Four&Sons

LOVE FOR LURVIG

The world’s most popular blue box of affordable interiors, IKEA, has released a new collection tailored for dogs and cats. Under the name Lurvig, you will find bowls, beds, and blankets in tasteful shades of black, green, and white. Understated and adaptable, the IKEA design team worked alongside vets to create pieces for pets that slide seamlessly into a minimalist décor. Our favourite is the small sofa-shaped bed, where your four-legged friend can stretch out their paws after a long day, just like you.

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BOW-WOW MEET BOHO

Beachy chic pieces made from natural materials are now strolling the shorelines thanks to Sebastian Says. The latest collection, ‘A New Bohemian’, is made up of 100 percent cotton-macramé collars, leads in earthy hues and warm merino-wool sweaters.

Founded by Suz Strampic in Elwood, Australia, and inspired by the Aussie beaches, the Sebastian Says fringed-wool jumpers and vegetable-tanned leather collars are made for blustery beach days. The label’s tanning process uses vegetable dyes on Italian leather, leaving products naturally distressed (a smart contrast to the brass detailing). They also incorporate Pinatex—a vegan-friendly leather alternative made from fibres extracted from pineapple leaves—into collars and coats, which have the soft feel of real worn leather, and remain both environmentally friendly and sustainable. For a seamless finish to all outfits, get your dog’s name monogrammed on a collar of your choice. Looks like it’s time to drop the dog tag.

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VIDEO: AN ODE TO DOGS ON SET (ISLE OF DOGS)

A charming homage to the nine flesh-and-bone dogs roaming behind the scenes at 3 Mills Studios, during the filming of Isle of Dogs.

Published by Fox Searchlight.

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BY YOUR SIDE

In 1948, Lee Friedlander embarked on a lifelong career photographing the social landscapes of America with a hand-held 35mm Leica and black and white film. His latest work, Dog’s Best Friend, captures the subtle-yet-intimate beauty of a cross-species friendship via 100 portraits of people and their pooches. From companions and loyal pets to objects of style and adoration, these domesticated dogs reflect their owners just as much as they reflect American culture. Their presence is often understated, as if a shadow—something that has always been there and always follows. Published by SPQR Editions.

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A FAMILIAR FRIEND

In the shadow of the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, but by no means dwarfed, is The Museum of Dog—housed in a former antique hardware store, Quinn’s Wallpaper and Paint. Opened in January 2018, in the apt location of the Berkshires (Barkshires, anyone?), it showcases a private collection of dog-inspired paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs, from indignant Dachshunds to perplexed Labradors. “The museum will recognise dogs and the joy they bring to our lives,” says owner and founder David York.

Highlights include William Wegman photographs, Mary Engel’s “Watch Dog” sculptures and rare dog collars from the 1800s. Keep a special look out for Carolyn Carr, Kathy Ruttenberg, and Jesse Freidin, who all have work in the permanent collection. You may recall Freidin as the photographer behind Finding Shelter. He’s spotlighted as one of the gallery’s global contemporary dog artists, which is sure to set tails happily wagging. Although currently open, the museum officially flings open its doors on Saturday 28^th of April to coincide with Massachusetts ArtWeek, so clear your diaries and leash up your dog, we’re going for a walk.

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HELP ME

We’re long-time fans of Growlees’ irreverent dog tags (some of our favourites include ‘Eat.Sleep.Treat.Repeat’ and ‘I eat homework’) but their new ‘Help Me’ range has a purpose particularly close to our hearts. The collection was created after Growlees’ customers requested charms with messages that would help share their dogs’ special needs with the outside world. They feature catchphrases like: ‘I have anxiety’, ‘I’m deaf’ and ‘Emotional support dog’. Ah, the wonderful things design can do.

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HOLA PEPITO

Don’t be fooled by Pepito & Co.’s adorable name. This brand has total street-cred. Their collars, leashes, sweaters, and blankets are adorned with dinosaurs, hand horns, and a bleeding heart. For the gentler pooches, there are floral prints, bright colours, and geometric patterns to choose from too. The Madrid-based label is a big believer in re-homing rescues over promoting pet commerce, so adopters get rewarded with a 10% discount on their products for a whole year.

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LUCKY YOU

We’ve been waiting 12 lunar years for this… Illustrator Sum Leung of Woof Models has put a new spin on the traditional red envelope in the shape of six friendly dogs. “Traditionally, red packets are given out in the new year and for celebrations like birthdays, weddings, or a newborn baby,” Leung explains. Her 2018 edition of “lucky money packets” was created in partnership with design agency Studio WMW.

Each envelope features a pup alongside a traditional lunar new-year flower: mandarin, peony, narcissus, pussy willow, cherry blossom, and chrysanthemum. “It’s like a greeting card,” Leung says, “but our packets can be used throughout the year.” Traditionally, each envelope would be filled with money for the lucky recipient. (If anyone’s feeling generous, our mailing address is in the mag.) But, more importantly, 10 percent of every sale goes towards nonprofit animal rescue charities.

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DA BOMB

Happy Staffy have proved once again that they’re experts when it comes to timeless dog fashion. The latest piece in the Berlin-based brand’s collection is a slick black bomber jacket. Is there any item of outerwear more trans-seasonal, versatile, or just plain cool? The jackets are waterproof, and include handy zipper pockets for treats or poop bags. Each garment is made new according to your dog’s specific measurements, which guarantees that every Happy Staffy customer goes home a happy chappy.

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