Eleven dogs and one cat delivered a playful and precise homage to notable Met Gala 2023 attendees during a lively Pet Gala hosted by Anthony Rubio, a designer renowned for his imaginative canine costumes. The event echoed the Costume Institute’s theme for the season, Karl Lagerfeld: The Beauty Line, with furred guests dressed to mirror the glamorous looks seen on the Met Gala red carpet.
Livy, a Yorkshire terrier, captured attention in a red dress featuring a glossy leather-like bodice and a tiered ruffled skirt, while Miley-Jo, a Chorkie, embodied Rihanna’s white ball gown aesthetic, complemented by a protective hood and signature sunglasses. Darla, a Pomeranian, paid tribute to Cardi B, and her sister Lala stepped into Dua Lipa’s luminous ensemble, creating a mini parade of contemporary pop icons. Bagel, a cat, wore sunglasses and posed as Doja Cat, while Bogi, a chihuahua, took on the bold stance of Bad Bunny through a playful, fashion-forward disguise.
The designer explained that translating high fashion into canine form presented unique challenges, with Jared Leto serving as a particularly demanding tribute when Rubio’s chihuahua character Rubio was used to replicate the actor’s striking style. The process reportedly spanned several weeks, underscoring Rubio’s commitment to capturing detail and spirit in each costume.
Plans for a future Pet Gala are already in motion, with Rubio envisioning a more elaborate celebration held in a real museum setting. The aim is to secure sponsorship and ticketing that support animal shelters and related charities, expanding the event beyond spectacle into a meaningful fundraiser for animal welfare organizations.
In related news, there has been ongoing community interest around local animals and leadership, including a seven-year-old dog named Molly who has drawn public attention for a noble civic ambition in Toronto. The story underscores how pets increasingly become part of larger social conversations, reflecting the enduring bond between people and their animal companions.