Dare to Strut is more than a dog fashion show.

It’s an unforgettable runway experience where couture meets canine, and community takes center stage.

We are SOLD OUT. Thank you for your support!

🐾 We can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Join the Dare to Strut PDX Runway

Our goal is to bring joy, creativity, and connection to our community

📅 Date & Time
Sunday, May 17, 2026; 2-5 PM (door opens at 1:45 PM)

📍 Location
Subaru of Portland - 400 E. Burnside, Portland, OR

Program Timeline

1:45 PM Door opens

1:45 - 2:30 PM Photobooth and vendor shopping time

2: 35 PM Main program begins

Everyone seated. Welcome speeches by organizer (Event Planner Shi) & venue partner (Subaru of Portland)

Dog contest: Most Fashionable Dog, Best Matching Duo and Best Trick.

Story-sharing

Designer Fashion Show (26 dog models and 6 local designers)

Prize Giving

Extended Shopping Time

5 PM Program ends

Participating Designers

Somewhere between a fairytale and a dog who deserves a little magic, you’ll find Frolic&Fauna. Whimsical pet apparel and goods, made with care.

Check out her Instagram: FrolicFauna

Frolic&Fauna

I’m Bernabe, carrying my maternal crochet lineage forward. Mexican roots, vibrant color, and tradition in every stitch.

Check out their Instagram: CrochetByBurnToTheBee

Burn to the Bee

Françoise Weeks has infused her botanical work with a quintessential
European reverence for flowers and nature.  She teaches workshops in her studio and offers online courses as well.

Check out her Instagram: FrancoiseWeeks

Françoise Weeks

Check out her Instagram: ThistleAndBoneFloral

Thistle & Bone Floral

Uniquely Patched transforms thrifted blazers into unique pieces that reflect identity, passion, & personal stories.

Check out their Instagram: UniquelyPatchedDesigns

Uniquely Patched Designs

Creative Grooming and more

Check out their Instagram: TailSwaggerPDX

Tail Swagger PDX

Participating Vendors

Organizer/Visionary: Event Planner Shi

Venue Partner: Subaru of Portland

Silver Keys Media (Photography and Videography)

Tail Swagger PDX (Pet Grooming)

Wildwood Veterinary Clinic

D&G Dog Training

Doxie Gardens (Dachshund specialty goods for pets and humans)

Camp Bow Wow Hillsboro (Dog Day Care Center)

Creampuff Catering (Desserts for humans and pups)

Crochet by Burn to the Bee (Designer)

Parklane Jewelry

Artist Alice M Hill (Pet Portraiture)

DoodyCalls (Pet Waste Management)

Media Sponsors

Dog & Pet Vendors

Vendor: Hand-Dyed Bandana @DoodledThreads

We welcome dog-focused brands and pet businesses that align with our values of joy, quality, and community.

Vendors will have the opportunity to connect directly with an engaged audience of dog lovers, creatives, and lifestyle supporters.

Great fit for:

  • Pet products, treats, wellness, accessories, and services

  • Local and small businesses looking for meaningful visibility

  • Brands that value experience over hard selling

👉 Vendor spaces are limited and first come, first served.

Registration

Dog Contestants & Models (Dog + Human Duos)

We’re looking for dogs and their humans to sign up for the Dare to Strut dog contests — a joyful, high-energy runway experience that celebrates personality, style, and connection.

Dogs may participate in one contest, multiple contests, or both contests and designer runway modeling.

No professional modeling experience needed. All breeds, sizes, and stories are welcome.

Bonus: Model in Designer Pet Couture

Contest participants may also opt in to model designer-created pet fashion during the runway show.

To ensure a safe, joyful, and positive experience for all:

  • Dogs must be well-socialized, calm, and friendly with people and other dogs

  • Dogs should be comfortable with lights, music, applause, and wearing outfits or accessories

  • Dogs must be up-to-date on required vaccinations

  • Humans must be respectful, punctual, and attend required rehearsals

This event prioritizes dog well-being, safety, and fun above all else. You will walk the runway with your pup(s).

Linda & Nico Duo

Registration Closed

Dog Fashion Designers

Dog Fashion Designer: Blaire Fujimoto @FreshlyFuji

Calling all pet couture creatives — from emerging designers to established brands.

Dare to Strut celebrates originality and storytelling through fashion. Designers are invited to showcase custom or signature looks on the runway, worn by real dogs and their humans.

Perfect for designers who:

  • Create apparel, accessories, or couture for dogs

  • Want runway exposure and professional event content

  • Believe fashion should be fun, expressive, and inclusive

👉 Runway placement is curated. Designer spots are limited.

Registration Closed
Homepage

Partner with Dare to Strut PDX

Dare to Strut offers a unique opportunity to align your brand with a high-energy, heart-centered event that blends fashion, lifestyle, and community impact.

We collaborate with sponsors who value storytelling, creativity, and joyful experiences — and who believe in supporting a platform that celebrates both dogs and the humans who love them.

Sponsorship opportunities may include:

• Meaningful brand visibility across event marketing and runway moments
• On-site presence through thoughtfully curated brand activations
• Custom collaboration options designed to align with your goals and values

We believe the best partnerships feel natural, aligned, and mutually uplifting.

Become a Sponsor
Buy Tickets

Reviews

  • “I worked with Shi during her dog fashion show and my pup and I had the best time! It was so magical to see everything come together. Shi’s passion and dedication to every event and person involved is just beautiful!!”

    —Jordan, Dog Model’s Parent

  • “I recently went to a dog fashion show and Event planner Shi gave us the best experience. It was well organized and my daughter fell in love with every model dog. It was a great experience for being the first time going to one. Event planner Shi know how to make you have an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend her for your next event.”

    —Andrea, Attendee

  • “I was a vendor at Shi’s Dog Fashion Show, and I was so impressed with the event! From the vendor point of view, she supplied A table, linens, and a chair, and was great about answering questions (And I always have a lot of questions!) She was very organized beforehand, keeping everybody up-to-date on what was going on and arranging things so that no one had any direct competition. She even had our logos going up on the big screen before the event started and during lunch!

    As a guest, I was impressed with the quality of everything. It was set up so anyone could see the stage wherever you were, the MC was entertaining, and everything ran smoothly. There were snacks and a chance to browse all the goodies that people brought. Given the quality of her work, I would hire her for an event anytime!”

    —Jenna, Vendor

  • “I’ve had the pleasure of attending three events planned by Shi, and every single one has left me genuinely impressed. Shi is incredibly organized, detail-oriented, and brings an unmatched level of passion to her work. Whether it’s a large community gathering or something as unique as a dog fashion show, Shi pours her heart into every event and makes it meaningful, thoughtful, and unforgettable.

    You can truly feel how much she loves what she does. Her ability to turn ideas into experiences—and to create a welcoming, intentional atmosphere—sets her apart. I highly recommend Event Planner Shi for anyone looking to host a purpose-driven event with care and excellence at every step.”

    —Chone, Attendee