Four

For old school dogs

BY Four, July 25, 2012

If you want to look smart, turn to Best in Park. The Melbourne-based dog accessory brand makes us and our dogs feel polished, neat, even handsome. From the name, to the craftsmanship to the detail and the language (who wouldn’t want their dog wearing a collar named ‘Distinguished’?), Best in Park pays tribute to the old school ways: dapper attire, nostalgic attitude, perfect fit.

Christina Teresinski, the designer/creative force/all round mastermind behind Best in Park paired up her love of dogs with the inspiration drawn from her own grandfather’s style. “For some reason I am really drawn to the old-school gentleman look. My grandfather wore a tweed cap and waistcoat everyday and I love seeing the return to craftsmanship and a simpler way of living. Herringbone, tweeds, collegian colours, stripes and classic styling. I wanted to bring something out that was not for one season or one look, that would have an enduring quality”, Teresinski explains.

Best in Park was launched at the end of 2009 and is already a real standout from the vast majority of over-the-top dog clothing and accessories brands. As others before her, it was pure necessity that got a good idea off the ground. Teresinski was looking for the right accessories for her dog Walter and noticed a lack of “classic, no bling, something a bit more urban with crafted detail. I couldn’t find it anywhere, so thought maybe there are others looking for the same thing…”

The search for the best materials and team available took Teresinski around Australia and all the way to the UK, on the hunt for the perfect brass hardware or bridle leather. “The hand-crafted aspect of the products is very important to me. I work closely with a very small team of super talented crafts-people and we use the highest quality leathers and materials we can find. Everything is made in Australia and we take great pride in what we bring to market. Dog accessories need to be durable, practical but still cut it in the street style stakes” the designer explains.

Being aware of such competitive market, we wonder how this brand manages not to be distracted by mainstream demands or the temptation to cut corners. “I have learnt that you can’t please everyone’s eye and shopping desires so I don’t try to. There are enough products around to keep everyone happy. I focus on what I design and develop with a particular customer in mind, always trying to stay true to what the brand is about”, the designer proudly notes. We cannot help but catch a spark in her eyes. Is it passion, drive or sheer stubbornness that keeps her going? “I think having a clear vision and sticking to your guns counts for a lot. Absolutely loving what you do and having fun along the way also helps” Teresinski adds.

We applaud this way of thinking, as does the community of dog-lovers building around the brand. Best in Park is not shy of collaborations and one-off-a-kind requests. From denim coats created with Note to Self to the recent commission by taxidermist and jewellery designer Julia deVille to make a collection of collars for her upcoming solo exhibition, Sarcophagus. “If you know Julia’s work you will understand why this request was a little out of the ordinary” Teresinski beams.

You can find Christina and Walter down the park every day looking, as always, their very best.

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Images courtesy of Best in Park
For more information and to check Best in Park’s beautiful product range, visit bestinpark.com

Tags Accessories, Best in Park, Craftsmanship, Dapper, Design, Gifts, Living, Note to Self, Product