pamperedpuppy // luxury lifestyles for dogs

Custom Couture

The story of Studio D-og starts with a neglected dog. In 2005, Rachele Fisher adopted a tiny mixed breed from a California owner who was unable to properly care for him. Fisher christened her furry friend, Angel. From the start, Fisher wanted the very best for her Angel.

Fisher decided to craft Angel a spectacular beach doghouse. Inspired by her evening strolls along the ocean with Angel, Fisher created an incredible beach bungalow. Part dollhouse, part sculpture, it was a truly outrageous work of art.

After his new pad was finished, Fisher thought Angel needed a proper wardrobe to announce his much improved social status. Apparently Angel was game. "Angel loves anything that makes him special," says Fisher.

Fisher was disappointed with the offerings at local boutiques. The clothes were either frilly and girly or preppy and sporty - neither of which style suited Fisher's taste. Using her talents, Fisher crafted a few special pieces for Angel. She then enlisted her mother to help enhance Angel's clothing options. Virgie Fisher, Rachele's mom, is an accomplished seamstress and well-known textile artist. Together the mother-daughter team came up with trendy, fun, boy-dog threads.

Described as a "typical California boy," Angel loved the admiring glances he received in his resplendent clothes. Fisher thought she might be on to something big. "Up until Angel, art and creating were hobbies for me," says Fisher, "When Angel came along everything changed."

Last year Fisher officially launched Studio D-og and turned her avocation into a business. She quit her job as a language teacher and left California. Fisher decided it would be best to base herself out of Oklahoma where she can collaborate with her mother.

Every morning the two designers meet in Virgie's studio to brainstorm on their latest commissions. New clients consult with the younger Fisher before a commission is accepted. Artist and patron discuss the design. "Our customers are part of the creative process," says Fisher. From Chihuahuas to Staffordshire terriers, Studio D-og can customize a garment for an eager owner. Rachele Fisher is always open for a new challenge.

"Nothing is exactly the same," warns Rachele Fisher. Customers can call and say they admired a particular garment they saw at auction or on a friend's dog, but the garments and houses are hand made and subject to the whims of the artists.

The ladies tend to have many projects in the works at one time: Rachele can be updating the website while across the studio Virgie is selecting fabrics for a new collection. Rachele Fisher takes on all the doghouse construction projects. The majority of these mini mansions are scaled to suit toy and small dogs. Prices start at $450 for a tiny doghouse suitable for a teacup-sized owner. Adding special details like sequin flowers, Swarovski crystal embellishments, seashell mosaics and semi-precious stones will increase the price; a typical embellished beach-themed doghouse starts at $950. All Studio D-og houses are constructed of solid wood. Fisher uses a balsa wood (it's soft and perfect for carving) for exterior details like shingles and trim. Once the wooden foundation is in place, Fisher adds decorative accents.

Exceptional handwork also goes into each Studio D-og garment - this truly is doggie couture. Studio D-og uses only all natural fibers such as silk and cotton. Unwilling to settle for less than the perfect print or hue, Rachele has been known to hand dye fabric or hand paint a pattern on silk to achieve the desired affect. Virgie incorporates hand beading, hand embroidery and appliqué when dreaming up a new creation. A basic garment for a toy-sized dog would start at $35, with prices increasing depending upon the amount of labor and materials required to embellish the garment. On average most pieces take about three weeks to complete. A large elaborate coat will demand more time and may cost several hundred dollars.

Carole Sax has been working with the Amanda Foundation, a canine rescue organization, for more than 15 years. She says that the beach house and garments donated by Studio D-og were all the rage at a recent benefit - raising nearly $1000. Through her designs, Rachele Fisher may have saved dogs from death row (according to the Amanda Foundation, in Los Angeles more than 200,000 unwanted pets are destroyed each year). The appreciative Sax raves about Rachele Fisher's work, "I believe she could win Project Runway... I can't say enough about her talent."

Philanthropy has been a great marketing tool for Studio D-og. Many clients are introduced to Studio D-og products at fundraisers. Once they take home their auction prize, they become loyal customers.

Next up for Studio D-og is a D.I.Y. line of clothing. With that collection, Studio D-og will invite crafty dog owners to put their own signature into the garment and express their inner designer. The "Do It Yourself" garment kit will include a pattern and all the accessories required to fashion a doggie garment.

In addition to her following from the charity circuit, Studio D-og finds clients via the Internet and word of mouth (to see the online boutique, visit www.studiodogboutique.com). Fisher considers herself fortunate to be able to combine her love of art with her passion for dogs. As for Angel, he's still in the picture, keeping a close eye on production and making sure other dogs get a moment in the spotlight and the chance to shine.