In its mission to recognize and reward excellence to individuals, Pet Fashion Week NY 08 will host the world premier of a new grooming competition. During this year’s event, The Grooming Galleria will feature an invitational competitive grooming event. Eight (8) internationally ranked stylists from across the globe will be invited by a select jury to compete in the Les Poochs Poodle Challenge.

This unique competition will showcase the talents of some of the globe’s most celebrated styling professionals and will reflect Pet Fashion Week NY’s dedication to being a new and inspiring design platform for the pet industry. The concept is the return of artistically designed patterns on Poodles coats, the patterns can be best described as those that are clipped in and sculpted to the body. The overall objective is to create new and innovative styles for the Poodle.

Pet Fashion Week NY awards jurors are chosen for their expertise and are composed of, notable pet industry professionals, designers, educators, journalists, and patrons. The most prestigious judging association in the world, the International Judges Association has been chosen for this new and innovative competition. The IJA is an organization devoted to the standardization of judging dog grooming and styling contests.

The IJA utilizes a judging panel, as opposed to a single judge for each contest class. Judges are required to converse and share their opinions and placements are determined by a general consensus. Established in 1998, the IJA is composed of a select group of international judges from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, and the USA.

The winner of the Les Poochs Poodle Challenge will receive:

• $ 5,000 Cash prize
• Michel’s Signature 2008 Black Damascus “M” Collection shear ($30,000 value)
• A limited edition designer series electric table from Edemco ($3,000 value)
• Cover photo on Pet Boutique & Spa magazine
• Commemorative trophy for his/her participation in the Les Poochs Poodle Challenge

First, second and third runner-ups will receive:

• Les Poochs cobalt alloy shear from the Unikoto Signature collection ($5,000 value)
• A limited edition designer series electric table from Edemco ($3,000 value)
• Commemorative trophy for his or her participation in the Les Poochs Poodle Challenge

Each additional stylist will receive:

• Les Poochs cobalt alloy shear from the Unikoto collection ($2,000 value)
• Commemorative trophy for his or her participation in the Les Poochs Poodle Challenge

The Les Poochs Poodle Challenge will take place in the Altman Building on Saturday, August 23rd from 10:00am to 2:00pm, and Sunday August 24th from 10:00am to 2:30pm, concluding with the award presentation. Don't miss this exciting competition as stylists compete for more than $70,000 in awards and prizes.

To ensure the safety and well-being of all dogs, Pet Fashion Week NY works in cooperation with Janell Granier; Director of Programs of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals. For more information about Janell please click here.