New York, Milan, Paris… Battersea

High fashion for abandoned dogs as top designers dress Battersea’s finest

Prepare for Westies in Westwood, Dachshunds in Deacon, and Staffies in Stella - the world’s top designers are swapping the catwalk for the dogwalk!

For one night only the unwanted and abandoned dogs of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home will stride out in spectacular style for a truly unforgettable event.

After previewing their new season collections, fashion’s biggest names are preparing to dress the canine residents of the world-famous animal refuge by designing exclusive dog coats and accessories which will be auctioned off in aid of the charity.

At the Collars & Coats Gala Ball on Thursday 8 November 2012 dogs will model canine couture by a stellar list of fashion designers.

Designing dog coats and canine accessories for Battersea are: Giles Deacon, Ben De Lisi, Faberge, Jeremy Hackett, Henry Holland, Stephen Jones, Derek Lawlor, Julien Macdonald, Stella McCartney, Mulberry, Jenny Packham, Gareth Pugh, Trevor Pickett, Zandra Rhodes, Philip Treacy, Matthew Williamson, and Vivienne Westwood.

International supermodel David Gandy will be leading the canine fashion pack for a fundraising event all about celebrating Battersea dogs. Battersea’s first Ambassador will partner with leading fashion journalist and stylist Hilary Alexander to present the designs at the Gala Ball taking place at Battersea Evolution.

Claire Horton, Chief Executive of Battersea said: “This will be the most wonderful and unique fashion fundraiser and we know our dogs will really enjoy it. Front row at Collars & Coats will be the place to be on 8 November and we can’t wait to see Battersea dogs groomed and dressed in canine couture by the most influential and iconic designers from the world.

"To have David Gandy and Hilary Alexander presenting these hotly anticipated canine creations makes it even more unmissable. It’s incredible to be working with such world-class talent and we’re immensely grateful to everyone who is supporting our dogs and our cats through this collaboration.”

Henry Holland, one of the designers involved said: “I am extremely proud to support the dogwalk, I have always been a dog lover and this initiative is such a brilliant way to use fashion as a way of highlighting such a great cause.”

The event will be hosted by Paul O’ Grady MBE and Amanda Holden. Every ticket brought will help give thousands of dogs and cats a second chance in life. For more information visit www.collarsandcoats.org.uk. Booking line 020 7627 9309.