Fashion Forward Felines Wear CatAtelier

Black Satin Top Hat With Grosgrain Ribbon Trim - $32.00

Readers of this blog know I'm a sucker for cat fashion, especially when it's as unique and cutting edge as the work of CatAtelier, the hot new purveyor of kitty couture that debuted on Etsy just last month.

I knew I'd found a kindred spirit in the designer as soon as I read the official shop description: "Clothing, hats, and accessories for your fashion-forward feline. Handcrafted by a detail-oriented perfectionist cat-lover, trained in costume and prop creation. New and inspired looks listed regularly."

Fortunately for me, I had the chance to find out more about the label and its glamorous chief feline-ista, when I scored an exclusive interview with CatAtelier's head designer, Julie!

Strawberry Beret - $19.00

Julie described the inspiration behind the line to me as, "A combination of the things I love in life: cats, fashion and costume design, and fashion editorial. Putting those things together seemed natural to me. I always joke that I'm going to be a crazy cat lady when I get older, but I think there should be a subcategory in there for crazy cat ladies with style. We are not alone! "There are dozens of us!" hehe."

Like many frustrated cat owners, Julie found there weren't many options available for the high-fashion feline.

She explains, "I wanted to make things that look good on a cat's body, are well-made, and fashionable. Some cat items out there are ill-fitting (because they were really designed for dogs) or not that interesting. There are some really cute things out there too, but I felt that there was an element missing: the ability to mix and style different pieces. Like a real wardrobe. I think the things I make could easily be mixed with items people might already have to create new and interesting looks."

Lace Ruffle Collar With Red Bow Tie - $14.00

I was also dying to know more about the petite sophisti-cat Julie had modeling her designs, and luckily she had plenty to say about her handsome, fabulously named kitty cohort!

"My cat's name is Toki Nantucket. He's an Abyssinian, purebred, from Instincts Abys/Ataraxia Cats. He will be 2 years old soon and I've had him since he was 8 months old. I met him at a cat show and fell in love.

My cat had died 8 months earlier, and I had been depressed since then. Toki brought back real happiness into my life. He is so funny and full of spunk. Every morning he wakes me up by patting my face with his paw: my cheek, my forehead, my nose, right between the eyes... I wake up laughing. He is a daredevil and acrobat - he jumps onto my back whenever he gets the chance. He is really smart and mischievous, but he is also a sweetheart.

He is very food-oriented. He gets paid in chicken for his modeling services. Before and after each photo shoot I give him a little cooked chicken. He adores chicken. He loves food in general, and has been caught taking food many times. Opening the toaster oven door whenever there is baked salmon in it, stealing a cream cheese bagel and licking off all the cream cheese... I have a lot of funny stories."

Polka Dot Round Collar With Flower - $16.00

So what's next up for CatAtelier? Julie plans to add more pieces to the collection in the future, and looks forward to seeing other cats model her designs.

She says, "A lot of items I design and make are things I want for my own cat. But I love all cats and I'm really excited to see my things on other cats in cute fashion photos. (Especially the girl-cat stuff, because my cat is a boy. Even though he was cross-dressing in many pics.) I hope people will have a lot of fun with any item they get from me."

Red Beret With Grosgrain Ribbon Bow - $12.00

I'm absolutely certain they will! I adore all of these clean, chic creations, and can't wait to see what the future holds for this budding brand! Very special thanks goes out to Julie for taking the time to answer my questions, and for sharing her gorgeous Toki with us!

Don't let you kitty stay stuck in a fashion rut! Be sure to stop by CatAtelier to scope out their latest designs, including all of the looks seen in this post, and more!