Hello everyone, my name is Gina and I'm the owner of Hound Couture.

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My journey began in 2013 when I graduated with a First Class Degree in Fashion Design from Nottingham Trent University. With a passion for design, pattern cutting, manufacture and craftsmanship, I knew that a career filled with creativity was my true calling.

 

My fashion career began in London as a Design Assistant, later transitioning to Manchester to pursue a new opportunity as a Junior Designer for a Vintage Womenswear Company. Over time, I progressed within the company, ultimately attaining the position of Design Lead. My role involved hand-painting prints for the collections and overseeing the entire design process, from the initial design idea to the final product- something that I loved. 

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My love for dogs has been a constant since childhood. In 2018, we welcomed two beloved members: Hugo, a Standard Longhaired Dachshund, and Frankie, a Cream Labradoodle, into our lives.

Faced with the challenge of finding accessories that matched the size difference between my two boys and also met my standards of quality and style, I took matters into my own hands. Combining my love for craftsmanship with a desire for practical yet luxurious dog accessories, I began designing and sewing my own. 

 

What initially started as a personal project soon blossomed into a full-fledged pursuit. I had the creative bug. I dedicated all of my free time in the evenings and at weekends to refining designs, crafting patterns, and perfecting size grading. It was crucial for me to accommodate both little and large dogs, so I made sure that my sizing was inclusive for all breeds. I did lots of research. I meticulously sought out suppliers for the safest and most aesthetically pleasing hardware before subjecting my creations to rigorous testing on my beloved boys.

 

The name 'Hound Couture' was born from a collaborative effort with my husband over dinner, drawing inspiration from the French term 'Haute Couture', which embodies the creation of exclusive, custom, high-end designs crafted by hand from start to finish. One evening (after a wine for courage), I took a leap and purchased the website domain, marking the beginning of my journey. My initial plan was to develop this small brand alongside my current job, but as life would have it, things don't always unfold as planned.

 

Fast forward to April 2020, the onset of Covid-19 brought unexpected challenges to the fashion industry and the company I worked for went into administration, sadly resulting in my redundancy. Deep down, I knew it was time to fully commit to Hound Couture. Driven by my passion for creativity and the joy of the design process, I decided to invest my redundancy pay into purchasing the necessary materials, fabrics, and hardware. With determination, I crafted my first collection of Collars and Leads from my spare room, and dedicated weeks to perfecting my website before its official launch in May 2020.

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Four years on, Hound Couture continues to flourish, offering an expanded range of products including Collars, Leads, Bows, Bandanas, Snuggle Beds, Nest Beds and Training Accessories. I also provide a bespoke service if you're after something in particular that you cannot find elsewhere.

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From the initial selection of fabrics to the production of my accessories, each step is taken with careful consideration, and never rushed, to guarantee the highest quality. Added to this, safety remains paramount; I meticulously select hardware for durability and peace of mind. 

 

Embracing sustainability, I employ a made-to-order approach and prioritise sourcing materials locally to reduce our environmental impact. One of my most popular collections to date has been my Tarras Tweed collection. Woven on looms in Langholm, Scotland, the tweed is unique and a labour of love. 

 

I'm grateful to pursue a career I adore, and I'm excited for what the future holds.

 

P.S. We've also welcomed a new addition to our family, another Standard Longhaired Dachshund named Ted. He's an absolute dream and has become the perfect third product tester! 

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Gina x

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