On Monday night, New York City’s Park Avenue was abuzz with excitement as pedestrians encountered a unique spectacle: dogs dressed in high-fashion outfits, posing on a red carpet outside the American Kennel Club’s Museum of the Dog. This eye-catching scene was part of fashion designer Anthony Rubio’s annual Pet Gala, where he recreates celebrities’ Met Gala outfits for dogs. Held for the first time at the Museum of the Dog, this year’s event not only entertained but also served as a fundraiser for the museum, which is dedicated to showcasing dog-centric art.
The gala featured 16 dogs decked out in couture inspired by the 2024 Met Gala’s theme, “The Garden of Time.” Highlights included a Chihuahua channeling Zendaya, a Pomeranian styled like Jennifer Lopez, and a poodle sporting a Bad Bunny-inspired ensemble complete with signature sunglasses. Rubio, who painstakingly crafted each outfit himself, described the intensive process, which involved staying up until 4 a.m. the night before the event to complete the looks.
Rubio, an avid Met Gala follower, explained his creative process to *The Hollywood Reporter*: “The night of the Met Gala, I’m sitting there taking notes and pictures. I don’t allow any disturbances because I watch the Met Gala religiously every year. And I study up everything about it. As soon as the show is over, I make a list of different garments that stand out to me.” He emphasized that the Pet Gala is both a celebration of the dogs and a tribute to the designers, underscoring the serious artistic effort behind the whimsical event.
The dogs walked the red carpet with models dressed in complementary gowns and suits, later participating in a runway show inside the museum. The models, holding or leading the dogs, paused to pose against floral backdrops, adding to the glamour of the evening.
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standout participant was Morgan Avila’s one-year-old Leonberger, Superman, who dazzled in a sparkling silver outfit with a glittering crystal collar, an homage to Irina Shayk’s Swarovski-adorned dress. Another highlight was a Pomeranian in a baby blue suit reminiscent of Ed Sheeran’s blue Stella McCartney suit, while a Chorkie embodied Cardi B’s voluminous black gown by Windowsen. Influencer dogs also made appearances, including Yoda L’Explorateur, a Canadian Chihuahua dressed as Colman Domingo. Yoda’s owner, Dominique Blaine, expressed delight at the unique experience, describing it as a fairy tale.
The Pet Gala is also the subject of an upcoming documentary by Kevin Lopez’s South Shore Films. Lopez and his team have been documenting Rubio’s work for over a year, aiming to release the family-friendly film by year-end. Lopez believes the story will resonate with a broad audience, offering a wholesome narrative amidst challenging times.
Hosting the Pet Gala was an easy decision for Museum of the Dog CEO and Executive Director Christopher E. Bromson. He praised the intricate and beautiful designs, noting the joy they bring to viewers. The museum plans to feature an exhibition of Rubio’s Pet Gala creations, which Bromson hopes will inspire delight and appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.
For Rubio, the most rewarding part of the event is seeing the smiles it brings. He explained, “I do this to make everybody happy, because this world right now, in the state that we’re in, there’s too many bad things happening. Everything’s negative, there’s clouds over everybody’s heads. Everybody’s angry. So I do this to elevate happiness and to bring some light into the world.” He encourages others to pursue their passions with determination: “Anything is possible if you put your heart and your mind to it. If you really want to do something, don’t talk about it—do it.”
