Dressing up Pluto

By ALMA J. BUELVA

LIKE it or not, some dogs today own an extensive wardrobe simply because it gives their owners pleasure to dress them up. It's a growing trend that gives fashion designers a new creative outlet and a good source of livelihood at the same time.

Odra Pooch Couture has been producing hundreds of doggie clothes ranging from casual shirts and simple dresses to elaborate costumes and fancy gowns since 2013. Owner Myrna Andres and designer John Glenn Cagampang are both dog lovers who saw a market niche for quality yet affordable clothes for dogs.

JOHN AND MYRNA DISPLAYED THEIR WIDE RANGE OF CLOTHES FOR DOGS AT THE RECENT CAT & DOG EXPO IN MANILA. THEY USE COTTON, STRETCHABLE AND BREATHABLE TYPES OF FABRICS SO DOGS WILL BE COMFORTABLE WEARING THEIR CLOTHES. (Photo by MetroPets)

Myrna said her dogs used to join fashion shows but their clothes cost too much. To save money, she attempted to sew her dogs' clothes and when she succeeded, she turned it into a business.

For her designer, Myrna tapped John who studied dressmaking. The two would later frequent Divisoria in Manila to source their fabrics and other materials, and work with tailors in Taytay, Rizal to produce different dog outfits. With hard work and perseverance, Odra's creations soon found their way inside the largest pet supply retail superstore in the country, Pet Express.

At Pet Express, Odra's line of dog clothes are flying off the racks after being brilliantly offered under the “Any2 for P199” promo.

“Pet owners can choose two dog clothes – any size and any type – under the Any2 promo. We also have items for only P100. We really try to give the market affordable but quality dog clothes,” said John.

ALL THINGS SMALL AND BEAUTIFUL. ODRA'S DOG CLOTHES SELL CHEAP BUT THEY ARE OF GOOD QUALITY. (Photo by MetroPets)

Myrna said the average price of dog clothes in the market starts at P300, but because she wants more dog owners to to experience dressing up their dogs, she makes an effort to create something that can be priced low.

“We never had to pull out a piece of garment at Pet Express. The Any2 promo sells really well,” Myrna told MetroPets.

Asked what are their most saleable dog clothes, John said people tend to buy fuchsia pink dresses for female dogs and camouflage shirts for male dogs. More importantly, he said people buy their dog clothes because their animals are comfortable wearing them.

SHOPPERS CROWD THE BOOTH OF ODRA POOCH COUTURE DURING AN ANNUAL PET SHOW. (Photo by MetroPets)

“When I design dog clothes, I get inspiration from my own dogs. I want them to look good and feel good. When people see dogs that are well dressed, the more they want to take care of them and treat them as members of their family,” said John.

Odra also accepts custom-made pooch couture and they also do clothes for cats. John's most celebrated creation was a reproduction of the Filipiniana gown worn by Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa during the beauty pageant.

A GOWN FIT FOR A QUEEN. JOHN GLENN CAGAMPANG OF ODRA POOCH COUTURE CREATED FOR CHLOE (left) A SIMILAR-LOOKING GOWN (NATIONAL COSTUME) WORN BY MJ LASTIMOSA (right) DURING THE MISS UNIVERSE 2014. THE DOG VERSION OF THE GOWN HAS SINCE WON IN SEVERAL DOG FASHION EVENTS MUCH TO THE DELIGHT OF JOHN.

“It took me three days to recreate a similar-looking gown for a Mini Pinscher named Chloe. Her owner, Monching Austria, also entered Chloe wearing the same gown to win the Best Dress title during the Cat & Dog Expo 2015,” said John.

"THE" GOWN THAT MAKE WINNERS. DESIGNER JOHN GLENN CAGAMPANG IS THANKFUL THAT CHLOE'S OWNER, MONCHING AUSTRIA, TAKES TIME AND EFFORT TO SHOWCASE HIS CREATION IN MAJOR DOG FASHION EVENTS.

Odra's dog clothes are primarily available in Metro Manila, Baguio, Bacolod, Misamis. They said they have no plans of exporting, but added that some clients bring their products to sell abroad. Odra's dog clothes also retail at Cartimar pet stores in Pasay City and at Dog in the City outlets. Sales are strongest during Halloween and the Christmas season.