New Canine Couture Clothing Line, BARQUE, Launches with Puppy Runway Fashion Show July 15

CHICAGO (June 2009)-Attention Rick Owens, Dries Van Noten and John Varvatos; Make room for the latest in haute couture, BARQUE by Gay Roberts, the hot new Chicago-based luxury collection creating high fashion styles that will make pooches bark for more. In celebration of the launch of BARQUE, a runway fashion show starring the trendiest Chicago dogs wearing the new haute couture designs will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 15 at Top Dog Productions (1551 N. Kingsbury St., 312-642-4931), a full-service doggy daycare. There is no admission fee to attend, and Chicago Sun-Times columnist Bill Zwecker serves as the event's emcee.

"BARQUE's designs are unique, and for every special occasion," says owner Roberts, who designs the one-of-a-kind hand-knit sweaters for both boy and girl pups. "I'm happy for BARQUE to be partnering with Top Dog, and excited to share the brand with Chicago's chicest pups and their stylish owners."

Gold Coast Fashionista and dog lover, Roberts began knitting luxury sweaters for her teacup Yorkie, Fergie, and quickly gained the attention of neighboring dog owners. Roberts, a former New York couture model and sportswear designer took her entrepreneurial skills gained from her former floral business and corporate sales experience, and made her fashion and dog passions a reality with the launch of BARQUE.

The BARQUE collection includes hip, cutting-edge designs as well as classic looks for any puppy outing. One of Roberts' favorite designs is a black leather or denim motorcycle jacket with a zip pocket and "Hope and Glory" wings, available with or without a furry collar. Another posh design is the chic black velvet top coat adorned with diamonds and a matching jeweled lead. More casual and very cool looks are stone-washed denim harnesses and jackets and dresses in vintage fabrics. Many of these unique designs will be worn by local pups on the runway, including BARQUE supermodel Fergie and her best friend, Olga Honey Boo Boo, a miniature poodle. Bella, the bull dog, has a one-of-a-kind hip runway piece. Three-pound Fergie and her standard poodle pal Zoe will close the show in knockout, custom-designed runway outfits.

In addition to viewing the latest canine couture fashions, guests at the event can enjoy wine and "Rin Tin Tini" cocktails, light hors d'oeurves, plus treats including human-friendly dog biscuits and "Dog Pound Cake." Attendees will be put in a raffle drawing to win a BARQUE design. Members from local no-kill shelter PAWS Chicago will also be at the event collecting donations.

BARQUE designs range from size 4 to 14, and retail for $50 to $250 each. BARQUE designs are available online at www.barque.biz or retail at Pawsh Puppies (2120 N. Halsted St.; 773-525-8680). To RSVP to the event, call BARQUE at (312) 266-6683.

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