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enthusiast, maverick, comedian, super model, diva, trouble maker, sock eater, drama queen, sloppy kisser, lover of life, 100% goofball, adventurer, queen of the forest, sheriff.

Good things come in small packages..and Baron Millo von Milano is certainly proof of that. This petite sized Shih Tzu-Yorkshire Terrier from Winnipeg Manitoba,is rocking the doggie world,with his retro chic,one of a kind handmade streetwear.
Baron and his lovely sidekick Miss Rebecca were kind enough to take time out of their busy schedules,and answer a few questions for SG Magazine.

Q.How did you get started in the doggie fashion world ?
Winters in Winnipeg are long and cold.. many people turn to music like Mr. Burton Cummings and Mr. Randy Bachman but I turned to fashion because my owner, Rebecca, is a professional photographer. She is always taking photos of humans who are dressing up and looking sharp. She likes to be creative and in January 2010, we established BLACK BARON kingdom apparel together. I wanted unique clothes and she listened to my request for personal style. Boy am I ever happy that she did! We started working with our own patterns but also recruited the talent of professional pattern cutters and seamstresses in the community. Rebecca handcuts every garment and we have created over 400 unique pieces for BBka.

Q.Baron Millo von Millano is one of the coolest dog names ever ! How did that name come to be ?
BOL! When I was a wee pup, my male owner, Jayson decided that I needed strong name to support my little (yet robust) physique. King, Duke and Prince are common doggie names (with good reason!) and he decided that Baron would be noble yet humble. Being a huge fan of Snoopy and the Red Baron, I immediately agreed with the choice. Millo is pronounced (Me-low) and it's actually my call name. It's a homage to the character, Milo from the novel and film, "The Phantom Tollbooth". I live on a street in Winnipeg called McMillan Avenue and it just seemed to flow as Baron Millo von Millano: 2 generation land owner from McMillan but please, call me Millo.

Q.What inspires your designs ?
Whenever we walk in the Manitoba cold, my owner jokes about going out to battle the elements. As I mentioned, I love Snoopy and The Red Baron and because of that love, I decided to research historical war dogs. I discovered the stories of Sergeant Stubby and Smokey the Yorkie Doodle Dandy and I was instantly enamoured. These animals braved conditions that I can never imagine and they are true heros like the humans. They bravely protected soldiers and they also happened to wear decorated vests. Our very first cut, the STUBBY form was named after Sgt. Stubby and our RATIONS are named after the soldier's rations that kept Smokey alive in battle. The KENORA DINNER JACKET is named after our favorite place to escape for outdoor adventure. Lake of the Woods in Kenora, Ontario. It's mill and fishing town in North Western Ontario where plaid is the staple in the human being's wardrobe. I just couldn't resist creating our own Kenora Dinner Jacket for late nights around the bonfire or early morning fishing trips! Solid Gold and Retro Tanks are unique, classic cut tanks with logos reminiscent of your old teenaged closet.

Q.What is different about your clothing ?
We are 99% one-of-a-kind.Pre-washed - pre-shrunk - pre-worn by Humans. Eco-friendly clothing that is handcut in Canada. We design streetwear, not frill wear. You won't find tutus at BBka.

Q.What was the first article of doggie clothing you ever designed ?
A black and white diamond back cashmere STUBBY form.. quickly followed by a Retro Tank! My Jayson has a sweet collection of tees and I raided his closet! Fun fact: the BBka logo was inspired by a photo of me in the STUBBY diamond back cashmere.

Q.How long does it usually take you to construct a piece ?
It really depends on the original garment that we are working due to the handcut process. Generally, it will take about a week from first cut to the final product photo.

Q.Where can our readers buy your clothes ?
We are available online and our official website, www.blackbaronkingdom.com can link peole to the BBka Etsy store. We are also available at super cool boutiques like Hip Pooch in Winnipeg, Bow Wow Haus in Vancouver, Cosmopawlitan Boutique + Spa in Toronto and B3 in Miami, Florida. Hopefully soon, animals can find BBka in more shops across Canada and the US!

Q.What do you like best about designing clothes for dogs ?
We donate 11% of profit to animal charities. It is great to know that we are creating a totally unique product that can hopefully make a difference in a rescue dog's life.

Q.If you could do anything else,what would it be ?
I've always wanted to act. :) If I could wish for a superpower, it would be the ability to fly. Birdies attract my attention and I always try to chase and join them in flight!

Q.What advice do you have for anyone who wants to be a doggie fashion designer ?
Have fun and be practical.

Q.What is the best moment of the day ?
Cuddling with my owners when I wake up from a deep slumber.

Q.Favorite Pastime ?
Chilling on the couch and watching movies with a big bowl of popcorn (although I'm only allowed to smell the popcorn!!).

Q.Favorite Toy/Treats ?
I love my floatable rubber chew toy by West Paw Designs and it's always on with a rubber Kong! No treats for me but I enjoy raw food (mmmmmeat!) that is provided by my owners and when I go dry, I like Acana from Alberta.

Q.Benji or Lassie ?
The Little Hobo is my homeboy, after Snoopy, of course!!

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