Fashion Week Goes to the Dogs (and Cats): Designers and Their Pets

What inspires Jason Wu? His cats, of course! Jinxy and Peaches were the driving force behind Wu's recent collaboration with Target, even appearing in ads for the collection. "My cats are really sassy and sophisticated, but most importantly, they are picky," Wu told People. Just like his customers, actually.

Karl Lagerfeld's cat, Choupette, is living a life most of us only dream of, eating pâté and being tended to by two full-time maids. But the best part of this story is Lagerfeld himself, who is totally smitten with his kitten. "I never thought I would like cats," he told Harper's Bazaar. But then he met Choupette and the rest is history. "When I'm in bed, sometimes she comes and brings all her toys in my bed," says Lagerfeld. Now that's love.

Sure, Karl Lagerfeld's cat has two maids, but Valentino's six Pugs — Milton, Monty, Maude, Margot, Maggie and Molly — have a butler and their own limo (although Maude always travels with Valentino in his car). The dogs also made an appearance in the 2008 documentary The Last Emperor, upstaging the designer with their antics, which included peeing on the floor during a photo shoot. Bad Pug!

Donatella Versace is fierce — there's no other word for her. But she also has a soft side. "The first thing I do each morning is get out of bed and give my [Jack Russell], Audrey, a hug" she told Harper's Bazaar. "I think having an animal is a wonderful thing, particularly dogs. They are great levelers, there's no nonsense with them, and they just want simple affection." We agree, and we can't think of a nicer way to start the day — particularly during Fashion Week.

Victoria Beckham caused a stir earlier this year when she dressed a friend's dog up in one of her frocks. But as delightful as Harry looked in Posh Spice's design, we think her actual dog, a French Bulldog named Scarlett, is even cuter. And Scarlett has a sister, a Bulldog named Coco, who once appeared on Twitter with her nails painted red. It's probably a good thing Beckham finally had a baby girl; now the dogs will have clothes their own size to dress up in.

Isaac Mizrahi calls Harry, his mixed-breed pooch, the perfect companion. "He’s not in the least bit ironic, nor does he have a sleep problem or a weight problem," Mizrahi told WWD. "We complement each other in a way that no humans could ever possibly do. We’re both Democrats. We’re both Jewish. He’s an Aries, I’m a Libra. Harry is a good boy, and I’m … well, I’m not always so good." Sounds like a match designed in doggie heaven.

Reem Acra is most famous for her stunning bridal gowns, and her work has her traveling the globe from Paris to Dubai and everywhere in between. Right there with her at every stop is her Maltese, Lou Lou. But Lou Lou doesn't just go on the road with Acra; she also hangs out back stage during Fashion Week events, keeping the designer calm and collected during high-stress shows. In fact, last September Lou Lou took a turn on the catwalk in a Fashion's Night Out show at Bergdorf Goodman. Maybe a line of canine bridal wear will be next for Acra and Lou Lou.