Monday, November 29, 2010

Fashionable felines show why they're the cat(walk)'s whiskers

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Precocious: Bruce is only 11 months old but already has sophisticated tastes in clothing


Step aside puss in boots because these models are showing off the latest designer clothing in a new calendar.

The amusing pictures show the fashionable felines are more than ready for the catwalk as they proudly display the new winter collection of fashion house, United Bamboo.

Designer and creative director of United Bamboo, Miho Aoki got the idea to put together the feline range after discovering his pet kitten, TG, had a penchant for high fashion.


Model moggies: Oscar (left) looks the cat's whiskers in a natty white blazer while 12-year-old Thomas Jefferson models a more colourful design


Creating these made to measure outfits, the company held auditions to find the right cat model, with the result is this incredible non-photoshopped calendar.

'I made my kitty TJ's clothes with extra fabrics from the United Bamboo collection long ago and took pictures with my friend just for fun,' said Miho.

'For some reason, last year everyone around me were a bunch of cat lovers; my pattern maker, my sales person and my assistant.

'So I thought it would be really fun to make some mini kitty United Bamboo pieces that are fun to create for everyone to try on their cats.'

Most fashion photographers have stories of temperamental models, and these feline fashionistas gave just as good to Miho and his team


Fur coat: Patootie models a custom- made parka as he poses for the December page of the calendar


Floral feline: Egon is pretty in pink though he doesn't loko particularly happy with his outfit


'It was bit difficult to dress the kitties, so we made as simple as possible,' said Miho. 'We made two piece outfits into one piece, and put velcro tape instead of buttons and zippers so that its easier to close and adjustable.

'The faster you can get them into the outfit, the less time the claws have to come out!

'Almost every cats shoot was funny because they all have completely different personalities. We had to act as fluffers too, using props like toys, feathers etc to get the cats to pose!

'Some are really quiet and really like models - they knew what they were doing!


Wrapped up warm: The United Bamboo calendar features a wide range of feline fashion including coats and dresses


'Some are bit angry, and you just have to keep shooting till you get something. It depends on the character.'

The photographs for the kittie calendar were taken in the United Bamboo studios in September and shows a cat for each month of the year.

The calendar is in its second year of production after Miho was bombarded with interest from customers as well as those volunteering their pet cats

'There's been an amazing reaction,' he said. 'We had no idea how much people love cats in dresses!'


Why the long face? Ziggy looks a little happier in this strappy number than out of it


Two-piece: Vivi's boucle cape and skirt could have come from the feline version of Chanel


United Bamboo was founded in 1998, specialising in innovative patterns, fabrics, origami pleats and asymmetrical shapes.

United Bamboo's clients include Yeah Yeah Yeahs singer, Karen Oh, photographer, Annabel Mehran and musician, Joanna Newsom.

The Cat Calendar 2011 is available at www.unitedbamboo.com.


All tied up: Another model appears perfectly poised in a feature bow and flared skirt



May model: Noel struts his stuff in a print dress

source: dailymail


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