fant jeg ut at det fantes modellbyråer for hunder. Ordet catwalk må kanskje revurderes, ikke at jeg kan lese uttrykk i hundeansikter, men den stakkaren ser forresten livredd ut. [...]

    Posted by: Filter on January 3rd, 2007 at 11:32 pm

  21. [...] So you got a dog for Christmas, and you’re fully aware that a dog is for life, and not just for Christmas. Your dog is also lucky enough to be in Japan, where he’ll be allowed pretty much anywhere as long as he fits inside one of those voluminous handbags. He’ll also be able to go to special dog hotels and buy special dog clothes. [...]

    Posted by: Sushimatic » Blog Archive » Looking After Your Pooch on January 12th, 2007 at 10:16 am

  22. :) good!!!

    Posted by: Hector on February 2nd, 2007 at 6:52 am

  23. [...] Strike a pose…. Work it… Work it… Strut your stuff… No, these comments are not coming from a human fashion show. It’s for a dog fashion show. Nowadays, it’s so passé to have a dog that just wears only his own fur. Your dog just has to have the latest cashmere sweater, trench coat, patent high heels or kimono. In Tokyo, not only are dogs wearing the fashion trends, they are showing it off on fashion runways. Dog fashion shows are used anywhere from promoting Nintendo games, showcasing new clothing for dogs or just seeing these dogs do a walk off. Do you think dogs have cat fights in the back over who’s the prettiest? I wonder when Uwajimaya will start carrying doggie kimonos. [...]

    Posted by: itchmo!seattle » Blog Archive » America’s Next Top Model (Dog) on February 23rd, 2007 at 9:49 am

  24. We have a up-scale dog wear line with Lux and Chic looks.
    You should check us out. I really want a kiono for myself - I will have to ask my owner for one soon.

    We do down for dogs! They are fashionable and warm!

    Posted by: Truli Scrumptious JRT on March 13th, 2007 at 11:35 pm

  25. [...] also an awesome article in PingMag which we are delighted to have discovered - bookmark this site - it’s an ” online [...]

    Posted by: Dog Doggy Style in Tokyo | REPRESENT.CO.ZA on March 15th, 2007 at 6:24 pm

  26. I’d just love to print pictures of these dogs here PLEASE.

    Posted by: Anonymous on March 16th, 2007 at 9:00 am

  27. I’d just love to prin these adorable dogs or at least some of them PLEASE.

    Posted by: Erin on March 16th, 2007 at 9:02 am

  28. there are some great pictures on this site of pets in clothes…enjoy :-)
    http://www.theo.is

    Posted by: Siggy on April 6th, 2007 at 7:48 pm

  29. Function can definitely be combined with fashion. If you like to look hip, why shouldn’t your dog look stylish too?
    check out http://www.northernmoods.com and see for yourself.

    Posted by: Nienke on April 7th, 2007 at 1:07 am

  30. OH MY GOSH POOR DOGS THEIR NOT BABIES SO WHY DRESS THEM UP?

    Posted by: nicolle on April 14th, 2007 at 12:38 am

  31. ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

    Posted by: Yasmin on April 15th, 2007 at 6:14 am

  32. kolko sladko :)

    Posted by: ket on April 29th, 2007 at 10:36 pm

  33. somehow it doesn’t seem right.. T_T

    Posted by: nororu on May 1st, 2007 at 11:00 am

  34. Ok — I love the doggie Kimonos!
    To see some cool modern dog art visit my blog “Dog Art Today” Would love any comments or submissions of artwork.
    http://dreamdogsart.typepad.com/art/

    Posted by: Moira on May 3rd, 2007 at 9:33 am

  35. Wonderful article. Quit cute.

    Posted by: Anchaleetar on May 8th, 2007 at 3:10 am

  36. we have europes top dog breeders on site, and invite you all to make enquiries, the site is free to join.

    toy dog breeders of all bichons

    Posted by: karen on May 8th, 2007 at 4:09 am

  37. These are absolutely adorable!

    Posted by: Dog Clothing & Dog Collars on May 21st, 2007 at 1:07 am

  38. i like dogs like my women naked

    Posted by: Ravet85 on May 21st, 2007 at 11:51 pm

  39. Very very cute!!!

    Posted by: Decorative Pillows on May 23rd, 2007 at 4:12 am

  40. Very adorable, where can I get these ?

    Posted by: Scented Candles on May 23rd, 2007 at 4:13 am

  41. TWIL ANIMAL IS THE SAFEST MOST LUXURIOUS COLLARS IN THE WORLD! THAT IS, IF YOU CAN GET ONE. TWILANIMAL MAKES 1000 COLLARS A YEAR AND CHANGES STYLES EVERY YEAR. THE “A” LIST IS VERY SHORT.

    COMING TO JAPAN VERY SOON!!! BE ONE OF THE SELECT FEW ON THE FAMED “LIST” GO TO TWILANIMAL.COM AND FIND OUT MORE.

    Posted by: New York/Italy/Dubai on May 25th, 2007 at 2:07 am

  42. “You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, `My God, you’re RIGHT! I NEVER would’ve thought of that!’”
    http://www.bullydomain.com

    Posted by: Harry on June 14th, 2007 at 6:41 am

  43. It’s true that dogs do get cold when it rains. Just because they have fur, (just like that winter coat of yours) doesn’t mean they are warm and toasty. I think it’s okay to dress dogs up. Some dogs like it, some don’t. It’s clearly NOT a case of cruelty. Neither is it pointless. I personally like it.

    Posted by: Sophia on June 26th, 2007 at 7:25 am

  44. It might be a little off topic but does anyone know a good place for ordering custom pet food (i.e. cake, cookie…etc) online?

    Posted by: Dog Links on June 26th, 2007 at 12:58 pm

  45. 12

    Posted by: DCFGBV on July 5th, 2007 at 4:12 am

  46. nice pictures of this dogs with clothes on this internet site !

    Posted by: Dogistar on July 10th, 2007 at 7:31 am

  47. These are so cool! A great way to show how much you love your dogs. Any links to the vendors?

    Posted by: The Dog Clothing Company on July 12th, 2007 at 8:38 am

  48. Hey check out some Hip Doggy stuff at our site if you want to get your dog really in the doggy scene….peace

    Posted by: Paco ban fur trade on July 20th, 2007 at 1:38 am

  49. This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen. Get a life people.

    Posted by: janye on July 21st, 2007 at 1:23 am

  50. Wow great write up of the Japanese dog scene.
    thank you very much

    If you want to check out MORE dog fashions peep:
    http://www.pupstyle.com
    the orignal snobby dog blog

    Posted by: Jon on September 18th, 2007 at 12:48 pm

  51. woah… amazing

    Posted by: drere on December 16th, 2007 at 8:28 am

  52. Janou obiously dont like dogs.. please dont write things like this on a website, and do not even comment if you dont have anything nice to say

    Posted by: kayleigh on December 16th, 2007 at 8:31 am

  53. Janye, you obiously you dont like dogs.. please dont write things like this on a website, and do not even comment if you dont have anything nice to say.. thanks… :P:P:P

    Posted by: kayleigh on December 16th, 2007 at 8:32 am

  54. sorry about the spelling on the first one, i re did it though.. YAY ME!!

    Posted by: kayleigh on December 16th, 2007 at 8:33 am

  55. its stupid!!!!!!!!!!!! dog r for slavery, not fashion!!!!!!

    Posted by: glori on February 17th, 2008 at 8:02 am

  56. dog is very funny=) i love it .

    Posted by: kurye on February 22nd, 2008 at 7:12 am

  57. Pet Tease is a manufacturer and wholesaler of dog Apparel. They specialized in Funny dog T shirts and Tank Tops. Great quality tank top. check those out at http://www.pettease.com. You need > to register to get their wholesale prices or call them at 619-593-7383

    Posted by: Sara on April 12th, 2008 at 10:12 am

  58. [...] comme des colliers de chiens à 300 000 dollars. Je ne vous parle même pas des kimonos pour chiens et du fameux parfum Oh My Dog. C'est assez raccord avec la tête de chien qui sert de [...]

    Posted by: LaFraise se sent pousser des pattes at LaFraise Blog on July 8th, 2008 at 10:12 pm

  59. YOu all realize there is a reason that Golden Retriever is not looking at the camera right? Poor dog ;)

    Posted by: Anonymous on August 1st, 2008 at 2:37 pm

  60. I am sure somewhere it is considered abuse to dress a pug up as a rabbit, what is that doing to his self esteem? Cute Pics

    http://www.outspokengraphics.com

    Posted by: Anonymous on August 1st, 2008 at 2:40 pm

  61. I think It’s abuse to call a French Bulldog a Pug!

    Posted by: Jenna on August 29th, 2008 at 5:28 am

  62. Hi Everyone

    Please have a look at our new site http://www.urbanpup.com and let us know what you think.

    Kind regards
    Sara

    Posted by: Sara Stevens on November 20th, 2008 at 4:45 pm

  63. [...] Check out some super cool doggie looks. [...]

    Posted by: WIN a Pet Kimono - kawaii « Sushi Zume Tokyo on April 6th, 2009 at 11:46 pm

  64. Such cute photos! Our dog loves to dress up too, she would fit in well in Japan. :)

    Posted by: Aimee on April 7th, 2009 at 11:56 am

  65. [...] I am so excited to be able to offer all of you pet parents a chance to win the cutest piece of dog clothing ever! A Kimono! This prize comes from the awesome folks at TokyoMade.com, and would be a fun addition to any stylish dog’s wardrobe. If you don’t believe me, take a look at the adorable dogs wearing Kimonos in this article at PingMag. [...]

    Posted by: Aimee’s Petite Maison » Win a dog Kimono!! Super kawaii! on April 15th, 2009 at 11:40 am

  66. wo bekommt man so haarverlängerung für hunde her?????????

    Posted by: s on January 23rd, 2010 at 7:23 pm

  • Share and Enjoy:
  • del.icio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • NewsVine
  • RawSugar
  • Reddit
  • YahooMyWeb
Previously on PingMag