TORONTO -- Canada鈥檚 newest fashion icon is nine years old, wears a XXXXXS, and is just as comfortable on the catwalk as she is in the dog park.
Tika the Italian Greyhound 鈥� or Tika the Iggy, as she鈥檚 known to her 鈥� shot to social media stardom over the holidays for a video of all the outfits she wanted to wear in 2020 but couldn鈥檛 thanks to the pandemic.
鈥淟oved it, couldn鈥檛 wear it,鈥� says a voiceover for Tika as she tries on one outfit after the next, including a cow-print turtleneck, a striped yellow tracksuit and a collared floral ensemble.
Tika鈥檚 dads have been dressing up the diminutive dog for years and showcasing her get-ups on social media. Owner Thomas Shapiro told CTV News he thinks the "loved it, couldn't wear it" video grabbed so much attention because it was both funny and relatable.
鈥淚 think the reason why it went so viral was a) because a lot of people weren't able to wear the outfits they maybe wanted to this year 鈥� we鈥檙e all stuck at home. But then I also think a bit because of how interesting and unique she looks,鈥� he said.
A little attention from celebrities didn鈥檛 hurt, either. Modern Family鈥檚 Sofia Vergara posted her own version of 鈥渓oved it, couldn鈥檛 wear it.鈥� Singer Lizzo posted a photo of her in a bikini inspired by one of Tika鈥檚 looks and referred to the dog as 鈥渁n actual bad bitch.鈥�
On Tuesday, the Canadian canine in which she showed off a frilly pink outfit while her dads dished on some of their favourite designers for Tika.
Tika鈥檚 daring fashion sense and campy persona has earned her a reputation as a gay icon 鈥� at least, that鈥檚 what her dads have dubbed her.
鈥淚t kind of started lightheartedly because she has two dads, so we kind of wanted us to be visible for younger people in the community,鈥� Shapiro said.
And while Tika has a closet dedicated to more than 200 outfits, some of which have been custom-made for her petite frame, she does seem to have one furry favourite 鈥� faux fur, of course.
鈥淚t鈥檚 pink, yellow and green. It鈥檚 just very fluffy and extra. It鈥檚 a show-stopper,鈥� Shapiro said.
