This adorable pup goes glam in designer Tamae Ishii's one-of-a-kind pet collar
This adorable pup goes glam in designer Tamae Ishii's one-of-a-kind pet collar

NEW YORK, Oct 31, 2009 / FW/ — On November 5, 2009, expect a one-of-a-kind red carpet reception at the Cipriani Wall Street here in New York City. Our four legged friends are walking the “Green Carpet” with their celebrity owners at the upcoming star-studded party, the Fourth Annual DogCatemy Celebrity Gala presented by Purina One.

Expect the usual fare of eye-catching fashion from the glitterati; the unexpected will be the dazzling designs for the animals as part of the evening’s “Dollars for Designer Collars” project wherein pet-loving designers created animal collars, merging their artistic brilliance with their love of animals and desire to help the Animal League, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, save the lives of homeless animals.

This year, Betsey Johnson, Nicole Miller, Isaac Mizrahi, Byron Lars, Stephen Dweck, Lela Rose, Alexis Bittar, Carmen Marc Valvo, Yigal Azrouel, Anna Sui, Christie Brinkley, Marc Bouwer, Lela Rose, Rebecca Taylor and Colette Malouf among others designed fantasy-inspired jewel-encrusted bands to biker looks, circlets of flowers, beads, woven fabrics and sea-shells. All the dog collars were signed by the designers.

Isaac Mizrahi explained why he volunteered for this project: “I loved this project because a dog has style no matter what he/she wears, especially a mixed breed. It’s one of a kind couture.”

Christie Brinkley, who fabricated a shell design, offered a tongue-in-cheek commentary on her work, saying that she created her collar for a female dog with a busy lifestyle. “It’s a versatile collar she can wear from the feeding bowl, to those long walks on the beach, and still feel confident, knowing that she always looks appropriate! Shell-encrusted, so she looks right at home in the Hamptons, yet perfect for resort too!”

Marc Bouwer, known for his sumptuous creations, said about his original contribution to “Dollars for Designers Collars:” “I love designing for dogs! You can create anything you want and they will wear it wide-eyed and lovingly without criticism and complaints!”

American designer Byron Lars added his take on the assignment saying “faux pearls, cameos and the k-9 as muse all conspired to provide tail wagging design bliss for me, as well as a little something special for a discerning, demure, deserving and young (even if only at heart) pooch.”

Rebecca Taylor described her motivation for her pet collar: “I designed this one-of-a-kind collar for North Shore Animal League because it’s such a special organization. Its mission to rescue and care for thousands of animals across the country is one that I hold close to my heart. As a dog and cat owner I really enjoyed designing my collar to reflect the Rebecca Taylor aesthetic. Everyone needs a bit of sparkle in their life!”

Hosted by award-winning journalist, author and host of Fox News Channel’s Geraldo at Large, Geraldo Rivera, with a performance by singer-songwriter Diane Birch, whose debut album with S-Curve Records is entitled Bible Belt, the gala features a truly unique auction.

In addition to the fabulous collars, to be displayed at the Gala, the auction features a selection of “experience” offers with animal-loving celebrities, luxury pet items, and jewelry.

Among the “experience” items are a tour of Sirius Radio studios and an opportunity to sit in on a taping of the Howard Stern Wrap-Up Show, lunch with Law & Order:SVU star Diane Neal, memorabilia from sports greats, including Monica Seles and Muhammad Ali, along with jewelry, art and pet luxury items.

Animal League supporters may submit bids for the items now through November 12, 2009.

To view the auction lots or attend the DogCatemy Celebrity Gala, visit www.AnimalLeague.org

One Response

  1. Carmilla Taylor

    October 31, 2009