Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Pet a porter
Personal shopper picks togs for dogs
STYLE conscious dog lovers are using personal shoppers to turn their mutts into furry fashionistas.
Owners spend over £12billion a year on their pets in the UK – £1,252 on average – according to American Express. This has risen by a quarter since 2010.
And the most pampered pooches get their own outfits at a London shop run by pet stylist Rebecca Mundy.
She has spent seven years advising people on what suits pets best. Rebecca said: “I can look at a photo of a dog and straight away know how I’m going to dress them. If owners choose something that isn’t right, I’ll tell them. I don’t want them looking silly.”
I took my dog Daisy, a 12-year-old terrier cross rescued from Manchester Dogs Home, to her shop, PetLondon on Wigmore Street. It has 3,000 outfits, accessories and toys.
With Daisy being tan and a bit grey, Rebecca said bold colours complemented her. And softer, pastel shades made her more feminine.
The pieces she chose came to £395 – more than I’d spend on my wardrobe! They included a £36 blue and white striped harness, a £36 striped jumpsuit, a yellow and navy striped T-shirt at £34, a £20 navy collar with silver crowns, and a £23 yellow raincoat.
Rebecca added: “Layering is important so if Daisy’s relaxing at home, you can pop the matching yellow raincoat over her top to take her out.”
We tried a cherry patterned sun dress at £48 with a matching £20 bag for me, a £78 red party coat and a £55 pastel tutu with matching Burberry style print collar at £20, and a £25 pink, beaded lead. But we ended up settling for a harness and lead set, a fish toy and some sausages to take home.
PetLondon owner Melody Lewis said: “People come here from all over the world and we have clients who buy pets outfits every week.
“Because of social media and the increasing humanisation of our pets, there is a huge demand for stylish pet wear.”