DIY OR DIE: Punky Dog Coat

✨INSPO✨

The starting point was all about energy- that super punky, fetishy attitude from R&M Leathers, mixed with the glossy, playful Moschino. I loved the mix of tough and romantic: black vinyl, studs, exaggerated heart shapes. It’s everything I love about fashion when it’s unapologetic - a little theatrical, a little tongue-in-cheek, but built on real craft.

MATERIALS

The base came from a pair of vinyl trousers I found in the TK Maxx sale for £4. I didn’t even buy them with a plan - I just liked the texture. When I laid them out on the cutting mat, I realised they already had great details: a waistband loop, a pocket, neat topstitching. I decided to use those features as-is and let the trousers dictate the design.

IDEA

I sketched the shape afterwards, once I already had something forming. The heart detail came from the Moschino references, but I wanted it to feel repurposed, like it could’ve been pulled off another garment. The notes in my sketch say things like “add charm?” and “use existing pocket,” which perfectly sum up how this came together: making first, thinking second!

CUTTING

No proper pattern, no template. I couldn't pin this fabric without making holes so i used a sharpie and then started cutting directly into the vinyl trousers, reusing as much of the existing structure as possible. Reusing the most interesting bits and pieces was part of the challenge!

SEWING

This was the trickiest part as vinyl doesn’t forgive. Once you’ve stitched it, the holes are permanent. But that pressure weirdly made me more decisive. As it came together, it started to feel like a real miniature garment: collar, seams, pocket. A proper little punk trench.

STUDS & HARDWARE

Adding the studs transformed it from DIY to a more unique design. Suddenly it had attitude. I used a key from my own accessories collection (an old suitcase padlock) it’s diamond-engraved to match my brand. Her brother Slugton has the matching padlock! It’s one of those sentimental details that probably only I care about, but it’s what makes the piece feel alive.

FINISHING TOUCHES

The heart detail is decorative, but the pocket is fully functional! Dolly can carry her treats, her favourite toy, or a tartan swatch (to coordinate with her mother of course). Who doesn't love a bit of wearable irony: punk attitude x couture energy, sized for a chihuahua.

I built the “process” retroactively- pulling together the inspo, sketches and slides after it was done. But that’s how I work best!

I like when creativity feels chaotic but purposeful, when the process looks linear but actually came out of play. This wasn’t about precision. It was about instinct, curiosity and following the material until it told me what it wanted to be. Verdict: Dolly approved. 🐾 ✅