Fashion designers Vivienne Westwood, Matthew Williamson and Lulu Guinness are among those who crafted special dog coats and collars featuring in a one-of-a-kind dogwalk at the charity’s annual Collars & Coats Gala Ball on Thursday.
The unique fashion fundraiser, which took place at Battersea Evolution, was the 10th Collars & Coats Ball hosted by the famous dogs and cats home.
Each of the beautiful collars and coats were sold at auction at the Gala, which helped Battersea raise vital funds on the night, helping to ensure the future of many more vulnerable cats and dogs.
Battersea’s chief executive Claire Horton said: “There really is no event like Battersea’s Collars & Coats Gala Ball. Over ten years our now world-famous charity fundraiser has got bigger and better, but one thing never changes and that’s the focus on our dogs and cats, who are the real superstars, and the reason everyone joins us on this one sparkling night of fun and entertainment.”
Among stars to step out on the red carpet for the annual event were Dame Jaquelin Wilson, TV doctor Christian Jessen, actress Amanda Abbington, David Gandy, Jeff Brazier and Jennifer Saunders.
David Gandy poses with a dog at the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Collars & Coats Gala Ball 2018 at Battersea Evolution on November 1 in London (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home)
In preparation for the event, several of Battersea’s canine residents to feature in the show were given a taste of the model life with a day out to the studio of celebrity photographer Rankin where they were pampered before posing for individual shots.
The evening was hosted by television presenter Kirsty Gallacher and included a performance from Grammy Award-winning legend Billy Ocean.
The Gala celebrated and recognised many rehoming success stories and the dedicated team that takes in and rehomes over 7,000 dogs and cats each year.
Designer Julien Macdonald said: “The Collars & Coats Gala ball is such a fabulous initiative and I am proud to support all that Battersea does in helping abandoned dogs and cats.
“I wanted my dog coat to have a subtle hint of my SS19 runway theme, so that it was true canine-couture! We added Swarovski to mock snake-skin and finished the collar with a fabulous feather trim.
“I wanted the very special model to strut down the Collars & Coats dog-walk feeling like a million dollars! I always love having the opportunity to support Battersea and think this initiative is an amazing idea.”
Images courtesy of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, with thanks.
