Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Fashion PR expert Samantha Matteoni to get the scoop on her latest collaboration. D Pet Hotels Chelsea  is now featuring pet fashions from Samantha’s very popular doggie-wear line NuttButt Bakery. Set in the heart of Manhattan, D Pet Hotels Chelsea opens as the most luxurious doggie hotel in the city. From Uber suites (larger than most New York City apartments!) to the lavish Pant doggie gym and lounge, distinguished dogs have all they could beg for. The hotel grounds span nearly 10,000 sqft with 19 ft high ceilings. The spa and chauf-fur services turn a pooch into a pup star, and curating the coolest of the cool in dog fashions and lifestyle products, D Pet Hotel Chelsea’s retail boutique is worth a peek! The original D Pet Hotel began in Hollywood, so it’s only fitting that their new location be in the heart of NYC as they conquer both the West and East coasts! D PET HOTELS prides itself in its state of the art grooming and spa center, providing the premium in style and pampering for your Distinguished/Dog. The in-house D Boutique carries specialty products and accessories from organic food and treats, luxury beds, bowls, bags and leashes by Chromebones to custom photo-shoots offered by Furtographs.

Samantha grew up surrounded by fashion, attending Sonia Rykiel shows and always had an affinity towards creativity. She has a passion for fashion! Art Directing for London Fog, working with LBMH, Cartier, Bulgari, Tiffany and big beauty brands such as Estee Lauder – Samantha knew she wanted to start her very own line.

DP: Hi Samantha, what’s your inspiration behind the NuttButt dog apparel line?

SM: CornNut my playful French bulldog hated to go out in the cold. So, I started the line with blankets that I could wrap him up in right after he got back inside. The fabrics I used were soothing and soft. I later thought to myself, I should make clothing that offers the same comfort to all of the dogs out there. This line isn’t about rhinestones, studs and bling. It’s more about cool clothing your dog can wear, that your pet actually likes wearing!  How many times has a dog torn-off uncomfortable, restricting dog clothing or a man said — “I can’t dress my pet in this!”  I decided to create a line that pets enjoy and the styles of the clothing line appeal to many consumers as well. With the cool-sleek lines of D Pet Hotels Chelsea, I knew this was the perfect pairing for my doggie tanks and other items to be featured. I’m really excited about it!

DP: What are some of the key elements to the fashions offered at NuttButt?

SM: I create doggie basics with added flair, such as colorblocking, cool layering, stripes, vibrant color schemes, great dog tank-tops — where form meets function! Many of my customers contact me to say that they utilize my super comfy doggie t-shirts immediately after their dog is groomed! It definitely helps to extend the time you need to get your dog groomed or at the very least keep him/her clean a little longer! The NuttButt pet fashions are breathable, they’re sturdy, they wash well and they are most importantly dog friendly — meaning comfort — I can’t stress that word enough! I really take pride in the line with fabric selection, color selection and the fun punchy colors! They seem to cheer up the owners, too. Nothing feels better than seeing your pet excited to go for his healthy walk and looking amazing while doing so! All NB items retail from about $15-$40. I made NB stylishly affordable.

DP: What’s your best advice to someone who is looking to branch out to pursue their dreams of owning their own fashion business or a business in general?

SM: Find something you’re passionate about. For me it was my pet and my love of fashion! Ask other business owners or people who started their own fashion labels for advice on their trials and tribulations, so you can attempt to avoid the same pitfalls. I spoke with a lot of people before I began this venture. I design everything and make sure that everything is something positive that your pet will truly utilize and enjoy.

DP: I hear that you also like to work with various city charities that help dogs find good homes and assist in other ways. I think that's great - after all, pets offer unconditional love which sometimes we all need.

SM: Yes, I usually post dogs in need of rescue on Facebook, I donate toys and other goods to various charities in both NYC and California. One of my best Facebook fur-iends is Piper the painting bulldog who is a handicap bulldog that paints for charity.