Well Groomed
Who’s the hautest of the dogs? We explore the unique relationships between four fashion leaders and their furry friends.
“If you turn the word ‘dog’ around it spells ‘God.’ I don’t know if people really understand that, but…our dogs have brought to us a different way of enjoying life.”
At this year’s Westminster Dog Show, coats were fluffed, hair was glossy, tongues were wagging and eyes were bright with anticipation…and that was just the owners! The pets looked similarly coiffed – and comically identical in some instances. Backstage at the apex of dog shows, as in life, it seems the ties between people and canines can transcend emotional barriers and align through physical looks as well. Here, M∙A∙C asks four fashion luminaries to wax poetic on their connections with their canines and about the unparalleled bond between human and hound.
KIM HASTREITER
The enthusiastic founder and co-editor-in-chief of Paper magazine is known for her discerning red bespectacled-eye and for incubating the careers of burgeoning artists, designers and musicians.
Do you look like your dog at all?
I wish I looked as good as my dog! My dog is much prettier than I am.
How do you keep her looking fabulous?
I brush her every night when we are relaxing together. Thank goodness she loves to be brushed and combed.
Does Sweetie help or inspire your work in any way?
She comes to work with me every day and sleeps right next to my desk or under my feet!
What does Sweetie bring to your life that a human never could?
She worships the ground I walk on. And I adore her like no one’s business.
NICOLA FORMICHETTI
Most renowned for his imaginative and inventive work with Lady Gaga, the award-winning uber-stylist is currently the first artistic director of Diesel and the fashion director of Uniqlo.
Do you look like your dog at all?
I don’t think I look like Tank and Bambi, but we are all very naughty!
What are your grooming habits for your dogs?
They are always so busy! We go to this amazing Japanese guy, Shiro, who cuts and grooms them. I love keeping them shorthaired. They look like teddy bears. So cute.
Do you feed your dogs leftovers from your plate?
No, we have special food made for them. They are spoiled!
What do Tank and Bambi bring to your life that a human never could?
Constant unconditional love. They are everything. I just love hanging out with them. It’s pure love.
HOUGHTON’S KATHARINE POLK
Named “New Designer to Watch” by WWD and “The Next Big Thing” by Style.com, the designer and creative director of the New York City-based brand is known for her signature chic minimalism in her ready-to-wear and bridal lines.
Do you look like your dog at all?
Well, I’m short, but I don’t quite have Jonesy’s underbite. She is known for being pretty damn sexy though!
What are your grooming habits for your dog? Do you dress her up in any outfits or fashionable accessories?
Since Jonesy is all white she gets baths pretty regularly. We have a double bathroom, so she has her own bathtub at our apartment! Jonesy does not wear clothes. She likes to go naked even if it’s 12 degrees outside. If you put a sweater or rain jacket on her, she’ll lie down on the floor and not move until you take it off.
Does Jonesy help or inspire your work in any way?
She does in the way that I always have to have her around. Dogs do something for your energy and keep you level. She keeps a sense of calmness at the office and always makes you smile. She is at work with me every day, and having her energy there translates into me being productive.
What does your dog bring to your life that a human never could?
She just loves. When I’m sick, she won’t get out of bed for over 24 hours if I can’t, and if I’m sad or crying, she’ll snuggle up close and act concerned. There’s no judgment and she loves you unconditionally.
JAMES GAGER
As creative director and Senior Vice President of M∙A∙C, Gager uses his laser-focused vision, penchant for pushing boundaries and talent for reinventing trends to drive the brand’s renegade culture.
Do you look like your dog at all?
I don’t look like my dog. My partner, Richard, probably looks like our dogs more than I do. Richard has curly hair and it’s dark, just like our dogs.
Is there a specific cut that you give Alice?
She has a lot of hair on her legs, and then her midsection is shaved down. She has a phenomenal tail and great ears. When I see her from a distance I’m like, “Wow. That’s a great-looking dog.” She’s not ostentatious, but she’s cool-looking and definitely a poodle.
What have your dogs brought to your life that a human never could?
If you turn the word “dog” around it spells “God.” I don’t know if people really understand that, but for Richard and me, our dogs have brought to us a different way of enjoying life. They bring a spirit of kindness and gentleness. They’re very simple. Human lives get very convoluted. There’s something unspoken about your relationship with your dog – something incredibly special.
