I never thought in a million years that I’d be that person. You know, the chick with the too-cute dressed-up ankle-biter dog. Ugh!

 

My family had rugged, active working dogs growing up, and even with allergies I acquired later on in life, I was always more of a cat person really. Then I met JoJo. Now I’m the unabashedly proud owner of a three-month old Yorkshire Terrier, and yeah… I’m that person.

 

I couldn’t help myself – I had to get JoJo a wardrobe! In my quest to find the right couture, I was running into dead end. I found a bunch of frilly, foo-foo stuff my grandma probably would have sewn for him.

No disrespect, my Grandma was a helluva seamstress, but let’s keep it real. My dog lives in the heart of Harlem, I’m a Hip-Hop head, and I can’t have my studly dog wearing pink bows and frilly dresses (even if he only weighs 3.1 pounds). Besides, pink is so 2003 in Harlem fashion!

 

Any of you with any type of swagger and pride in your pet understand my pain here. You wouldn’t want your pitbull Roscoe sporting a tutu would you?

 

By chance, I stumbled upon BitchNewYork.com – a site that has more doggy bling and Hip-Hop inspired dog couture than I could even image. I won’t pretend that it’s for everyone – it’s called “couture” for a reason. Specialized and name brand clothing, beds, furniture, collars, carriers, grooming products can cost a pretty penny, but I figure if I can blow money on sneakers like I do, my dog can look good too!

 

Bitch New York President Stacy Braverman (also known as Phoenix) took some time to talk to us about the concepts behind the company, the high demand for Hip-Hop friendly accessories, and even some sensitive subjects like muzzling and dog fighting.

 

AllHipHop.com: When did you start your company, and what inspired you to get into the doggy couture business?

 

Stacy Braverman: I started researching the market in 2004. I had just gotten my first small dog, and was very excited to be able to dress her up and take her out. The first thing I wanted to do was bling out her collar with her name, Lola. I had such a hard time finding really nice collars and clothing that I decided to make it myself.

 

It didn't take me long to see that manufacturing was not for me, so I decided to look into creating my own website. It took me over a year to put together what I thought was the best of the best in doggie couture. I launched the site in the late summer of '06, and the rest is Bitch New York history!

 

AllHipHop.com: You carry a lot of Hip-Hop friendly clothing for dogs, more so than any other retail outlets. Did you go after that market intentionally?

 

Stacy: I didn't actually pick the market as much as I just tried to choose the products that appealed to me. It just so happens that Hip-Hop must be my style! I think that part of the target market was to be celebrities, and many of them are Hip-Hop stars. Those are the people who will go over the top for their animals. So that market is just a perfect fit for me.

 

AllHipHop.com: We know that pitbulls and other large breeds are very popular within the Hip-Hop community. Do you have [more] people buying the clothing/bling for little dogs? What is the trend you see?

 

Stacy: Yes, definitely. Most people don't even know that there is clothing for big dogs as well. We have a section of the website dedicated to big dog sizes just for that reason. The small dogs really need the clothing more for comfort in the colder weather, so if you are going to buy a t-shirt for your dog, why not pick something that makes a statement? The rhinestone skull and crossbones was the trend of the season. Everything from charms to jackets had some version of that design, even for girls. Bling is always in - diamonds never go out of style!

 

AllHipHop.com: It's been said that wearing dog couture can result in self esteem boosts in puppies. Do you agree with that?

 

Stacy: My second dog is named Winston. He immediately became a prince. He is the alpha male in the pack. He is the one who loves to get dressed out of all my dogs. So maybe it is a self esteem boost. Generally, when people have a little dog, they tend to take it out with them more. Logically, that is when the dog would be dressed. I think that they soon realize that clothes mean time out of the house and time spent alone with mommy or daddy. So maybe that is the reason he stands at his armoire and taps his foot.

 

AllHipHop.com: I see a horrific amount of people in New York using either spiked collars (which dig into the dog's skin) or regular collars/harnasses (the dogs drag the owner). Can you speak on the importance of finding the right collar for your dog?

 

Stacy: Honestly, I just don't like the look of those spiked collars and could never use one. I am told that the premise is that a mild pressure is distributed evenly around the neck so there is no pain or injury. They are supposed to be very effective for dogs that have a thick neck or who are very powerful. However, this should not be used for a dog that pulls or lunges.

 

With the traditional choke collar, there is actually more of a chance of choking your dog and causing throat and neck injuries. I think that the best method is to hire an experienced trainer to get your dog used to the training process, and teach you how to effectively handle your dog on a leash.

 

AllHipHop.com: How do you feel about muzzling a dog for any reason?

 

Stacy: I think that there is a time and a place for everything.The safety of the people around you has to be of utmost importance. There are dogs that will bite if they perceive danger and there may be times that dogs need to be muzzled (like at the vet!).

 

The problem with all of these training tools (muzzles, choke collars) is misuse by owners. I really believe that dogs need to be trained. They need to be taught right from wrong and what you expect from them in certain situations. Dogs that are trained will generally not need any of these devices except in an emergency.

 

AllHipHop.com: Dog fighting has been in the news quite a bit these days. Although it's ages old and there are a lot of people who do it, there has been a lot of media association with Hip-Hop and sports figures lately. What are your thoughts on the recent situations with Michael Vick, DMX, Roy Jones, etc? Do you think they are being made examples of by the justice system and/or media?

 

Stacy: In the U.S., dogfighting is considered a felony in every state except Wyoming and Idaho. I think that celebrities and sports figures have to be very careful about how they conduct their lives. They are in the public eye, and are very often the role models for our children.

 

I have five dogs, and sometimes two of them will get into a fight over a dog bone and really get into it. I tell my children to stay away from them when it happens, but I will risk my own safety to stop it because it is heartbreaking. I can't begin to imagine anyone actually staging that as an event to bet money on or to view for pleasure.

 

AllHipHop.com: On a lighter note, what are your thoughts on people dying their dog's fur or painting their nails as a fashion statement? Is dying a dog's fur very safe for them?

 

Stacy: I go to trade shows for the Pet Product Industry all the time, and there are always dogs walking around with their fur dyed. This is done with special dye that is non-toxic and made specifically for dogs. Do not ever use human hair dye on your dog. Pet Esthe has a line of fur dye and nail polish for dogs.

 

I think that the same theory would apply to this as for the clothes...if you spend time with your dog, whether you are taking him for a walk or polishing her nails, your dog is happy. As long as it is safe for the dog, no harm done in a little color if it makes you and your dog happy.

 

AllHipHop.com: Are there any particular breeds more in need of extra clothing over their fur when it's cold out? What are the best pieces of clothing to actually keep your dog warm without making them uncomfortable?

 

Stacy: "Small dogs and delicate breeds with thin single coats may need additional protection from the winter rain and cold." That is straight from a book written by a vet. I think that a nice sweater or jacket is staple in a doggie armoire. If you walk your dog and it is raining, a raincoat will keep the dog dry and comfortable.

Booties are also helpful if the dog is walking in the street to protect their paws from "snow melt" and general debris. I carry my dogs, but they still wear something to keep them warm and I gauge it by the temperature. Something with a hood helps when it is windy or chilly and it looks cute too.

 

AllHipHop.com: What are some of the best selling items you've had for the Hip-Hop dog?

 

Stacy: Bling is the big favorite. It is on everything from hanging collar charms to custom made dog beds by Urban Bone that we can "bling out" as little or as much as you like. Like I said earlier, the skull and crossbone designs are a hit. The t-shirts that have sayings like "I've got 99 problems but a bitch ain't one" are also a favorite.

 

We sell products by Ed Hardy whose signature is tattoo inspired designs. Those types of designs are done on beds and clothing too. Personalized dog collars with names like "Snoop Dog" or "Bitch" and "Stud" in crystals are always the rage.

 

AllHipHop.com: What are some of your personal favorite items right now?

 

Stacy: I just got a line of dog leashes that are made from Genuine Brass Knuckles and covered in Swarovski crystals. I got one, and I think that it's going to be the hit of the dog park - if not "the talk of the town.”

 

We also have the greatest designer collars from Paris that are so unique, and a lot of them have that Hip-Hop edginess that I love! We even have a new line of safety collars that flash neon patterns in the dark that are best I've seen. We do a lot of custom clothing work, so if you want it and you don't see it - we can make it - as long as you're willing to pay for it!