Winter fashion for Fido
“What would I want to wear if
I were a dog?” This is what Louise Park-Ross asked herself when, one evening in 2018, she noticed that her Jack Russell, Lucky, was shivering. The existing options for dog jerseys definitely did not suit either of their tastes, and shortly afterwards Lucky and Lou was launched.
Apart from stylish high-quality jerseys for dogs, Lucky and Lou also sells several matching jerseys and scarves for humans. This is one of the very few suppliers offering dog jerseys in sizes ranging from XXS to XXXL – this makes them accessible for anything from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane! The jerseys can also be worn by cats, pigs and sheep.
Louise, who is known on Instagram as Loving the Look, Babe!, designs all Lucky and Lou’s clothes; her colleague Katie Barry crunches the numbers; and Lucky, who sadly passed away in April 2022, remains the heartbeat of the business.
Before Lucky and Lou, you worked in the fashion industry...
Yes, I worked for a large company that supply to chains such as Woolworths and Truworths. After that I worked with my sister at Good Clothing, where the idea for Lucky and Lou was born. I made jerseys for our brand and had a test group for the designs. I cut up one of the proofs, stitched it, dressed Lucky and set off for the dog park. About 12 people stopped me to ask where I’d got it. That is when I realised there was so much potential. That’s why our motto is “Lucky and Lou: For dogs as cool as you.”
Where do you find inspiration?
I work as a stylist, and on my Instagram page I play with different ideas for outfits. To me, fashion has always been a playground. When I think of a new design for Lucky and Lou, it originates 100% from my own personal taste.
How would you describe Lucky and Lou’s unique style?
We are definitely distinguished by the fact that most pet brands are sugar-sweet, with lots of fur-babystyle designs and lots of pink. You will never find something like that at Lucky and Lou. We are proud of the fact that we design pieces that we would want to choose ourselves when we walk into a shop. They are definitely an extension of my own design aesthetic.
What are your tips for keeping pets warm in winter?
Smaller dog breeds feel the cold more quickly than larger breeds. They generally have less fat and a thinner coat, which means they aren’t as well protected against the elements. But my top advice is to make sure your dog does not overheat. Dogs can’t tell you when they feel hot, so bear in mind that they are always wearing a built-in fur coat. If it isn’t cold, remove the jersey!
Contact luckyandlou.com @luckyandlou Lucky and Lou lou@luckyandlou.com >