Luxury to the max for pet parents and pets

Luxury to the max for pet parents and pets
by Desirée van der Hoeven • 23 Apr 2020

The things that pet parents find important for themselves, are just as important for their pets. In an age of individualism and self-expression, unique and quirky pet accessories are in high demand.

Standing out from the crowd with your pet

The majority of pet parents are millennials. This age group has a strong desire to possess items that underline their unique, personal taste and that can be flaunted on social media. But, what counts for them, also counts for their pets.

Not surprisingly, luxury pet products such as pet fashion, collars and leashes and unique luxury beds, are in high demand. After all, they are the best way to show the world how much you love your pet!

Exclusivity versus luxury

There are two things that have traditionally marked a product or brand as being luxury. First is high-quality craftsmanship. Second is exclusivity. Although luxury is often thought of as showing off to others, exclusivity is what millennial pet parents are looking for!

Here is a Top-5 of most exclusive (and luxury) pet accessories ever made:

  • Thai jewellery designer Riwin Jirapolsek crafted a dog tiara from top-quality titanium, embellished with diamonds and emeralds. Estimated value: $4.2 million (€3.7 million).
  • The Amour, Amour dog collar by I Love Dogs Diamonds has no less than 1,600 hand-set diamonds, totalling 52 carats. The strap is made from 18-carat white gold and crocodile leather. Estimated value: $3.2 million (€2.8 million).
  • Louis XV Pet Paviliona flamboyant bed that is styled after an 18th century French Rosewood commode. The bed is yours for $23,990 (€21,484).
  • Michel’s VIP Parfums for dogs are offered by invitation only ‘due to high demand and limited quantity’ according to their website. A fancy unisex perfume has top notes of Mandarin blossom and pink grapefruit. It contains the essence of the rare Osmanthus flower, which only blossoms every couple of years. This precious fragrance is packaged in hand-crafted crystal bottles, each numbered and signed and costing $4,000 per 4 oz. (€3,582 per 120 ml).
  • The Royal Crown Derby dog bowl is a hand gilded porcelain bowl, embellished with 22-carat gold. It comes in ‘cheap’ in this list, costing a mere £500 (€565 / $631).

  • More choice

A recent survey by PETS International and Yummypets about what pet parents in Europe think of  fashion and design in pet accessories* revealed that more than half of the parents would like to have more design choices. The over-the-top luxury products listed above are hardly within reach of most millennial pet parents. But they can be used as inspiration for bringing to market affordable accessories that have that exclusive and luxurious look.

*See PETS International magazine issue March 2020, page 33.

Desirée van der Hoeven