Anthony Rubio Designs: Establish in 2003
New York, NY (May 30, 2023)
In 2013, Pet Couturier Anthony Rubio started recreating for dogs the looks that graced the red carpet of The Met Gala to much acclaim. What originally started out as a photo project, this year the designer wanted to do something different. To hold an in person invite only presentation to showcase his work up close. The ultimate goal is in 2024 to hold a full sit down meal event with red carpet, runway show and performances with a charity aspect to it. It will be his signature event. Over the years, Anthony Rubio’s charity base runway shows have raised over four million dollars for animal shelters and rescue groups.
Recreated looks presented at The Pet Gala include looks worn by Doja Cat, Jared Letto, Rihanna, Cardi B, Pedro Pascal, Salma Hayek, Bad Bunny, Dua Lipa, Diddy, Naomi Campbell and Emily Blunt.
Pet Models:
Kimba, a Chihuahua as Jared Leto (Choupette, the Cat)
Bogie, a Chihuahua as Bad Bunny
LaLa, a Pomerian as Dua Lipa
Darla, a Pomerian as Cardi B
Miley-Jo, a Chorkie as Rihanna
BLiNG, a Pomerian as Pedro Pascal
Livie, a Morkie as Salma Hayek
Bagel the SunglassCat as Doja Cat
Layla, a Shichon as Naomi Campbell
Bitsy, a Yorkie as Emily Blunt
Gizmo, a Shih Tzu as P. Diddy
Fritz, a Pomerian as Jared Leto (non-cat)
From Anthony Rubio:
I have always been obsessed with fashion ever since I could remember. So when I first learned of the Met Gala events way back when, I never missed the opportunity to sit in front of the television (where you got the best views) to witness the parade of celebrities chosen by top designers to grace the red carpets modeling the creations to fit, or not, the themes of that particular gala.
Zoom to become the Pet Couturier. I challenged myself to recreate the favorites of what I witnessed on that red carpet only that it would be for dogs using my Chihuahuas Bogie and Kimba as my muses. I actually did it to entertain myself but a photographer friend asked to immortalize those designs. We put them out in the social media and before we knew it, publications, bloggers, and influencers took notice. Soon my creations were seen on television programs and reports both locally and internationally.
As an advocate for animal rescue and pet adoption I have, from the start, used the platform afforded me through my fashion design career to bring awareness to the plight of those who needed a voice to speak for them. When my Met Gala recreations became news I decided that I wanted to create an event similar to the Met Gala to raise funds for Animal rescue and who better to help me than actual rescues as models.
This year I chose to create this inaugural event completely financed out of pocket to show that I could do this and with success in hopes to garner sponsors, donors, and supporters for what I plan to be an annual event, the first of its kind. Like the actual Met Gala, I would like to have the Pet Gala happen at a museum complete with an exhibit and of course that procession of guests, (cats and dogs) modeling couture creations for a worthy cause.
This year the theme, as was with the Met Gala, was a celebration of the late great legend, Karl Lagerfeld. I enjoyed recreating the most standout creations of the recent Met Gala and hope they have moved and enticed everyone into wanting more. I invite anyone interested in helping to make this happen again to reach out. Let’s make this happen in a big way to make a huge difference in saving lives in a fashionable way.
Check Out Daniel Plus Lauren’s 1st Take On Anthony Rubio’s “The Pet Gala”, With Original Images & Writing By Daniel Plus Lauren, just click on the link highlighted!!!