One of my favorite brands of canine accoutrements is Blueblood – Luxury Goods for Dogs. My black and tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Louis Reginald wears the Gretel faux ostrich collar and lead set. We are both highly impressed by the quality of the product and its unique style. As a canine consumer, I really connect to the brand’s overall vibe, even having posted about it in a past entry (Fit for a Noble Beast).

Due to Louis and my admiration for Blueblood, we are extremely honored that Alexis Moran, one of the founding members of the Blueblood team has taken the time to answer a few questions for us. While Cup of Dog is primarily concerned with canine health and nutrition, we really enjoy introducing quality brands and products that enhance the lives of pets and pet owners. After all, it is our feeling that in order to truly achieve optimum health; life must include beauty, art and ingenuity. These are the adjectives that Blueblood embodies.

 

Cup of Dog: Tell us about the dogs that were the inspiration for the inception of the Blueblood brand.
Alexis Moran: My business partner Tina Pao and I met at our dog park: Alta Plaza in Pacific Heights. It is an extraordinarily beautiful park, where dogs of all shapes and sizes play - leash-free. The backdrop of one hundred year old mansions and the Bay of San Francisco is spectacular. We were inspired by all of the dogs in our neighborhood and more importantly, an eclectic group of cool, chic dog owners who we felt could use a dog accessory brand that was sophisticated and fun, with a fashion meets function appeal.
COD: How did you and your partner, Tina go about making the concept a reality?
AM: We just pounded the pavement! We took our backgrounds/ strengths and combined them with asking a lot of questions. People in our industry, friends and colleagues have been very supportive throughout the process. We had the least experience in the manufacturing aspect of the business. So far, that has probably been the area in which we have learned the most.
COD: Who are your favorite non-dog designers?
AM: Great question!! I would say Ralph Lauren has always been one of my greatest influences for his impeccable taste and ability to create a brand that epitomizes luxury and style. I have always looked up to Martha Stewart. I think she is a great business woman to have taken what is “everyday” and always make it imaginative, tasteful and elegant. I also love Michael Kors for classic American design, and the brands Missoni and Etro for great colors and patterns. John Stefanidis, Allegra Hicks, and Albert Hadley are favorites and I look to their interior design work as well.
COD: Who/ what inspires Blueblood’s designs?
AM: It could be anything from an architectural pattern, or an illustration, to the latest fashion trends. We are also inspired by gorgeous high-end belts and handbags and beautiful textiles in great color combinations.
COD: Cup of Dog is excited to see new patterns and fabrics, such as the Poulet (pictured left, also available in Brown)! As of now, your current product offerings include collars, leads and beds. Do you plan to expand on the range of Blueblood products?
AM: We do indeed! We plan to grow and expand as a brand. We like the whole lifestyle concept and feel that a full line of Blueblood luxury, for dogs AND people, would be very exciting for the future. Currently, we are focusing on getting a few products “right.” In addition, we are currently working toward a harness design.
COD: What are your thoughts on all of the canine apparel that is out there? Is this an avenue Blueblood would consider for the future?
AM: We certainly have companies we like and admire. Tina has small dogs and she loves to dress them in Tanner and Dash’s sweaters. I love Harry Barker’s packaging and also think Mascot’s line is really chic. I love their preppy patterns and great hardware! We only plan to design and sell our own products. For me, design was the reason I wanted to start this company.
COD: We love that your products fit big dogs; there are so few classy lines that big fur kids can wear too! However, Louis Reginald and I adopted a mixed breed fur baby from a shelter. Ella Bean is full-grown at a whopping two pounds. Are you planning for Blueblood to include tiny sizes or a line dedicated to Blueblood puppies?
AM: We have discussed that and the answer is yes! Our harnesses will be geared toward the tiny to medium dog. It will not not have any hardware that may weigh down a little one, who is 10 pounds or under.
COD: Your range of retailers is expansive! Tell us why you think there has been such a positive reception to the brand by so many boutique retailers.
AM: Our retailers seem to love our patterns, colors and while some of them hesitate about the weight of our hardware, they get that the hardware is what makes our leads and collars so substantial and utterly chic! They love that our beds are not only beautiful, but also very easy to wash from the cover to the insert. They are durable and practical in addition to being pretty enough for the most polished living room!
COD: Tell us what it is like working in the canine industry.
AM: It is very interesting to say the least! Most people we’ve come across have been very positive and encouraging toward us. There is definitely an element of competition and politics in this business that we did not anticipate. But, after all, business is business-right?

That’s certainly true!

Thanks again to Alexis for all of her great answers and spending some time with Cup of Dog! We can’t wait for more new products to become available and to follow the evolution of the Blueblood lifestyle brand.

For more information on Blueblood - Luxury Goods for Dogs, to purchase, or find the retailer nearest you, please visit www.bluebloodpups.com.

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