Grand Central scouts for 'doggy superstars' to walk runway

TOOWOOMBA has gone barking mad for the idea of a dog fashion show. Here's how you can enter your dog.

NOT TOO RUFF: Toowoomba pup Felix shows off his fine fashion ahead of the competition. Picture: PLAYBACKSTUDIOS

TOOWOOMBA has gone barking mad for the idea of a dog fashion show, as Grand Central starts its hunt for potential "doggy superstars" to walk the runway.

In a post to the Grand Central Facebook page, the marketing team said it was on the look-out for "10 lucky local dogs and owners to appear in a dog fashion parade on September 21".

The post has accrued more than 250 comments since it was added to the page on Friday evening.

The call out comes as the country celebrated International Dog Day today, with residents and businesses across the Darling Downs sharing cute pictures of their dogs.

Grand Central marketing executive Julie Thompson said this was the first time the centre was running the parade, but if it was popular it might make a return.

"We know how much Toowoomba loves its pooches, so it's been something we have been trying to create," Ms Thompson said.

"We are testing the waters, if we get a great response there is no reason why we can't do it again next year.

"By Saturday night we had already received 84 comments and a whole heap of gorgeous photos loaded up."

And what does it take to be one of the 10 finalists?

"We will be whittling it down to a diverse range of dogs; we would like them to be showcasing our fashion," Ms Thompson said.

"We will be looking for dogs that can walk on a lead with their owner and that are okay in crowds.

"Dogs selected to be in the parade will be modelling products from a variety of Grand Central retailers including Kmart, BIG W, Target, H&M, Typo, Peter Alexander, Supanews, and Just Crazy Bargains."

The successful candidates will be vetted before the show, fitted with a flattering outfit "that (they are) comfortable with and won't chew to pieces".

The dogs and their handlers will appear on stage at Central Square on September 21, prior to the Grand Central Floral Parade.

The parade comes after a surge in popularity of dog fashion.

"Halloween has become huge for people dressing up their dogs," Ms Thompson said.

"They are a loved part of everyone's family, so we are spending more time making them beautiful.

"This is just another way we can showcase retailers and their gorgeous fashions."

If you think the competition is a walk in the park, make sure to enter by adding a picture of your pup to the Grand Central Facebook post before September 1.

Originally published as Grand Central scouts for 'doggy superstars' to walk runway