Montreal-based fashion platform Ssense is expanding its product offering
with the launch of dogwear.
Brands featuring in the new assortment, which will span harnesses,
leashes, collars, sweaters, collar charms and more, include 032c, Ashley
Williams, Burberry, Heron Preston, Marine Serre, Moncler Genius, Paul
Smith, Stutterheim, Versace, and VIP. Prices will range from 60 US dollars
to 1,395 US dollars.
Collections by 1017 Alyx 9SM, Misbhv, Martine Ali, Maisie Wilen, Thom
Browne, and more will be released in Spring 2020.
Ssense said its decision to dive into petwear was influenced by an
“overwhelmingly positive reaction” to the platform’s Instagram series
#SsenseInterns, which features its employees’ dogs modelling the latest dog
fashion.
Almost 80 percent of Ssense’s audience fall in the 18-34 age range,
which meant the platform saw an “immediate surge in engagement” whenever it
posted to its #SsenseInterns Instagram account.
Brigitte Chartrand, senior director of womenswear buying for Ssense,
said in a statement: “Increasingly, millennials are spending more on their
pets, especially dogs. There is a growing interest to reflect their
individual style and their dog’s personality through clothing.”
As the niche petwear market continues to grow in popularity, more fashion brands
are experimenting with non-human fashion. Last year, Italian label Moncler teamed up
with luxury dog clothing brand Poldo Dog Couture to launch a dogwear
collection. In the same year, Swedish fashion giant H&M partnered with
Italian luxury fashion house Moschino for a tongue-in-cheek petwear
collection.
Chartrand continued: “For many of the brands we partnered with, this was the first time they
considered producing dog apparel and accessories, making it a fun project
to collaborate on. We’re extremely excited to launch with a group of brands
that reflect the Ssense point of view.”
Designer Ashley Williams commented: “I have two rescue dogs that I love so much. Being able to do a capsule
with them in mind for Ssense has been from the heart. The best friend graphic reflects the Ashley Williams brand DNA
and my feelings towards dogs in general. We have also included matching dog
collars and hair accessories in our most popular fabrics, which we hope
people will be able to enjoy with their pets.”
Photo: CNW Group/Ssense
