DOGUE Australian Made Collection

DOGUE Founder Simone Kingston shares our Australian Made Leather story.

DOGUE: What products were you designing when DOGUE first opened?

Simone: When DOGUE opened its doors in 1998, most in-store products were Australian Made. As DOGUE was the first store of its kind in Australia, there were not many products available that worked with our concept. So, prior to opening my first job was to design and produce products that would be in-dogue!

I began this process by approaching local artisans who could work with their current materials and diversify their business into making pet products. Ceramic artists, seamstresses, textile printers, belt manufacturers, woodworkers and commercial kitchens were among those involved in producing the initial ranges for the DOGUE brand. Collaborating with professionals in their field was an exciting, creative time and gave us the freedom to always have something new and fabulous in store.

DOGUE: So how did the Aussie Made Leather begin? 

Simone: In 2008 we were approached by a family business in Melbourne who were producers of high quality leather products. They were interested in collaborating with DOGUE to create high end pet accessories and I was very excited about a partnership with a such a reputable company. We haven't looked back since!

DOGUE: What do you love most about this range? 

Simone: Over the years these handmade leather collars and leads have given us unique brand identification. Put simply, there are no other leather collars and leads like them - defined by soft and supple leather from New Zealand, the leather is also used by another great Aussie brand, Blundstone!

It gives me great joy to watch these products being made. Each stud and crystal are placed by hand and pressed carefully into the leather “the old school way”.

It's the essence of true craftsmanship -  you can feel and see the difference of this traditional style of making in each product.

Please watch our Aussie Made Collections transform in the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWHLAqukBMU

DOGUE: What walkwear ranges make up the Aussie Made Collection? 

Simone: These stylishly tailored ranges have continued to boom over the years and are still our bestselling range Australia wide and Internationally. The collections include:

• The Plain Jane, although there is nothing plain about it

• The Stud Muffin, perfect for the dog who likes to be in control

• The Premium European Crystal Collection, refined and elegant, and are guaranteed to sparkle every time your dog walks into a room.  You can choose from Foxy, Glamour or Too Glam!

Of course, we wouldn’t forget about our Feline friends. We know they need to feel elegant, classy and stylish too, so all of DOGUE’s leather ranges are also designed for cats.



DOGUE: How important is producing locally? 

Simone: As a designer with an Australian owned business I feel it's important to produce locally where possible. I feel proud that DOGUE now carries the Australian Made logo on this range of products. I am always confident that our designs look good, fit well and are comfortable to wear. To produce locally adds another level of genuine authenticity to our brand.

After 22 years in business, the ultimate highlight for me is still seeing a dog strutting its stuff wearing DOGUE, it just makes my day!



All Australian Made leather collections can be purchased Online or through our DOGUE Boutiques.

DOGUE is always looking to partner with Aussie manufacturers, if you are interested in working with us please complete the Expression Of Interest below: