For the first time ever, collections at AAFW weren’t limited to two-legged trendsetters (that’s humans, if you please) – thanks to collaborations between Petstock and THE UPSIDE, Double Rainbouu and Romance Was Born – AAFW was host to an exclusive and limited edition designer fashion collection for dogs to get their furry paws on.
Read on for an exclusive feature with Ashlea Holdsworth, Head Designer at THE UPSIDE as well as a deep dive on the stylings from the eclectic Romance Was Born and the ever-vibrant Double Rainbouu.
The Upside Designer Collection For Dogs
THE UPSIDE at a Glance
Believes in: Balance, integrity and peace – these are the ingredients for happiness.
Inspired by: Yoga, spirituality and our beautiful planet.
Feels like: Laidback Bondi meets New York energy and fizzles with the attitude of Oahu’s North Shore.
Looks like: The perfect marriage of fashion and function in the form of understated cool athleisure pieces.
Interview with Ashlea Holdsworth, Head Designer at THE UPSIDE
Q: Why did you decide to do a pet range?
A: Pets are our family members, they are our best friends, and they contribute to our health and wellbeing. It just made sense for us as a brand.
Q: How was it different to design products for pets rather than people? What considerations had to be made?
A: We are known for our prints as a brand, so the development and the selection of the print is an important one to make when designing our garments. As we are working with prints, we need to consider the colours we select and also the scale of the print given that it’s to be printed on smaller pieces. We wanted the prints we chose to be fun and colourful but also have an original ‘UPSIDE’ feel. We love a conversational style print so this is why we thought the love heart print would be the perfect motif, given how much we love our furry friends! The leopard print is part of our brand DNA, and something we have done since our inception, so it made sense for this to be added into the collection too.
Q: Where do you look for creative inspiration?
A: Definitely travel and Mother Nature. It’s super exciting that we can travel again, and this has always been a massive source of inspiration for me, Jodhi (founder of The Upside) and the whole team – from places and people we see on trips to architecture and colour. Mother Nature is one of our biggest sources of inspiration. We love being outdoors and close to her.
Q: Do you have a favourite designer? Why?
A: I have many designers that I love but personally, but I am so inspired by vintage – vintage designers and, vintage/heritage sportswear.
Q: What are some of the fabrics used in the collection?
A: The puffer jackets are retro sport inspired, with ribbed collars and constructed from an insulated woven recycled polyester with stripe tape detailing.
The tee is made from 100% cotton.
If you think of The Upside as a talented, free-spirited, yogi dreamboat – perhaps Romance is Born could be painted as it’s mysterious, effortlessly cool older sibling. Established by Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales while the pair were studying fashion in 2005, Romance was Born has blossomed into a contemporary Australian fashion house with a unique storytelling vision.
Romance Was Born Designer Collection For Dogs
Believes in: Transcending through their clothes an immersive and emotional experience for the wearer.
Inspired by: The search for the common ground between fashion and art.
Feels like: A glittery, glimmering fashion paradise.
Looks like: Breathtaking statement pieces with bold prints and intricate details.
Since breaking into the fashion scene just under 20 years ago, Romance Was Born has racked up an impressive number of collaborations – their peers (or as they call them ‘kindred spirits’) have broad range and appeal uniting the likes of Ken Done and Del Kathryn Barton with Disney, Marvel and The Sydney Dance Company.
With pieces held in collections at some of Australia’s most esteemed galleries including the National Gallery of Australia, the Powerhouse Museum, The National Gallery of Victoria and the South Australian Museum – Romance Was Born is an established national treasure that has even received recognition worldwide – featuring in the summer show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
“Each Romance Was Born collection is a vast fashion dreamscape exploring themes of fantasy steeped in vibrant imagery.”
Not to be excluded, Double Rainbouu rounds out the dog-friendly offerings AAFW. Bursting onto the scene with a playful display of vibrant colour and holiday motifs, Double Rainbouu is a cheeky play on beach culture – and they want to get your dog in on the action.
“I was sold at ‘Hawaiian shirt for dogs’, needless to say the collab was a no-briner and we said yes excitedly.” - Mikey Nolan, Double Rainbouu
Double Rainbouu Designer Collection for Dogs
“Get your pup beach, barbie or special occasion ready with our all-time bestselling Glossy Possy shirt. The Palm logo hoodie, lead and collar are also a must for anyone that wants a happy dog.” - Mikey Nolan, Double Rainbouu“Get your pup beach, barbie or special occasion ready with our all-time bestselling Glossy Possy shirt. The Palm logo hoodie, lead and collar are also a must for anyone that wants a happy dog.” - Mikey Nolan, Double Rainbouu
There you have it – the ins and outs of the furry contingent at AAFW! Inspired? Get your dog runway ready with Petstock! With these threads, we’re sure they’re going to knock it out of the park. Discover more from AAFW here.