Staff photo/Ian Gleadle
America’s next top model — Daisy Connolly

Dog fashionistas — your day has come

No high heels. No make-up. No accessories. Not even a toe ring. Yet Kumiko makes a stunning entrance in her velveteen red halter dress. The Pomeranian Poodle mix accentuates just about anything she drapes herself in. When she enters the room, it’s as if she owns it.

“Kumiko is our vixen,” says Amy Riekstins, owner of The Diamond Plate Dog boutique in Woodinville. “She’s wearing the kind of dress Angelina Jolie might have worn in her pre-motherhood days.”

Kumiko mingles with several other high-stylin’ dogs. Jackson, a Yorkie so cute you want to throw him in your purse and run off with him, trots around in a Harry Potter hoody; Daisy, an English Springer Spaniel, looks confident in her sassy reversible camo and pink sweatshirt; Cuda, a lab mix who bears a close resemblance to actor Ben Affleck, wears a sporty jacket by Idawg.

For dogs like Kumiko and the others to shake their booty in haut couture, 2008 couldn’t be a better time. Fancy dog duds come in an array of styles, from jeweled T-shirts and stylish raincoats to polar fleece jackets. Doggie-wear designers like Idawg, Ruff Luv and Romy & Jacob target their apparel for various sized-pups from XXS for the tiniest teacup Chihuahua to XXL for the largest Great Dane.

“A lot of people are into T-shirts for their dogs,” says Riekstins. “They like the T-shirts with sayings such as ‘I love my mom’ or ‘Princess.’ And political T-shirts are big right now and will be available soon. People also like lots of bling for their dogs. There’s a line of dog collars by Haute Diggity Dog people love. Hoodie sweatshirts are popular too.”

New on the dog couture market is a canine bridal line. Dog biscuit bridal bouquet anyone? But if you don’t have a wedding coming up, your dog can still dress up in ruffles and lace. A Hollywood-based company called Little Lily features an Oscar collection just for dogs. What could be more gorgeous than a Botox-free Shar Pei sporting the bead-encrusted version of J. Lo’s Grecian-inspired Marchesa gown? Or a dachshund toddling along in Nicole Kidman’s avant garde scarlet Belenciaga?

Riekstins actually hasn’t had a request for the Tinsel Town fashions. Her customers would rather have everyday wear for their pooch, like rugby-styled sweaters with bold stripes.

Now the burning question: Do dogs really enjoy wearing outfits? “Some of them really take well to it,” Riekstins replies. “But some prefer to show their personality in a fashionable dog collar and leash only.”

Westies, Yorkies, Labs, Springer Spaniels and of course, Basset Hounds seem especially fond of cutting-edge canine fashion. Do Bassets have a fashion preference? “I would definitely say raincoats for Bassets,” says Riekstins, noting the sunshine yellow Paddington Bear-type raincoat is a huge hit and one of her best sellers. She adds, “Bassets also do well in any of the jackets, hoodies and tee’s.”

Bestselling apparel among all breeds of dog includes the Glamazon T-shirt embellished with rhinestones and argyle sweaters, blue for boys and pink for girls.

“Now that we’re getting into spring, the T-shirts will probably fly out the door,” says Riekstins, adding that many of her customers love the ‘security’ tee. “We had a 2-pound Chihuahua in here and all we could put on it was this tiny black T-shirt with the word ‘security.’ It was a laugh out-loud moment.”

Another laugh-out loud moment occurs when you see the doggie dressing room. Kate Connolly, one of Riekstins’ frequent customers, jokes, “The dressing room is for the modest dog who wants privacy.” Water bowls inside the dressing room provide cool refreshment for the dog trying to get into that cherry-red raincoat or leopard-print dog collar.

Trips to the park, a dog birthday party, or a parade make great occasions for dogs to sport their fashionable attire along with bedazzled dog collars, showy bows, chic hair clips and trendy scarves.

As people continue to evolve their world around their pets, dog fashion will continue to be in demand. Riekstins plans to bring a New York-styled Pet Fashion Week to the Eastside. The event will give doggie couture more exposure and increase social opportunities for dogs.

But dog lovers don’t need to wait for Fashion Pet Week to socialize their pooch. Dog birthday parties and “Wine and Whine” events provide social opportunities for both dog and owner right now. Upon a customer’s request, Riekstins will close her shop for an hour and host a dog birthday party. “Jackson [the cute Yorkie] will have his first birthday party in April,” Riekstins says. “His doggie friends will come and each will get a doggie bag with a treat, chew toy, and colorful waste bag. And we’ll have a dog-friendly birthday cake from Kool Dog Kafe.”

Riekstins also entertains a monthly “Wine and Whine” affair every third Wednesday. Dogs have the option of dressing up — or not. “It’s important for dogs to socialize and this is a good time to bring dogs together while their owners enjoy complimentary wine,” says Riekstins, adding, “In the summer months, we’ll partner with Willows Lodge and have the ‘Wine and Whine’ on their outside patio.”

Hmm …. sounds like the perfect time for Kumiko to display her vixen wiles and hop into that stunning red halter dress. Kumiko, please think about accessorizing. Maybe a nice red handbag or two pairs of red stiletto heels?If you’d like more info on “Wine & Whine,” go to www.thediamondplatedog.com or call ahead at 206-334-4499. Well-socialized large breeds welcome.