PUGS, the style icon of 2012

Pugs have been the royal mascot of Britain since Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII piled into bed every night with their six pugs (Disraeli, Davey Crockett, Black Diamond, Imp, Trooper, and Ginseng) and 11 tapestry pug cushions (later sold for $13,800 ).  However it seems Pugs do travel, with Pugmania now catapulting around the world. Finally a top notch trend of regal standing. The original Brit Pack; pugs are riding on the back of the fabulous pomp & ceremony of Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee and London Olympics.

With almost identikit similarities, Pugs symbolise the golly gosh posh British people; outrageously dry sense of humour, strong willed & opinionated, but rarely aggressive, adorable rather than natural beauties, aloof, and infinitely more royally connected than anyone around them.

With a pug popping his flat podgy head out the side of your handbag, you’re automatically posh by association. Surely that’s what Kelly Osbourne and Mickey Rourke are hoping.  For the posh set, pugs are the fashionable chum that never strays. Valentino's pugs (pictured) are always paparazzi ready, dressed in his latest catwalk couture. While British upper crust comedian Jonathan Ross takes his chubby pug, Mr. Pickles, down to the local village pub each Friday for a pint together.

Somehow, these regal, unassuming little chaps have become a symbol of hope in troubled times. The fashion world agrees.

Back in May, twenty one designers including Valentino, Missoni, Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Emilio Pucci and Mary Katrantzou joined forces with UNICEF to help raise profile and funds for Bangladesh, by creating the first ever Pug Capsule Collection. Despite having to contend with plus-sized models, the sewing machine maestros whipped up some jolly good haute couture outfits that any pug would be proud to wear. The collection was subsequently auctioned on eBay.co.uk and raised oodles of cash for UNICEF. (See all the Designer Pugs here)

Now that pugs have their own couture wardrobe, they have become hot property. Even recently spotted on the catwalk of the L’Oreal Show for graduating students of prestigious design school, Central Saint Martins.  It’s not blatantly obvious why Natalia Mencej chose to have Rastafarian models holding pugs dressed in matching outfits; but that’s fashion for you.

Even if Pugs weren’t the hottest icon of 2012 (along with the Union Jack), I would still have fallen head over heels in love these pug cushions found in Topham Trading. Those adorable squished faces all wrapped up cosy in beautiful French knotted scarves make me smile even when I'm grumpy. Plus I feel suitably regal knowing that the cushions were made in France, using the same traditional tapestry and weaving techniques as Wallis Simpson’s pug cushions. Harpers Bazaar Interiors magazine recently commented that signature cushions have become “the nail polish of interiors” in these uncertain times. Relatively inexpensive but still luxurious treat that can make a much loved, much worn outfit look fresh again. My couch agrees.

Toodle LOo.

Pug Tapestry Cushions available from Topham Trading, 39 Albert St, Daylesford. +61(0)325348 3164

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