Leave the “cat ladies” to the politicians; fashion has gone to the dogs. Designers’ pooches have inspired pouches (Dior’s Bobby bag, Thom Browne’s Hector top-handle tote, CH Carolina Herrera’s Gaspar), as well as diffusion lines (Valentino’s Oliver). While a number of designer dogs have become public figures with their own Instagram accounts and followings, far more are home companions. “I only feel comfortable at home with my dog, my pencils, and my paper,” the reclusive Yves Saint Laurent once told Dutch. Extrovert designers like Roberto Cavalli and Hillary Taymour of Collina Strada can be found backstage or taking bows with their pets. No Asfour show, for example, was complete without the appearance of Powder. Critics’ words might bite, but a designer’s dog can always be counted on for a tail-wagging positive review. Below, a pack of designers and their delightful canines.
Azzedine Alaïa, Patapouf and Wabo
Avoir du chien: the designer and his Yorkshire terriers with Frederique van der Wal—in Alaïa, of course
Moschino’s Adrian Appiolaza and Nena
It’s good to be two: The creative director and Nena, his French bulldog, make their debut at Moschino.
Bill Blass, Kate and Brutus
Country living: Bill Blass with Kate and Brutus, golden retrievers, in New Preston, Connecticut, 1981
Nicholas Ghesquière and Léon and Achile
Quick Dip: Nicholas Ghesquière at his home outside of Paris with his black Labradors Léon and Achile.
Thom Browne and Hector
Strike a pose: Hector Browne, a wire-haired dachshund with his own Instagram account, at Thom Browne’s fall 2017 show
Roberto Cavalli and Lupo
Backstage pass: Roberto Cavalli and Lupo, a German shepherd, behind the scenes at the designer’s spring 2014 show
Coco Chanel and Gigot
Standing tall: Coco Chanel at her Riviera retreat, La Pausa, with her Great Dane Gigot and Lady Dunn (later Lady Beaverbrook)
Hubert de Givenchy and François
True elegance: Hubert de Givenchy and his Afghan, François, 1955
Hubert de Givenchy and Bucky
On the run: De Givenchy and his whippet, Bucky, take some air.
Oscar de la Renta, Pauline and Alice
Family portrait: Oscar de la Renta and his co*cker spaniels, Pauline and Alice
Christian Dior and Bobby
In the bag: the Christian Dior Bobby bag pays tribute to this four-legged fellow.
John Galliano, Coco and Gypsy
How does your garden grow: John Galliano at home with his Brussels griffon terriers, Coco and Gypsy
Valentino Garavani
Valentino in Paris with Anatssia Khozissova in a Valentino red dress and two of his beloved pugs
Carolina Herrera
Designer Carolina Herrera
Libertine’s Johnson Hartig and Pocket
Libertine for all: Pocket joined Johnson Hartig and Cindy Greene at the close of the brand’s first show.
Biba’s Barbara Hulanicki and Othello
London calling: Biba founder Barbara Hulanicki and her Great Dane,Othello
Marc Jacobs and Neville
Walk of fame: Marc Jacobs in 2013 with Neville, his English bull terrier, who has 175K Instagram followers
Asfour’s Kai Kühne and Powder
High five: With the addition of Kühne’s white pit bull, Powder, Asfour became a quintet of sorts. Here she closes the fall 2004 show.
Lee Alexander McQueen, Juice and Minter
Victory lap: the designer with with Juice, an English bull terrier, and Minter, a mongrel, at the close of his triumphant No. 13 collection for spring 1999
Elsa Peretti
Coworkers: the jewelry designer at home with her Pekingese
Paloma Picasso and Martha Phillipson
Spotted: Paloma Picasso and Martha Phillipson, an English bulldog, in Paris, 1985
Kate and Andy Spade and Henry
Arm candy: Kate and Andy Spade in New York City with their Maltese, Henry
Simon Spurr and Apollo
Do-si-do: 2009 CFDA/Vogue finalist Simon Spurr and his Rhodesian, Apollo, are joined by pink-suited actor Sebastian Stan.
Collina Strada’s Hillary Taymour and Powwie
Power pooch: the designer at the close of her spring 2024 show in a Powwie-printed top
Power pooch: The blue merle Pomerania had a cameo in Collina Strada’s fall 2022 look book.
Philip Treacy and Mr. Pig
Top dog: the Irish milliner with his late Jack Russell terrier, Mr. Pig, in 2017
Diane Von Furstenberg and Shannon
Creature comforts: Diane Von Furstenberg at home with Shannon, a Jack Russell terrier
Yves Saint Laurent and Moujik
Succession: Yves Saint Laurent and furry friends. All of his French bulldogs were named Moujik. One had his portrait painted by Andy Warhol.
Vera Wang
Doggie paddle: Vera Wang at home with a fluffy friend
