An unusual set of New York Fashion Week models garnered a round of a-paws Saturday on the Lower East Side.
Anthony Rubio’s Spring/Summer 2024 Canine Couture women’s wear collection hit the runway at The Angel Orensanz Foundation, and while the human models were dazzling, the pups — and one cat — were the stars of the show.
In the world of NYC-born Rubio, “the humans are the accessories,” and that was evident in his 17th season NYFW show.
The canine models came from all walks of life, including shelters, rescue groups and social media stardom.
“The dogs love the attention and love to impress. Anthony designs with comfort and safety in mind. The dogs love his creations,” Rubio’s agent told The Post.
The animal catwalkers wore a variety of fashionable outfits, from jackets and capes to hats and glasses — which featured intricate detail, tulle and sparkles.
Some of the pups even wore similar colors to the women and men who accompanied them on the runway.
“Anthony says the easiest models to work with are the dogs because they never fuss or complain. Everyone loves Anthony’s artistry, and the world is enjoying Anthony Rubio Canine Couture,” his agent added.
The trained dogs took to the runway like seasoned professionals, some being walked on leashes and others being carried by their humans.
The audience was full of smiles and “awws” — one small dog on a leash did a little body shake on the way off, sparking much delight and laughter from onlookers.
Rubio ended the show by walking down the platform with his posh pooch, even doing a playful celebratory dance as the fun came to a close.
Rubio, who is of Puerto Rican ancestry, grew up in Latin culture at a time of rebellion and expression in fashion, which inspired his colorful vision and helped him evolve into an in-demand designer.
Before Rubio got into the world of pet fashion and earned the esteemed title of “master pet couturier,” he studied women’s wear design at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York.
He decided to change course after rescuing a Chihuahua mix from an abusive situation, his spokesperson told The Post.
Rubio created a jacket to make his new pet feel snug and less anxious — and it worked.
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“Many people were inquiring about his designs and before he knew it, his name had been floated around and inquiries from clients flooded his email,” the rep shared. “The rest, as they say, was history.”
Rubio went on to conceptualize canine couture, and he became known as the original pet couturier.
Owners can fill out a form on his website to place an order, and creations such as tuxedos and ballgowns start at $300 and have gone up to $10,000 — but that hefty price tag is not the norm, his agent noted.
The costly creation was for a “very special occasion” that called for weeks of hand-sewing thousands of Swarovski crystals, five different exclusive imported textiles and several interchangeable pieces — “not the norm and quite the challenge.”
“Anything couture requires not just precise fit but extreme attention to detail, the best textiles and incredible amounts of hours and days to achieve such an exclusive one-of-a-kind masterpiece,” the agent added.
In February 2012, he became the first pet fashion designer to show at NYFW.
Rubio knew his new platform would allow him the opportunity to be the “voice for those who could not speak.”
He began to advocate for animal rescue, pet adoption and pet population control, and he has played a key role in raising over $4 million for a range of organizations — including his personal favorite, The Guide Dog Foundation.
“[Rubio] is proud of his flourishing and evolving pet design brand, but more so of the philanthropic work to save animals,” his spokesperson told The Post.
