Witness the Dogs Embodying Bad Bunny, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B at a Met Gala-Inspired Event

On a bustling Monday evening, pedestrians traversing New York City’s Park Avenue were met with an extraordinary sight that stopped them in their tracks: impeccably attired dogs strutting down a makeshift red carpet outside the AKC Museum of the Dog. Captivated by the spectacle unfolding before them, onlookers hastily whipped out their phones, eager to immortalize the moment and pondering the curious event unfolding before their eyes.

Enter the Pet Gala: an annual fundraising extravaganza orchestrated by fashion designer Anthony Rubio, where he ingeniously reimagines celebrities’ iconic Met Gala ensembles—specifically for our four-legged friends. This year, the Pet Gala found its venue at the Museum of the Dog for the first time, beckoning guests to partake in a glamorous runway show and sumptuous dinner, all in the nаme of raising funds for the museum’s canine-centric art exhibitions.

Rubio meticulously crafted sixteen couture outfits for the gala’s canine attendees, drawing inspiration from the Met Gala’s theme of “The Garden of Time.” From a chihuahua channeling Zendaya to a Pomeranian donning a Jennifer Lopez-inspired ensemble, each dog strutted their stuff with an air of canine confidence. Rubio, burning the midnight oil until 4 a.m. the night prior, poured his heart and soul into every stitch, ensuring perfection for the doggy fashion event.

“The night of the Met Gala, I’m sitting there taking notes and pictures,” Rubio revealed to The Hollywood Reporter. “I don’t allow any disturbances because I watch the Met Gala religiously every year. And I study up everything about it. As soon as the show is over, I make a list of different garments that stand out to me.”

But for Rubio, the Pet Gala is more than just whimsical fun—it’s a heartfelt tribute to both our furry companions and the designers showcased at the Met Gala. “This is not to make fun. This is a very serious matter,” Rubio emphasized.

Against a backdrop of floral splendor, the dogs, accompanied by models adorned in complementary attire, graced the outdoor red carpet before strutting their stuff in a captivating runway show within the museum’s confines. Among the furry attendees, Morgan Avila’s one-year-old Leonberger, Superman, paid homage to Irina Shayk’s Swarovski-studded gown, while another pooch sported a baby blue suit reminiscent of Ed Sheeran’s Met Gala ensemble.

Influential dogs, including the Canadian chihuahua Yoda L’Explorateur, added their star power to the event. “It’s really kind of a fairy tale for us. It’s so cool that my dog makes me live these experiences because I’m not truly a fashion person in life, but with my dog now I just live a very cool life,” remarked Yoda’s owner, Dominique Blaine.

The Pet Gala’s enchanting allure even caught the eye of filmmaker Kevin Lopez, who chronicled the event for a heartwarming documentary. Lopez aspires to release the film by year’s end, aiming to deliver a feel-good tale that transcends generations.

Ultimately, Rubio hopes his creations inspire joy and uplift spirits in a world fraught with negativity. “I do this to elevate happiness and to bring some light into the world,” he declared, urging others to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.