Pets in Recreated Outfits from The Met Gala by Pet Couturier Anthony Rubio

For many months earlier this year, I had been eagerly anticipating the announcement of the theme and dress code for the upcoming Met Gala, and when it was finally revealed, it did not disappoint. Learning about Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, an exhibit highlighting the cultural history of “The Black Dandy,” brought me to a new level of appreciation and presented an exciting creative challenge. The exhibit, which celebrates the excellence of Black menswear and its far-reaching influence on fashion, resonated deeply with me. Initially, the focus on male fashion gave me pause, but as I immersed myself in the subject, I grew to understand and admire it immensely.

I devoured every article and source I could find, and as the event date approached, I waited with growing excitement to see how the theme would be interpreted at this year’s Met Gala.

On the evening of the Met Gala, I tuned in to watch the celebrity arrivals, and almost instantly, I began to envision how I could translate those incredible looks into canine couture. Always keeping in mind the importance of honoring the masterful artistry of the designers and the thematic intent, I carefully selected which looks to recreate, assigned each to a designated canine model, and began the hunt for the perfect textiles and trims. The canine talent had months to plan their trips months before the big event as The Pet Gala is always on the third Monday of May. Two weeks after The Met Gala.

Over the course of just two weeks, I worked tirelessly to bring these designs to life. The process was both exhausting and exhilarating. Even as I was sewing final touches up to the last minute, when my canine models stepped out confidently and comfortably in their looks, I felt nothing but joy and pride.