Since launching their label in 2015, Monse designers Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia have found innovative ways to bring casual chic to sculptural suiting, season after season.

Their pre-fall ’19 collection was no exception, featuring a patchwork motif and elegantly re-contextualized bandana print.

But on top of the usual rebellious fun, the duo bow-wowed their fans by casting more than 30 dogs in need of homes in the season’s lookbook.

Human models volunteered to pose in strappy heels made of dog-leash material, while holding Milk-Bone-esque purses alongside their fabulous furry friends.

And the canine cameos weren’t just for kicks — they’re part of a new initiative from the brand that benefits six pet-rescue organizations in NYC, and spotlights pups in need of a loving home. (Every dog featured in the lookbook has since been adopted.)

Monse’s special Charitable Collection includes dog attire (think: Fido-sized wool sailor sweaters and collared cotton polos, from $80), luxe collars and leashes (also from $80), as well as human togs adorned with Pluto designs (from $250).

The pieces are exclusively available on Monse.com, with 100 percent of the profits going to rescue groups like Animal Haven (where the designers’ good friend Nicky Hilton Rothschild is a longtime supporter).
It was Hilton Rothschild, in fact, who first brought Kim to Animal Haven, opening her eyes to just how many animals in NYC need homes. From that point on, the Monse team knew they had to lend a helping paw.

“Our CEO at Oscar de la Renta, [Alex Bolen], told us how different they are when you adopt them, that they actually really appreciate you. They almost know,” Kim tells Alexa. “[This collection] is about giving back to dogs — that make our day much easier.”

And who was on their doggy mood-board while the collection was in the works? That would be Kim’s sister’s rescue dog, Louise, who’s part pit bull, part Pekingese, and full-time showrunner at the Monse studio. “She’s there every day. She never gets to go on vacation,” Kim laughs, adding that their Tribeca workplace almost always has at least one pooch bounding around. “Our office is quite long, so they can run back and forth.”

Not to mention the beloved animated character Pluto appears in both Monse’s Charitable Collection as well as its Disney collab, which launched yesterday (with Mickey Mouse’s faithful companion adorning scarves, dresses, sweaters, T-shirts and denim).

“We didn’t want to do some perfect fantasy dog,” says Kim. “Pluto looks like a rescue dog!” What better to wear during the dog days of summer?

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