VAMFF: Leading designers create doggie couture to raise money for Guide Dogs Australia

THE Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival catwalk is set to go to the dogs when top Australian designers showcase custom one-off canine coats.

THE Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival catwalk is set to go to the dogs when top Australian designers showcase custom one-off dog coats as part of the Diamond Dogs runway on March 18.

Camilla, Romance Was Born and Manning Cartell are among the labels to showcase a hero piece from their collection alongside a custom-made, one-of-a-kind dog coat modelled by Guide Dogs Australia’s labradors.

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Model Alex Hecker with Harry and Maisey in designer outfits. Picture: Tim Caraffa

Model Alex Hecker with Bently, Harry, Willow and Maisey in designer outfits. Picture: Tim Caraffa

Model Alex Hecker with Bently, Harry, Willow and Maisey in designer outfits. Picture: Tim Caraffa

Sighted guides will provide audio descriptions of the spectacular event for guests with blindness or low vision and there will be a chance to go backstage after the show to hear the designers discuss their creations.

At the close of the evening the coats will be auctioned, with all proceeds going to Guide Dogs Australia.

Guide Dogs Victoria chief executive Karen Hayes says funds raised will enable the organisation to continue helping Australians with blindness or low vision.

“There is nothing this city loves more than haute couture and puppies, and I cannot wait to see the two pair up at this year’s Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival,” she said.

The Diamond Dogs show will be held on March 18 in the Park Hyatt Grand Ballroom at 5pm and 7pm.