An hour before showtime, backstage at the Pet Gala is pure chaos—but the kind only a dog lover could appreciate. Bastian, a spirited rat terrier, is frantically searching for his Bad Bunny-inspired jacket. Nearby, Lala, a glamorous Pomeranian, struggles to squat on her designated pee pad—no easy feat in a silver sequin dress that sparkles with every step. Meanwhile, Superman, a majestic Leonberger, remains in the “hair department” as his owner meticulously brushes his lion-like mane for the umpteenth time.
This isn’t just any fashion event—it’s the Pet Gala, the furry counterpart to the Met Gala, where designer Anthony Rubio recreates iconic human red-carpet looks for four-legged fashionistas. And just like its human equivalent, the Pet Gala serves a noble cause: all proceeds benefit the AKC Museum of the Dog, ensuring that man’s best friend gets both style and substance.
From the Met to the Pet: Translating Human Glamour for Paws
This year’s event brought 15 impeccably dressed pups to a Bryant Park venue, each sporting miniature versions of the most talked-about Met Gala ensembles. A maltipoo named Hersey channeled Whoopi Goldberg’s Thom Browne top hat with surprising dignity, while other dogs strutted in tiny replicas of Cynthia Erivo’s beaded Givenchy gown and Colman Domingo’s striking black-and-white Valentino jacket.
Rubio operates on a tight schedule—this year’s Pet Gala took place just two weeks after the Met Gala, leaving him scrambling to stitch garments up until the last second. One of his final creations? A leopard-print jacket inspired by Doja Cat’s wild look, which would soon adorn a tiny Morkie.
But not every red-carpet moment translates well to canine couture. Rubio watches the Met Gala with a critical eye, assessing which outfits will work—and which will leave a dog looking more ridiculous than regal.
“You have to understand the physiology of the animal,” he explains. “Take Janelle Monáe—she wears these incredible, avant-garde outfits, but some are just too gimmicky. She once wore a dress that looked like a box. I’m not putting a dog in that.”
Instead, Rubio looks for designs that make him “gag”—in the best way possible. “There are garments that just speak to me,” he says. “When I see something truly fabulous, I know it’s the one.”
The Challenges of Canine Fashion: Size Matters
Designing for dogs comes with its own set of hurdles. Larger breeds, like Superman the Leonberger, offer more fabric real estate, making them easier to dress. But small dogs? Their outfits require microscopic precision—every sequin, every stitch must be perfectly scaled down.
Rubio sources his models through his thriving Instagram community, where he’s cultivated a devoted following of dog enthusiasts. “My dogs come from all walks of life,” he says. “Some are Westminster competitors, others are rescue pups. It doesn’t matter—they all deserve to shine.”
A Night of Glitz, Glamour, and… Pee Pads
Of course, even the most glamorous events have their messy moments. Between last-minute wardrobe malfunctions and the occasional bathroom emergency (try lifting a sequin dress for a pee break), the Pet Gala is as unpredictable as it is enchanting.
But at the end of the day, it’s all about celebrating dogs in the most extravagant way possible—while giving back to the animals who give us so much.
Meet the Stars of the Pet Gala
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Whether they’re strutting the runway in haute couture or simply trying not to trip over their tulle, these pups prove that fashion isn’t just for humans—it’s for the dogs, too. And with Anthony Rubio at the helm, the Pet Gala is sure to remain the most paw-some event of the year.
