Anticipation is building ahead of The Colombo Dog Fashion Show on Sunday, October 16, with Starlet the Chinese Crested already showing the importance of accessorising. No big reveal until the day though – competition costumes are shrouded in secrecy.

The fashion show starts at 10am but the fun continues all day, with ice cream and cake for the canines and The Colombo’s host of excellent eateries serving up goodies all day.

The event is the brainchild of Lilly Cooper, owner of The Colombo, and this year’s one-day event is just the start. Lilly has big plans for next year, with a series of shows for different dogs over four weeks, including the school holidays.

“We really want to grow the event and get children involved. Holding it alongside the school holidays will help with that,” Lilly says.

The organisers have gone all out to recreate the drama of a New York or Paris catwalk. Connie O'Callaghan, AKA Fifi Lamore, will be MC. Each dog will parade to the strains of a suitable song. It’s the pride of Scotland, The Proclaimers, for Gus the Cairn Terrier cross. ZZ Top banger ‘Legs’ will introduce Lucy the greyhound. And of course, the Baha Men’s ‘Who Let the Dogs Out’ is on the songlist.

Any of the models – and their carers – that find it hard to play well with others will face a red card. No word yet on whether NZ Fashion Week will take a similar approach.

So get along to The Colombo on October 16 for the Big Event and fill up your Insta reel with snaps of dapper doggies.

thecolombo.co.nz