These seven adorable pooches were the inspirations for Sergio Duque’s new line of luxury dog couture, Lucho, Doggie Luxe. The line strays from frilly, flamboyant looks evocative of so many doggie lines available today, and boasts chic, urban attire “for metro sexual dogs.” Always stylish in daddy’s designs, these eligible pets are fashion mavens who always get glances on the street and runway, or dog-way, from two-legged and four-legged admirers!
After working as an architect in Colombia, Duque moved to New York in 1992 and enrolled at Parsons School of Design, but ultimately graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology, with honors. He currently works as a designer for Diane von Furstenberg, fashion expert and designer extraordinaire, known for her iconic wrap dress donned by Kirsten Dunst and the Hilton sisters, to name a few. Frustrated with a seemingly hopeless search for clothes for his fur babies, Duque took matters into his own hands.
“It started when I had so many leftovers from my gowns with beautiful shapes and colors that would look great on my dogs,” Duque says. “So I thought, ‘Why not?’ They looked so good wearing them I had to make more, and it went on from there.” The result is a collection that showcases his careful craftsmanship and attention to detail, and includes “detachable linings and hoods, embroidered beadings, buckled belts, pockets, and more [that] enhance the wide range of creations from trench coats, rain coats, to quilted jackets and vests.” In addition, all Lucho, Doggie Luxe clothes are made from luxurious fabrics fit for the most pampered of humans, much less pooches, such as wool cashmere, mohair, and Italian waterproof fabrics.
After receiving his first dog, Lucho, as a gift, Duque was enamored with the pristine breed. “Poodles are so sweet, calm, and nice, that I fell in love with their temperament,” he says. “The interaction between them is hysterical. For example, at bath, clean and brush time when we pick the first dog, all the others disappear in an instant, hiding under tables, beds and behind doors, tumbling over each other for the best spots!” He believes that if he were a breed of dog, he’d be a poodle.
These poodles are chic, stylish, lovely and sophisticated, and always dressed to the nines in Lucho, Doggie Luxe designer duds. They also have successful careers as doggie models for Duque’s line, gracing print ads and Lucho, Doggie Luxe’s online boutique, www.elucho.com. “They’re always pampered!” Duque proudly exclaims. “I love them and want the best for them. They’re part of the family, each with their own personalities.”
After being selected as a “Most Eligible Pet,” Valentina, one of Sergio Duque’s beloved poodles, died and is now at Rainbow Bridge. Dog Bless her! By Jessica Almon
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