Happy Thanksgiving 2: Pet a Porter at Harrods

All Pet, all Porter. What could be better? Dogs and models, dogs and catwalks, dogs in outfits...without the usual snickering from the straight male population whose masculinity is somehow inexplicably threatened by the mere presence of a precocious pup in stylish duds. I am literally in heaven: I am THANKFUL FOR THE PUPPIES.

Now in its 7th year, Pet a Porter is something of an animalistic tour de force. Top dog Al Fayed always attends with his flock of grandchildren grinning broadly beside him in the front row and Dame Westwood usually contributes an exclusive look or two. This year, in keeping with Harrod's Christmas Wizard of Oz theme, the first few doggies who trotted down the runway were clad like the original fab four of Technicolor: Dorothy, the lion, the tin man, and, most importantly, Toto! The Wizard of Oz then retreated back to the Emerald City giving way to scene 2: "Lunching." Here were black tutus and tees for pugs, Jasmine de Milo black jersey dresses for the models, feathers for the Chihuahua and Philosophy for her human chauffeur.

"Lunching" then evolved into "Bespoke" where dog-loving designers were really able to roll up their sleeves and dig into it, doggy style. Milliner Victoria Grant (who used to work with the House of Blueeyes) created a spectacular ornate crown which was strapped to the head of an unsuspecting bull dog. All it took was one good shake and that sucker began to slip from its lofty perch to a murmur of heartfelt laughter. Even Victoria herself (who was seated next to me) had a solid chuckle. Westwood also adorned several pups and the diamond colors and leads came out in full 50 karat force.

The show closed with a Christmas scene, where doggies became reindeers, Mrs. Claws (claws!) and gingerbread dogs.

All in all, this year's Pet a Porter made for a lovely stand-in for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade--a la canine. From Oz to high fashion, the costume and the cheeky, the doggies parading down the runway were like their own little celebration of all that is fun and festive, just like the thousands of boy scout feet that were pounding the pavement of Midtown Manhattan. And just like that famous final float to bustle its way down Broadway, bringing Santa Claus to town and a close to Turkey Day, Pet a Porter's Christmas finale had just the same effect.

You hear that, Butters? You better watch out, you better not bark, you better not fart, I'm telling you why: Santa Claws is coming to town.

Each year, Pet a Porter holds a raffle at the event with all proceeds going to the Retired Greyhound Trust, a charity which helps retired race dogs find loving homes. Click here to check out their website...tis the season!

Photos by Marina Scukina

Pre-Party: drinks and caninepes

Bert and Al Fayed

Mother, me and the Cesar westie

The Dogwalk

Muffin (Shih Tzu) JJ & Me-Dorothy; Dorothy Costume (only available in children's sizes)

Lily (Chihuahua) Pampets-Bad Witch; Paul Smith Black Label-green sequin dress (£399)

Lily (Flat Coat Receiver) Pampets-Tin Man; Vivienne Westwood Anglomania-silver dress (£399)

Coco (Chow Chow) JJ& Me-Lion; Richard James-brown sharkskin suit (£729), Richard James-triple band silk tie (£74.95), Harrods Own Label-classic white shirt (£59.95)

Quincy (Pug) Black Tutu and Peace Top (£32.95); Westwood platforms

(Right) Cookie (Bulldog) Victoria Grant Crown Hat

Lily (Chihuahua) Diamond Dog-Leopard Jacket, Canali-beige angora coat (£1100), Canali-grey trousers (£179); Coco (Shih Tzu) Roberto Cavalli-Leopard Print, Roberto Cavalli-brown mole skin dress (£3805), Cavali-leopard print blouse (£500), Cavalli-black trousers (£605)

Eddie (Pug) Pet London-Elf

Muffin (Shih Tzu) NYD-Mrs. Santa red dress

Cookie (British Bulldog) Pampets-Reindeer (£19.95), Paul Smith Black Label-red satin dress (£329)

Lily (Flat Coat Receiver) Pampets-Turkey, Notte by Marchesa-red gown (£1200)

(left) Lily (Chihuahua) Pampets-Gingerbread man (£19.95), Kenzo-beige beaded dress (£3650); (center) Chelsea (W.H. Terrier) Pampets-Penguin (£19.95), Jenny Packham-black eveing gown (£1700)