Models strut the runway with their canines for the Bark and Swagger Dog Fashion Show

Krystine Gregorich walked the red carpet wearing a dress with a wine colored top and hunter green hued bottom. She had a green bow in her hair. Accompanying her on the runway was her 12-year-old dog, Bella, a poodle bichon frise mix who wore a similar outfit and matching bows.

They coordinated for their big night at the Bark and Swagger Dog Fashion Show on Monday on the second floor of the Benedum Center in Downtown Pittsburgh.

“It was fun,” said Gregorich, of Coraopolis, as Bella hovered close by.

She and her dog’s apparel were created by friend and designer Emily Rouse, of Wheeling, W.Va. Rouse said Gregorich was the perfect model, for not only the outfit, but because of her love of animals. The two had connected at a previous Pittsburgh Fashion Week event. The dog fashion show was originally scheduled for last September during Pittsburgh Fashion Week, but a situation with another venue caused a postponement.

“I am honored she chose me to model,” Gregorich said.

 

Gregorich wasn’t the only one taking her dog for a walk on the runway. Several owners and their canines were showcased during the final segment of the style show for 100 guests. Other parts of the soiree featured Pittsburgh-based designers and shops such as Larrimor’s, Fresh Nostalgia, Whimsical Wardrobe Boutique, and Lana Neumeyer.

Sparkling necklaces, earrings and bracelets were provided by the Pittsburgh location of Rothschild Trading Co., which hosted a VIP hour. Models Ma Laika Burks, Ashlea Reed, Sandal Taylor, Jamal “Prince” Williams, Jackie Schwartzmiller, Dana Backode and Tanisha Thomas walked the runway wearing pieces from Rothschild.

Jeweled headbands by designer Olesya Nova of Olesya Fashion Boutique were featured on models wearing clothing from Whimsical Wardrobe Boutique.

Part of the proceeds from the event benefits Animal Friends, an animal shelter in Pittsburgh that rescues, rehabilitates and finds homes for animals.

The idea to feature dogs on the runway came from John Valentine, former CEO of Pittsburgh Fashion week. He and his team worked with the models and dogs and secured the designers and boutiques for the show, including One Haute Dog in Ross Park Mall to outfit the canines. Valentine had seen a similar show in New York City.

Since recently taking the ownership role of Pittsburgh Fashion Week, Eva Dixon, who lives in Pine and has a boutique in Cranberry, said she’s hoping to have a street wear show and one showcasing swimwear most likely in 2024, as well as pop-up fashion events leading up to Pittsburgh Fashion Week later this year. She said she wants to connect with as many local boutiques and fashion designers as she can. Some of her pieces, Designs By Eva, were featured in the show.

 

Dixon’s runway director and model coach Williams did a dance performance and also walked with his dog, King, a 1-year-old Yorkshire Terrier.

Both he and the pet wore leather jackets.

“This was my first time modeling with my dog,” Williams said. “It was so different, and it was so fun. King loved it. I loved it. And I believe the audience loved it too.”

 

Marissa Zimmerman of Monongahela said it was definitely unique. Zimmerman owns Whimsical Wardrobe Boutique, a traveling fashion truck. She teamed with Nova, of Troy Hill, to accessorize the models with stunning headbands.

“I haven’t seen anything like this before with dogs on the runway,” said Zimmerman, who was wearing an outfit from her fashion truck and a pair of sequined boots. “While I was watching it, I thought of something — I am a cat person. So next time, I would like to see cats on the catwalk.”