London's Premiere Doggie Couture - Holly & Lil's

Friday the 13th
No, didn't have any bad luck or any black cats but I did get to meet not one, not two but THREE lovely black dogs!
They are the dogs in resident at Holly & Lil's Collar Couture. Elaine and Sarah who set up Holly & Lil's (named after their dogs of course!) sell to everyone in almost every high end dog shop. They even sell and ship their collars to celebrities around the world (but no we didn't ask who as they keep their high profile celeb list including the dogs top secret)

They however did name drop that Jonathan Ross ordered some collars for when he recently had Mickey Rourke on his couch. You know Mickey dedicated his recent film awards for the Wrestler to all his Chihuahuas.

Now because I am in pre-Crufts mode don't forget Crufts is coming up very soon - March 5th through March 8th 2009. Book those tickets now! I wanted to see what it's like for one of the regular traders getting ready for the world's biggest and greatest dog show - CRUFTS.
Westminster is a lovely little American show with 2,500 dogs but try 28,000 dogs in four days!! Yes. Crufts is already receiving record number of entries and it's not just about dog showing. There are so many aspects of the dog world all in one place. I love watching the agility, fly ball, service dog demos, charity stands and of course seeing all the wonderful doggie products!

Holly and Lil's Collar Couture (the shop is named after the two founding dogs Holly and Lil) produce hand crafted British dog collars and leads. They are all hand designed by Sarah and Elaine who started the business several years ago while walking their dogs on Hampstead Heath (see what great things dogs do for us? They even help inspire businesses!)

I went with my friend and collegue, Daniela Tranquada who assisted me with filming for the Kennel Club YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/thekennelclub

You should be able to see my clip on the Kennel Club YouTube channel later this week. It was a lovely sneak peak to how one of the fantastic and unique traders who go to Crufts every year prepare for the world's largest dog show.

I loved their shop and loved all their hard work and dedication to British made goods. It's so lovely to meet a retailer who sources all materials here in the UK as well as champions some truly British goods such as real Scottish Harris Tweed. I found out that they actually travel all the way to the Island of Lewes (where Harris Tweed originated) just to visit the Tweed man! They are certainly beautiful items and if you are looking for a truly British made dog gift than you will be thrilled with Holly & Lil's collars and leads.

www.hollyandlil.co.uk

Lastly I fell in love with Holly and Lil (the dogs) and in particular a cute little black pug named Edward. He was quite the ham in front of the camera - what pug isn't?

I am getting very excited for Crufts. It's going to be even bigger and better this year.

The Dog Reporter©