Doggy Divas Hit the Runway in BARQUE’s Canine Couture Clothing

Last night, dogs hit the runway wearing designs from the hot new Chicago-based luxury collection, BARQUE. With music in the background and Chicago Sun-Times columnist Bill Zwecker emceeing the event, the dogs displayed 25 unique BARQUE designs.

The red carpet entrance to Top Dog Productions (1551 N. Kingsbury St., 312-642-4931) was lined with people, including WGN’s Marcus Leshock, awaiting the reveal of the BARQUE models and BARQUE creator, Gay Roberts.

Laughter and excitement filled the room as people watched the diva dogs strut their stuff for the crowd to see. Olga Honey Boo Boo, a miniature poodle, was a natural in her pastel striped sweater and kobi beige leather coat, while Bella, an English bull dog, shied away from all of the attention in her custom one-of-a-kind jacket. Muchacho was a crowd pleaser as he sported his Bad Doggy Denim. Zoe, a standard poodle, and three-pound teacup yorkie, Fergie, closed the show in their knockout, custom-designed runway outfits.

While watching the dogs, guests enjoyed “Rin Tin Tini” cocktails, light hors d’oeurves, “human-friendly” dog biscuits and “dog pound cake”, made by Kim Stanek, dog lover and executive sous chef at The Westin Chicago North Shore.

Gay Roberts, owner of BARQUE, began knitting sweaters for her dog, Fergie, and realized that dogs should never be seen in public without clothes. From there, Roberts, also a former New York Couture model and sportswear designer took her skills and combined her passion for fashion and dogs to create BARQUE.

BARQUE designs range from size 4 to 14, and retail for $50 to $250 each. BARQUE designs are available online at http://www.barque.biz/ or retail at Pawsh Puppies (2120 N. Halsted St.; 773-525-8608).

View the WGN and CBS segments below:

WGN segment

CBS segment

To see more pictures from the doggy runway show, click here.

BARQUE launches with Puppy Runway Fashion Show July 15

Attention Rick Owens, Dries Van Noten and John Varvatos; Make room for the latest in haute couture, BARQUE by Gay Roberts, the hot new Chicago-based luxury collection creating high fashion styles that will make pooches bark for more. In celebration of the launch of BARQUE, a runway fashion show starring the trendiest Chicago dogs wearing the new haute couture designs will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 15 at Top Dog Productions (1551 N. Kingsbury St., 312-642-4931), a full-service doggy daycare. There is no admission fee.

“BARQUE’s designs are unique, and for every special occasion,” says owner Roberts, who designs the one-of-a-kind hand-knit sweaters for both boy and girl pups. “I’m happy for BARQUE to be partnering with Top Dog, and excited to share the brand with Chicago’s chicest pups and their stylish owners.”

Gold Coast Fashionista and dog lover, Roberts began knitting luxury sweaters for her teacup Yorkie, Fergie, and quickly gained the attention of neighboring dog owners. Roberts, a former New York couture model and sportswear designer took her entrepreneurial skills gained from her former floral business and corporate sales experience, and made her fashion and dog passions a reality with the launch of BARQUE.

The BARQUE collection includes hip, cutting-edge designs as well as classic looks for any puppy outing. One of Roberts’ favorite designs is a black leather or denim motorcycle jacket with a zip pocket and “Hope and Glory” wings, available with or without a furry collar. Another posh design is the chic black velvet top coat adorned with diamonds and a matching jeweled lead. More casual and very cool looks are stone-washed denim harnesses and jackets and dresses in vintage fabrics. Many of these unique designs will be worn by local pups on the runway, including BARQUE supermodel Fergie and her best friend, Olga Honey Boo Boo, a miniature poodle. Bella, the bull dog, has a one-of-a-kind hip runway piece. Three-pound Fergie and her standard poodle pal Zoe will close the show in knockout, custom-designed runway outfits.

In addition to viewing the latest canine couture fashions, guests at the event can enjoy wine and “Rin Tin Tini” cocktails, light hors d’oeurves, plus treats including human-friendly dog biscuits and “Dog Pound Cake.” Attendees will be put in a raffle drawing to win a BARQUE design.

BARQUE designs range from size 4 to 14, and retail for $50 to $250 each. BARQUE designs are available online at www.barque.biz or retail at Pawsh Puppies (2120 N. Halsted St.; 773-525-8680). To RSVP to the event, call BARQUE at (312) 266-6683.