Walk this way cool kit for canines

Fetch & Follow’s coats and collars are top dog in the style stakes

My family’s much-missed King Charles cavalier, James “the dog” Aidin, was once given a designer dog coat. He refused to wear it. Now that I’ve discovered canine clothing and accessories brand Fetch & Follow and its smart e-store, I wonder if James’ issue was comfort rather than more aesthetic concerns…

Fetch & Follow organic cotton sweater, £40

“We focus on function first – a piece must be able to withstand the demands of a dog – then we tackle how it looks,” says Fetch & Follow co-founder Genesta Gunn. “We are definitely not a fashion brand for dogs; we design timeless dog coats, jumpers and sweaters, collars and leads with a playful twist.” The beautiful winter coat (£60) is made from a highly water-resistant waxed cotton and lined in a cosy Sherpa fleece, and comes in indigo blue and deep green, as well as bright orange and yellow. Meanwhile, the navy and cream stripe sweater (£40) is the canine equivalent of a Breton knit – and in organic cotton, equally chic. “Just because it’s for a dog it doesn’t mean the quality of the fabric should be lessened,” adds Gunn. “After all, pet items are likely to go through more rough and tumble than human clothing.” Accessories follow the same ethos, with classic dog collars (£30) crafted from tanned Italian bridle leather with brass fittings, while the dog bowls (from £32) created with east London ceramicist Kana are rustically stylish.

There’s a social side to Fetch & Follow too, as it organises dog walks in east London every month, where owners can meet up with experts such as vets or trainers. “Last year we launched a Christmas market for dogs, bringing together our favourite independent pet brands,” says Gunn. “It was so popular that we are doing it again on November 25, at Netil Market in Hackney.”

Fetch & Follow organic cotton sweater, £40, and leather and brass collar, £30

And with Christmas in mind, Fetch & Follow has put together some gift-worthy goodies for both dogs and dog lovers: The Dog Walker’s Gift Set (£70) pairs its leather dog collar and lead with a reusable bamboo Ecoffee cup and a packet of English breakfast tea bags by east London tea merchant Tiosk.