Shy fashion model

By Rhonda Dredge

Stevie is a shy whippet more at home snuggling into a couch than living in the limelight as a model.

But in the last month she has been on the Today show and in the Herald Sun modelling a skivvy.

She prefers a fashionable black when she’s at an art opening but light grey or charcoal suits on other occasions.

“I take her everywhere, shopping down Little Collins, wine bars and cafes, exhibitions,” her owner Jemma Thomas said.

A thoroughly urban dog, Stevie lives in a fourth-floor studio apartment on Scott Alley and works in the city, modelling two fashion ranges for Jemma’s online business COAT Label.

“Whippets feel the cold big time,” Jemma said. “They have low body fat and short hair. They need to be snug and warm.”

She designed the coats because she couldn’t stand the gimmicky products available.

“Denim jackets shrunk down for dogs! There was nothing firm-fitting, sleek or sophisticated.”

Her Merino wool jersey coats sell around the world and her latest product is a Snoot, a cross between a hood and a scarf.