On the Catwalk, It's Haute Cature

02/02/2012

 

 

In Vogue, Feline Fashions

If you dressed your cat up for Halloween, he or she may finally be close to forgiving you for that kitty-size Shrek costume, or your attempts to transform a calico into a clown. While some cats may tolerate being costumed, most choose to celebrate Halloween by collecting treats in return for no tricks.

 Yet a pair of felines in Japan do not hide under the bed when it's time to don cat clothes. They actually enjoy being dressed in their best, every day. A quirky fun book called "Fashion Cats" features wonderfully posed pictures of feline supermodels named Kotaro, a handsome tabby-and-white fellow, and snowy white Princess Prin, glammed up in wedding attire, bow ties, tiaras, capelets and bunny ears, to mention a few (even an "Anne of Green Gables" outfit that all cat kindred spirits will love!) Their sweet-faced expressions show patience and wonderment in a round-the-calendar collection of exquisitely detailed costumes. Nothing off the rack for these kitties. 

Why would two cats display their love of "haute cature" so vividly (and without shredding their attire, hissing like teakettles in a struggle over a sleeve!) Somehow, these two are naturals at getting into that runway vogue. Fashion designerTakako Iwasa, who adopted Princess Prin in 1999, said she received a "message from the universe" a year later. The message for 2000 was "Do something this year!" Her something was to start desiging clothing for cats, launching a hugely popular website called Cat Prin - Tailor of a Cat. She also taught tailoring classes for those who wished to outfit their own cats. She and Kotaro and Prin all found their way to "The Cute Show," the most perfect venue possible for whimsically outfitted cats), and the book (VICE Books, $12) featuring her collection followed. It's a glossy 60-page volume that will cause every cat parent to oooh and aaah (and many cats to say, "Hmmph! I am NOT dressing up in a powder-blue cape and beret, no matter how chic you think it is!")

Princess Prin herself believes all cats should channel their inner divas, advising those who read "Fashion Cats" that she came from a distant world called Planet Prin, and that her flowing gowns and sparkly tiara confirm her place as royalty. Prin's advice to all cats: "Why don't you become a princess [or prince] too?"

Of course cats all believe they're already the princes and princesses of our homes and hearts, no matter what they wear (or don't), and a browse through "Fashion Cats" will give them, and you, a vicarious visit to the ultimate catwalk.

Comments

[Diana Patterson]

I love this show.

[kim]

When are more shows going to be on?

[Commission Streamer]

the cat looks so cute
thanks for sharing the article

[Quinn Gosling]

Cats are great. I hope we can get the word out to show how great cats can be.

Adopt a cat at your local shelter using a website like this
http://www.foundanimals.org/pet-adoption

www.foundanimals.org

[Jennifer Otis]

Can anyone tell me where to get the Co2 Urine cleaner that was mentioned on the show? Thank you!

[Robin]

Looking for a same same product as Jennifer Otis is, Co2 urine cleaner that was mentioned on the show. PLEASE

[Angela]

Hello? She said her cat is like her life, hello? She has no heart where is your mother!

[Laura]

The Cat Urine Cleaner people arfe asking about is shown on Jackson Galaxy's webstie and can be purchased there as well....It is called Fizzion

[Laptops]

aww.. that is my thing.. A Cat Lover, I did have 2 cats Siamese breed, few months ago I lost them. your blog just reminded me of Emmi and Foxxi :(

[safetyelectricdogfence.com]

I would love to have a cat like that!

[Igor Purlantov]

Very cute. These catwalk kitties are awesome.
-Igor Purlantov

[Lauren Cantu]

Do you have to live in California to be on the show? My cat has caused me to go to the hospital twice; once in an ambulance they had pulled a claw out my wrist. My cat Bobo is the craziest cat I have ever seen and we have watched every episode.

[A Facebook User]

I have two cats. I am in a wheelchair. And like to walk my cats. But one of my cats can get out of the leash, no mater how I put it on him. I like the leasch you use it seams to be wider then mine. Where can I purchase this kind of leash?

[gold rates in pakistan]

awhh, such a cutie pies. dressing up cats is not less than a we get ready our kids for the festivals. :)*

[Tux the Cat]

I watch Jackson's show to find out how humans see us cats! Meanwhile, I dressed up at Puss in Boots and gallivanted around town. Check me out at http://tuxthecat.com/2011/12/28/call-me-tux-in-boots/

[Cindy]

Hello,

this is the first time I've watched the show. I have a few questions concerning two of my three cats.
I have two girls and one boy.

Two of my cats pee/ poo where ever they choose to ( the boxes are clean.Its one of the girls and the boy who is doing this. I've changed the litter until I found one they all like. I've tried everything I know. Also the boy and the other girl will eat until they throw up. I'm uncertain what to do about that. Please can someone help me, because at this point I'm starting to dislike my cats ((lol..just joking)), however, I am at my wits end with it.

[pet movers]

That was a great show to watch, I extremely enjoyed watching it.

[Hannah]

Good show

[paw]

pujajajjajajaja me gustaria vestir a mi gato asi pero si tuviera uno claro hahahahah me gustaria qque fuera niña para vestirla de princesa jjajajja

[Andrea R. Hernández]

Qué bonitos. Uno de ellos me recuerda a mi gato de peluche... bueno, lo cierto es que este artículo si me agrada por el hecho de que los gatos están siendo decorados de forma que no los está lastimando ni agrediendo, o sea que si fuera mi decición, todos los shows de moda (runways) serían así y no con modelos anoréxicas que no se ven para nada bien, en cambio estos gatos, se ven tiernos, adorables, y captivan la atención. Dos palabras más: QUE TERNURA