By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Marlborough – In the world of fashion, there are models who are so iconic they are known by their first names only – Cindy, Kate, Naomi, Gisele. “Lala,” who lives in Marlborough, may not be quite as well known – yet – but in a short time, she has built up an impressive resume that most aspiring models would be thrilled about. This up and coming fashionista has been featured on a rap star’s television show, was featured in a runway show during one of the fashion world’s main events – New York’s Fashion Week – has a boyfriend as handsome as she is pretty, has a designer wardrobe to die for, and she is a budding social media star.
But Lala is not your typical model. Rather, she is a 2-1/2 year old, 6-pound, Orange-Sable Pomeranian who lives in Marlborough with her family.
For her owner, Linda White, the last few months have been exciting and a whirlwind as Lala continues to take the fashion world by storm.
Photos courtesy of Linda White
It was when the family was vacationing in Florida when White heard of a casting call for dogs to model pet fashions on the Viceland cable show, “Most Expensivest,” hosted by rapper 2 Chainz. Lala, along with several other dogs, was chosen to wear outfits by Anthony Rubio, who is a women’s wear designer but has developed a reputation for his gorgeous pet couture.
On Rubio’s website, there are dozens of examples of his talent with pooches wearing bedazzled capes, dresses and hats. The outfits are indeed spectacular, but it is the dogs that are most compelling. Many of them are rescues – Rubio regularly works with animal welfare organizations and shelters to bring awareness to the need for pet adoptions. Rubio is fond of saying that, in his shows, the dogs are not accessories, but rather the human models are accessories to the dogs.
After Lala appeared in the “Most Expensivest” segment, Rubio asked White if Lala could walk (or rather, be carried) by model Amanda Rouse in Rubio’s Fashion Week show. Rouse is no doubt beautiful and wore a fabulous dress but Lala, with her sweet expressive face and spectacular gold and silver sequined ensemble, was truly stunning.
“It was so much fun,” White said of the experience of watching her pup on the runway. “It was a packed house – Lala did great.”
Lala was also photographed for Rubio’s soon to be published book, “Canine Coutures.”
Her boyfriend “Race” (a 2-1/2 year old Yorkie from Hudson) will also be featured in the book.
For more on Rubio and his work, visit anthonyrubiodesigns.com.
Like any great model of the millennial age, Lala is also quickly becoming a social media star. She has nearly 7,000 followers on Instagram (@lalapomeranian) and 800 on Facebook (Lala the Pomeranian).
“We’re not sure what will happen next but right now we are having a lot of fun,” White said.
