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Pets Take Center Stage at TaiPET Fashion Week
Lights, camera, wag! The runway at TaiPET Fashion Week, part of this year’s Taipei Fashion Week, was a spectacle of dazzling outfits and adorable models. From dogs and cats to even ducks, these fashion-forward pets strutted their stuff in an event showcasing the designs of renowned local designer Justin Chou.
Chou, the designer behind JUSTINXX, drew inspiration from the animals for this unique collection. “This time, we started off with animal-inspired designs and then adapted them to humans,” he said. “For example, the Afghan hound. [The dog’s] golden fur is paired with a blonde model. Our inspirations come from animal characteristics. We then incorporate these into styles for humans.” Sustainability was also a major focus of the collection. “The outfits are also focused on sustainability. For example, [we used] secondhand denim jackets or some ‘grandma-style’ tapestry to combine elements from different generations,” Chou added.
Pet owners beamed with pride as their four-legged companions made their runway debut. Wu Yu-de, whose dog took part in the show, was thrilled. “I think she looks gorgeous! She looks better than I expected in this outfit. She is dazzling. I love it,” Wu said.
Taiwan has seen a growing trend of people opting for pets over children in recent years, often treating them as full-fledged family members. Many owners take pleasure in dressing up their pets in stylish ensembles. One attendee expressed this sentiment, saying, “I dress them up like my own children, and that makes me happy. He’s so handsome. I like to dress him in smart clothes so others can tell he is a boy. As for girls, I like the princess style, so [her outfits] are more colorful.”
For some pet lovers, dressing their animals is more than just a fashion statement. One owner explained, “He has been wearing clothes since he was little, mainly to prevent him from getting dirty. So far, he has more than a hundred outfits.”
Chou sees potential in Taiwan’s growing pet fashion market and hopes to push the boundaries further. “My next goal is to use highly functional fabrics, like those used in the Olympics. [The fabrics contain] negative ions that can help metabolism. They benefit the dog and have a cooling effect that can be used in pet outfits,” he shared.
To add an extra layer of excitement, a new competition segment was introduced—TaiPET’s Next Top Model. Audience members and their pets competed for the title, with Ivy Lee and her poodle, Phoebe, taking the crown. “I am very happy,” Lee said after their win. “It was well worth taking part in this event. We went with a luxurious style because owners today take a lot of effort with their pets, hoping to give them the very best care.”
Though there was only one winner, every contestant received warm applause from the audience. From chic designer outfits to custom couture accessories, TaiPET Fashion Week proved that fashion isn’t just for humans—it’s for their stylish companions, too.
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