Dog LV'ers Only
Louis Vuitton’s Spring-Summer 2025 Men’s Pre-Collection is all about fur baby fever, from a pug-shaped zip bag to a series of Monogram Canvas accessories.
In case you didn’t know, the Louis Vuitton Spring-Summer 2025 Men’s Pre-Collection by Pharrell Williams confirms that the creative director veers towards the comforts of the canine breed. Romanticizing everyday moments, the collection captures the essence of a stylish New Yorker and his furry friend—whether on a walk, tossing a ball, or enjoying morning coffee, leash in hand.
Staying true to the Louis Vuitton dandy, the collection blends wardrobe classics with an elegant ease, drawing subtle inspiration from traditional English dog show attire. Rosette-embroidered suits nod to this influence, while workwear is reimagined through tailored shorts and a refined navy tracksuit.
Man’s best friend is immortalized in Dalmatian-print sneakers, portrait-patterned pocket squares, and a houndstooth blouse shaped from canine silhouettes. A new Damier Argyle motif reinvents the classic print with a geometric, diamond twist, appearing on trench coats, knitwear, and coat linings.
For the ultimate indulgence, Vuitton introduces Monogram Canvas pet accessories, including a lead, collar, harness, and plastic bag holder. A bone-shaped trunk houses metal dog bowls, while a Monogram Canvas doghouse, blankets, and paw-shaped charms ensure your pup is the most stylish in town.
Cuteness Comes in Pairs
A global excursion inspired Me&B to launch an adorable collection for twinning with your tail-wagger.
South African fashion label Me&B is taking a playful new step with its "Match With Your Bestie" collection. Known for its colourful, size-inclusive designs, the mother-daughter-founded brand was inspired while traveling abroad, noticing stylish pet owners dressing their furry friends in coordinating outfits.
With winter approaching—and an audience that loves a matching moment—Me&B has launched a cozy collection of cardigans and matching dog jumpers. Available in two bold colourways, the collection features their signature red-and-pink colour-block cardigan and a vibrant striped option in burgundy, pink, emerald, and ice blue.
Staying true to its inclusive ethos, the dog jumpers come in sizes S–L, while human cardigans range from XS to XXXL. The "Match With Your Bestie" collection is officially the cutest way to twin with your pup—and make sure they stand out at the park!
A Collar Above the Rest
For those who appreciate quiet minimalism, Houndstooth Apparel will have your pup kitted out in long-lasting, stylish pieces.
Founded in 2013 by stylist Leza Marais, Houndstooth Apparel is a Cape Town-based brand specializing in minimalistic, high-quality dog gear—from coats to collars. Born from Marais’ search for contemporary, well-crafted pieces for her own dogs, the brand now collaborates with select manufacturers to ensure precision and durability.
For summer, Houndstooth Apparel introduces its new sky blue collar, a refined yet adventurous shade that stays true to the brand’s sleek, leather aesthetic. Sustainably sourced from culling farms, the leather is carefully treated to preserve its colour and longevity.
Beyond collars, the brand offers leather and rope leashes, clip-on bags, pet duvets, reversible coats, and plush sheepskin rugs—all designed with the same commitment to simplicity and craftsmanship.
The epitome of "no muss, no fuss" luxury, Houndstooth Apparel is the perfect choice for dog lovers seeking stylish, long-lasting, and ethically made essentials for their four-legged companions.
Tailored for Tails
Chommies blends craftsmanship and canine companionship, creating stylish, durable, and ethically made accessories for dogs and their humans.
Whether it’s sun-soaked beach walks or muddy hiking adventures, lifestyle and apparel brand Chommies ensures both you and your dog are always prepared. Founded by German-born Nathalie Klijn, the brand is defined by its joyful aesthetic, bold colourways, and ethically crafted products. We caught up with Klijn to learn more about her journey and the inspiration behind Chommies.
What initially prompted the concept of the Chommies brand?
It all started with my first dog in South Africa — Ringo. He found me, really. A Boerboel-Ridgeback-Bullmastiff mix, strong, playful, always up for trouble. He needed a collar that could keep up with him — something durable, functional, and beautiful — and I just couldn’t find it here.
That experience, combined with the incredible craft traditions in South Africa, sparked the idea for Chommies. But more than anything, it was the deep bond between dogs and people that inspired me — how they change our lives and shape our routines. I wanted to build something that celebrated that connection.
Tell us more about the design and craft techniques that are used within Chommies products.
At Chommies, function comes first — especially when you’re making products for dogs. They can’t just look good; they have to work.
After experimenting with many materials, I ended up stripping everything back and returning to something timeless: rope. I began exploring the traditional whipping technique used in the sailing industry and then collaborated with South African artisans to bring in unique details, textures, and colours — giving it a distinctly Chommies twist. It’s this blend of utility and craftsmanship that defines our aesthetic.
What is your creative process like when ideating a new collection or product?
To be honest, I don’t follow a formal process. It’s quite intuitive — and often born out of necessity. Creative solutions usually come from limitations: of material, of time, of resources. We make what needs to be made, then find the best way to do it. There’s freedom in that.
How has your heritage, growing up in Germany, influenced your design aesthetic?
Creativity was the currency in my family. I have four younger brothers, and we were always dreaming up ideas to get our parents’ attention — a drawing, a bouquet, a new way to rearrange a room. That encouragement shaped my thinking from a young age.
My first job was in product development for a shopfitting company, working with brands like Wolford, Nintendo, and Shiseido. It gave me deep insight into how brands work and how products need to function and communicate. That definitely influenced my approach to design — combining creativity with structure and storytelling.
What was the process like in developing products using Mycelium leather?
As someone who loves animals, using leather has always been a bit complicated. I’ve long been searching for alternatives that offer the same durability without the environmental or ethical cost.
Mycelium leather was especially exciting because it’s so clean — it leaves nothing behind. While not every leather alternative is actually better for the planet, mycelium offers real potential. For our Mother City collection, we wanted to keep the iconic look and feel, but reimagine it using this more sustainable material. It’s a step toward a better future — for our dogs and the world they live in.
What are the top two biggest lessons, whether personal or professional, that you have learned since starting Chommies?
Things take time. There are no shortcuts — you have to let the process unfold and trust it.
And dogs are the best teachers. They show us patience, presence, and loyalty in ways that humans sometimes forget. They’ve taught me more than any business book ever could.
What has been the most impactful experience you’ve had due to your work at Chommies?
One of the biggest turning points for us was opening a stall at the Oranjezicht Farmers Market. People loved discovering Chommies there. It taught us how valuable that moment of discovery is — and how important it is to listen to your customers. They showed us what they were looking for, and that has shaped our entire business.
It also helped build a sense of community — both for us and our customers. Chommies grew from that space, and so did our understanding of who we are.
What’s next on the Chommies agenda?
We’re opening a coffee shop with a dedicated kiosk just for dogs — because they really are the most important customers in our world.
We’re also planning a major fundraiser to support dogs in need, and we’ll be launching a new 2025 collection designed specifically for beach lovers. It’s going to be a big year — for dogs and their humans alike.
5 of the best: Doggie Treats
- Cooper Dog Bed R3,999 jelico.co.za
- Dolce& Gabbana Fefe Fragrance Mist For Dogs 100ml R2,250
- Olly & Max Massage Brush R189 absolutepets.com
- Piper Bag Holder R399 Country Road woolworths.co.za
- Posh Pets Pet Bed Spray Oatmeal Fragranced 500ml R109.99
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.