Model: Maxine Photographer: Dez Santana
Welcome to another issue of DOGUE! Janelle Funari is the designer of a popular Eco-Friendly dog couture brand: FUNARI New York & Maxine Ave NYC. For this issue, we sat down with Janelle, to learn her story and how she got started in the world of fashion, and canine couture, in particular. She shares her beginnings, and behind the scenes, with us. We also get a glimpse into her latest dog collection as featured in NYFW, earlier this year. A collection so big, it appeared on Times Square! We also meet Maxine, the face and the muse of the brand, as well as some of Janelle's Super Models. To learn more about Janelle Funari's fashion, visit www.funariny.com and www.maxineavenuenyc.com. We look forward to connecting with you on Instagram @thedoguemagazine and @coverdogs. XOXO,
Oli Port
BEHIND THE BRAND: THE COUTURE OF FUNARI & MAXINE AVE NYC
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MEET MAXINE OF MAXINE AVE NYC
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THE COUTURE OF FUNARI NEW YORK
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Meet Maxine, The Pup & The Muse Behind The Fashion Dog Brand
Meet The Runway Models Of Funari Couture & See The Latest Looks Of The Collection
BEHIND THE BRAND: JANELLE FUNARI We Get Up Close & Personal With Janelle Funari
Model: Maxine and Ellie Matus Photographer: Noel Valero
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Welcome to the family of Maxine Ave NYC!
Model: Maxine Photographer: Noel Valero
Meet Maxine Hello loves, Maxine here. Welcome to my World of Maxine Avenue, New York City! I am a Frenchie fashion model and Cover Girl from NYC. I'm known around town as the "diva", "queen", and "boujee babe". These are just some of the nicknames that were given to me by my fans. I'm one happy, and stylish puppy, looking to spread love everywhere I go. I'm also the face behind Maxine Ave New York: a couture fashion dog brand, inspired by me! Mommy started this line for me because she couldn’t find any clothing that would fit my curvaceous Bulldog body! And, I was a one stubborn bully who wouldn't go outside if it was too cold. So, mom had custom made me a jacket with a hoody and black fur. Since then, I have been, willingfully, strutting the streets of New York City, in style! Then mommy met the man of her dreams, who literally knocked her off her feet, (she tells me the story all the time), and they got married. She designed her amazing, and one of a kind, wedding gown, and made me a mini-me version, to match. I felt so stylish and warm in my dress with fur collar trimming. Naturally, I became the muse of Maxine Avenue NYC, and the name was born! People would constantly stop us on the street to complement my unique styles.
It’s such a great feeling to be the center of attention, everywhere I go, and everyone wanting to pet me! I always feel like royalty in my couture gowns. Mom wanted to give that feeling of love, acceptance and royalty to all doggies and their owners. So this is how it all began. We started this journey on the streets of New York and somehow ended up on the runway of NYFW, and then Times Square! Today, all breeds are rocking the Maxine Ave NYC line, all over the world! In the next few pages, you will see my fabulous friends who flocked to New York City to follow their fashion dreams, and it makes me so happy to have them walk the dream with me on the runway! This year, we walked New York Fashion Week together and made history at Sony Hall. Next year, we plan to travel all over the United States, and to Paris! Dreams really do come true, when you believe in them. Life is about spending it with those we love and making amazing memories together. Thank you all for being part of mommy's dream and I hope to leave behind a legacy for all doggies and dog pawrents to never stop believing and to dream big! To learn more, find us on Instagram @maxineavenuenyc and @funarinewyork.
Janelle Funari, Telly Vamvouris, Maxine Photographer: Jeremy Harris
XOXO, Maxine
THE COUTURE OF FUNARI NEW YORK 14
Photographer: Raymond Chankasingh
Model: Little Bear Photographer: Noel Valero
Models: Irina Noonan & Little Bear Photographer: Noel Valero
Little Bear
@nyc_littlebear
Hello there! My English name is Littlebear. It comes from a translation from my Chinese name Xiao Xiong which is written 小 熊 . My mommy & daddy are Asians, and both of their parents are from Hong Kong ancestry. I was taught to understand a few simple Mandarin commands. My favorite English word is treats! My favorite things to do are eating, sleeping and socializing with humans and other doggies. I also love hitting the catwalk and walk the red carpet runway as a high fashion doggy fashionista model. I am a supawmodel. I learned to have pawtience, and work long hours, for the few minutes of fame. I also love giving kisses while I'm being changed, fluffed, and prepped for the big show. I wouldn't change anything in this world, as my life is perfect! Follow me on Instagram at @igee210_littlebear and @nyc_littlebear to learn more!
Model: Anastasia Photographer: Noel Valero
Models: Ellie Matus & Anastasia Photographer: Noel Valero
@doggie.duchess.anastasia
Anastasia
@doggie.duchess.anastasia
Hi! I’m Anya - a 3 year-old Miniature Poodle, full of style, sparkle, and sass! I live with my mom in Southern New Jersey, close to Philadelphia so I get the best of both worlds: the big city fun and lots of grass to run! I love wearing fancy clothes and doing my favorite trick: “dance, dance”! I tip-toe around, dancing in circles to show off my dresses! Mom says I’m a real diva, and she is not wrong! I also love going on car-rides and airplanes. It’s so much fun exploring new places when we travel. My favorite vacation foods are shrimp cocktail and cheeseburger! You can follow my fashion, adventures, and fun on Instagram: @doggie.duchess.anastasia. I may just be the cutest little poodle you'll ever find! Love and Licks, Anya
Models: Ellie Matus & Anastasia Photographer: Noel Valero
@doggie.duchess.anastasia
Models: Ellie Matus & Masha Photographer: Noel Valero
@hank_and_masha
Masha
Models: Irina Noonan & Sabrina Bow by Ingrid Inman Designs Photographer: Noel Valero
@tzumanytzus
Sabrina
Models: Irina Noonan & Ginger Bow by Ingrid Inman Designs Photographer: Noel Valero
Ginger
@ginger.snap.2017
Ginger
Model: Queen Aurora Photographer: Noel Valero
Models: Irina Noonan & Queen Aurora Photographer: Noel Valero
@queencavaurora
Queen Aurora
Introducing Queen Cavalier Aurora! Aurora is a 1 year old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. She is spoiled and she knows it, but she makes up for it with cuddles and kisses. Aurora lives with her dad McCrae in South Carolina, and she's moving to Europe, later this year. Aurora is a fashion model and a country dog. She loves dressing up for a night out on the town with her dad, as much as she loves running through the forest with her pup brothers and sisters. She loves that everyone always wants to pet her on the street, and compliment her fancy outfits. Her favorite trick is jumping up to give her dad a high five. Aurora’s favorite food is peanut butter. She just can’t get enough. Aurora also loves going on trips, whether it’s the big city, the snowy mountains, or the sandy beaches. Anywhere her dad is! You can follow their travels on Instagram @queencavaurora.
Models: Tara Bernstein & Khaleesi Photographer: Noel Valero
Khaleesi
@khaleesi_martini
My name is Khaleesi Martini Daunis. My mom named me after her favorite character from Game of Thrones. I’m small but fearless and a total BOSS! I rule the house including my adopted big brother Drogo. I was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and currently live in Palm Harbor Florida. My favorite places besides being right next to my mom are going to the beach, the Stay Pineapple hotels, my Grandmas house, and anywhere I can play with other dogs. I’m a diva that loves fashion, but I’m not afraid to put on a tactical vest and go run with the boys. I’ve been dressing up since my first day home. I love wearing sweaters and jackets and wish that Florida would have longer winters. I hope to play in the snow someday, it looks like so much fun! My Instagram page is @Khaleesi_martini. Let’s be furriends!
Model: ZZ Poo Bow by Ingrid Inman Designs Photographer: Noel Valero
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Models: Ellie Matus & ZZ Poo Photographer: Noel Valero
ZZ Poo
@zz_poo
Hello I am ZZ poo! It was love at first when, at the tender age of 3 months, I tried to crawl into mommy's Louis Vuitton bag! Mommy wanted a dog that would wear cute sweaters and dresses and who'd love to walk with her. And, she ended up getting even more than she bargained for! Now I am a 14-year-old Maltipoo Super Model! I was not born a model, I was transformed into one with mommy's help. Mom would spoil me, and dress me in designer clothes since I was 2. From time to time many of these Doggy designers asked me to do fashion shows and since I was a client, I was included as one of their models. Today, I'm a Senior Pup and I'm still at it! Mommy and I attend many charity events, meetups, birthday events, and are on the NYC doggie social scene. I have walked the Runway on both East and West Coasts. Most recently I walked New York Fashion Week, for Funari New York, at Sony Hall. And, in prior years, I've done Palm Desert, California, and many other runway shows to benefit various charities. I also love to walk the Manhattan streets, sit at outdoor cafés, and just people, and dog, watch. I have earned my Canine Good Citizen Certification, and am a Certified Pet Therapy Dog. As far as rewards; I was a Barking Beauty Pageant Winner, G Girl Miss Congeniality (2 times), and a Brand Ambassador for G Girl, among other titles. Follow my adventures on Instagram at @zz_poo!
Model: Irina Noonan & Khloe Photographer: Noel Valero
Khloe Antoinette
@afrenchienamedkhloe
Hello, my name is Khloe Antoinette, and I am a one-year-old French Bulldog from sunny Tampa, Florida. I love treats, fashion, and modeling. Mommy and I started an Instagram account when I was a little puppy and I have been her model ever since. I love attention, and she loves taking pictures, so it’s a perfect partnership! Shopping is one of my favorite pastimes. A girl can never be too glamourous! I love simple things too though, like going on walks around the neighborhood, car rides, and playing with my friends at the dog park. I also have many special friends at the nursing home that Mommy and I go to for pet therapy. I wear my best outfits to make them smile. I’m a little dog in a big world with lots to learn! Follow my journey on Instagram @afrenchienamedkhloe. I look forward to seeing you there!
Model: Jada Marie Bow: Ingrid Inman Designs Photographer: Noel Valero
@jadamarie_brooklyn
Hi, my name is Jada! I’m an 8 year old Yorkie model from Brooklyn with an attitude to match! My mom rescued me at 18 months old and I have a cat sister named Opal. Lights, Camara, Action! When I’m not walking the runway at New York fashion week, or modeling to support rescue organizations, I can be found shopping, or traveling with mom. We love to travel to San Diego, Chicago, and Florida, and visit my fur cousins. My favorite color is pink, and I adore Stella and Chewy patties. Overall you can say I’m a bit of a diva! Follow my adventures on Instagram at: @jadamarie_brooklyn .
Models: Ellie Matus & Cardi B Photographer: Noel Valero
Models: Jade Ming & Cardi B Photographer: Dez Sontana Cardi B
@cardis_ _ world
Hey everyone, it’s Cardi B here! I’m a two-year-old English Bulldog model, full of spunk, sass and lots of love. I live in the Sunshine State with my parents and my fur-brother, LV. My name was actually decided before I even arrived. My mom is a big fan of the rapper and songwriter Cardi B, and as a joke to my dad, she said that the next pup she got would be named after her. So the search began and when my mom saw me with my tongue sticking out, she knew I was the one! Since the day I arrived, I’ve been dressed up and adorned with bling, bows and dresses. My mom takes pictures of me every day and that’s how it all started. I love strutting around town in my fashionable outfits, getting all the attention and belly rubs. This year was a dream come true when I got to be a part of New York Fashion Week! I met so many amazing new friendsboth humans and fur-friends, and got to walk the runway at an iconic location and see myself on the big screen in Times Square! It was unforgettable. I’m all about loving yourself! Find me on Instagram @cardis_ _ world.
Model: LV Photographer: Noel Valero
@truffles_theyorkie
@sammie.n.maddie
Models: Irina Noonan & LV Photographer: Noel Valero LV
@cardis_ _ world
Hi, I’m LV! LV is short for Louis Valentino, and I’m a one-year-old French Bulldog. I’m the little brother to Cardi B, so basically, it’s Cardi’s World and we’re just living in it! I’m a sweet, loving boy who loves attention, so getting dressed up is perfect for me since I get all the attention from all the beautiful ladies, both human and canine. I enjoy playtime with my friends, snuggles with my pawrents, and eating anything any time of the day. In addition, I’m quite the ladies man and love to dress to impress on the runway for charity, as well as traveling to car rallies. I always want to be the center of attention and I usually get it, although I have to work harder at it since my sister is always in the limelight. I love her so much and we love to play night and day. I know sometimes I can be too much, but when I crash, you can hear me miles away! Follow my adventures on my sister’s page @cardis_ _world!
Behind the Brand Janelle Funari is the designer behind the well-known dog couture brand: FUNARI and Maxine Ave NYC that was featured in NYFW earlier this year. In this issue, Janelle shares her story, and her journey from designing human bikinis and wedding dresses to specializing in canine couture. How did you get started in fashion design? “I felt the desire and passion to create at a young age. I started illustrating and styling my own outfits at the age of 3. I was taking clothes apart, changing them, and sewing things, since I was 9. With the inspiration and assistance of my mother, I was creating my own designs by the age of 14. I started by making swim suits for myself and my friends who had unique measurements and couldn’t find swim wear for their shape.” explains Janelle. Funari studied fashion design in college focusing on pattern making and drawing. Her first brand was called “Orangia” collection which was created out of Miami, Florida. Miami Fashion Week 2004 was Janelle’s first Fashion Week show. “It was a line of Eco-friendly dresses worn on red carpets and celebrities all over the world, and in Neiman Marcus, in its’ first year!“ What was the most exciting project of your career so far? “My most excited projects had to be the unique weddings that I designed for. One of my clients was an ex Broadway dancer who danced and shined down the runway in a sexy, tight, lacey dress with over 6000 Swarovski crystals. Another one loved vintage and 80s rocker high fashion. We made her custom fabrics in France, and created her a one of a kind, edgy, corseted dress with a low back paired with long sleeves and cuffs. It was the perfect combination of classic couture mixed with the edginess of a rock star." How did you get started into dog couture with Maxine Ave NYC? "I became a crazy dog mom when I found my Frenchie, Maxine. She inspired me to do doggy couture, and became my muse for the collection."
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Model: Maxine Photographer: Dez Santana
Why Frenchies? “I fell in love with their funny personality, size and their emotional needs. I too needed someone to love and support me and I felt like it was the perfect breed for my lifestyle in NYC.” Is there a particular trend, style, or piece you're mostly known for in the dog fashion world? "I am known for my edgy looks and old Hollywood vibes, and I do believe it comes through my work. I love leather and lace; the perfect match of two different worlds. I feel that’s what I am known for: beautiful, luxurious, glamorous style, with a flare of sexy edginess and over-the-top Eco friendly styles." Tell us about your first NYFW, and your first dog show. "I eventually moved to NYC and had my first NYFW in 2008 with an Eco-Friendly destination bridal collection. I was one of the first in the world to make that kind of bridal gowns. In 2013, I had a show at Affinia Hotel, but back then they only allowed one dog per show, so my dog, Maxine, walked the runway 3 times!" Tell us about your recent NYFW experience. “This year, we were so excited to show our line at Sony Hall, at NYFW, and grateful to be accepted to show Canine Couture in the runway in New York City. It was also amazing to be featured on a digital billboard on Times Square!" What is your next big project or collection that we should look out for? "We are planning to launch in Paris and continue with Milan and London. Our goal is to globally launch the brand and to revisit back the beginning for Janelle Funari New York; which will be returning to lingerie roots and over the top dresses and gowns, in near future." To learn more, visit www.funariny.com and www.maxineavenuenyc.com. You can also connect with Janelle via Instagram @maxineavenuenyc and @funarinewyork.
@doggie.duchess.anastasia
@nyc_littlebear
@queencavaurora
@zz_poo
@khaleesi_martini
@afrenchienamedkhloe
@cardis__world
@jadamarie_brooklyn
@cardis__world thedoguemagazine.com @thedoguemagazine