Fashion ode to poodles: editorials and stories

He was a poodle and his name was Jerry. He was my very first dog.

As a 13-year old kid I was pretty serious about having a pet. Even before I asked my parents, I enrolled on a special 6-month course to learn how to take care of my future dog in every situation, read every book I could possibly find and got myself on a puppy waiting list.

Then I finally broke the news.

My mum wasn’t amused, but dad told me not to worry about it. And so 3 months later a tiny silver miniature poodle puppy became a part of my life.

If somebody ever tells you that poodles are a) stupid b) should be treated as toys c) not real dogs – don’t listen. As Alfred Brehm said “if there’s anything bad about poodle’s character, then it’s likely to come from the owner, not the breed”.

Jerry with his mix of French, German, English and Russian bloods was very much an aristocrat.

He knew what he wanted, he was incredibly intelligent, polite, happy, playful and loving creature with a gourmet taste for salami, white bread, cucumbers and peas.

The only thing Jerry hated with passion was grooming. He tolerated it only because of the compliments he knew he would receive afterwards and because he had quite a few gold medals he enjoyed showing off, especially after having his hair done.

Poodles have always been one of my favourite breeds and it’s only natural that I decided to browse my fashion archives and pick every editorial that featured these gorgeous dogs.

Originally bred as gun dogs, poodles soon became beautiful elegant companions for the glamorous and creative community as well as the royals.

Both Madame de Pompadour and Marie Antoinette had beautiful miniature poodles.

The little dog joined Marie Antoinette in prison and was executed on the same day as his beloved owner.

A brown poodle Rufus shared his happy days and love for chocolate with Sir Winston Churchill who adored his little pet to pieces.

And of course, the story wouldn’t be completed without George Sand who used to appear in her open carriage in a company of two champagne coloured poodles with green bows in their hair.

These days the dogs appear in every fashion magazine and are loved by editors and photographers.

Fashions change, but poodles always remain where they belong – a world of beauty, charm and chic.

After all… It’s impossible not to fall in love with a beautiful poodle.

Photo source: 10 Magazine 2011, Vogue Italia 2002, Elle France October 1994, Vogue Germany March 2010, Americana Manhasset Fall/Winter 2006, Renee Zellweger by Ellen von Unwerth, Versace campaign, Vanity Fair September 2010, Vogue Paris June/July 2009, Vogue UK August 2009, Numero 123 2011, Vogue US March 1999, Vogue Gioello November 2009, Vogue Italia 90s, Vogue US July 2007, Vogue Italia 2009, Vogue Nippon August 2008, Natalia Semanova by Arthur Ergot 1999