Xparkles wins European Product Design Award
The duo are currently looking to stock pet boutiques that are interested in developing a long term partnership, and pet groomers who are looking for a new revenue stream
Xparkles, a brand new Lincolnshire-based designer pet accessory company that specialises in manufacturing “high-end” collars for dogs, has won the European Product Design Award.
The European Product Design Award™ was created by the Farmani Group to recognise the efforts of international product designers who aim to improve consumers’ daily lives with their “practical”, “well-thought-out” creations.
Xparkles was the winner in PETS/Pet Supplies: Collars and leashes category.
Made from the French nappa leather, customers are able to change the look of their pets’ collars by incorporating interchangeable charms made from pure silver, with others which are encrusted with rhinestones.
There are three types of charms to choose from, thread through, push through and screw based. Each leather collar is finished with hand-waxed and double stitched edges.
The buckles are made from stainless steel and lab tests have shown that they can sustain 72kg of pull.
The pet accessory brand is the inspiration of founder Erika Yao and her partner Andrew Blach.
As pet parents who liked to dress their bichon frise poodle cross in stylish pet accessories, they “failed to find a designer decorative collar that would stand up to daily wear and tear and was also comfortable for their dog at the same time”. Sensing a gap in the market, they created Xparkles.
According to the Farmani Group, the new concept in pet collars which is patented by Xparkles in the UK and USA brings “a uniqueness to the pet accessory market with the collars exceeding the manufacturing standards of many produced by high-end designer fashion houses”.
The duo are currently looking to stock pet boutiques that are interested in developing a long term partnership, and pet groomers who are looking for a new revenue stream.
The collars are available in a range of sizes and widths to suit different breeds and there is a wide selection of different charms and accessories to add to the collars including leather bows.
Yao said: “The use of interchangeable charms has been extremely successful in the human jewellery market and we wanted to create something that would provide a similar gift buying opportunity for pet parents. They are perfect for any fashion conscious dog owner as the look can be changed by switching the charms over to suit an outfit or mood.”
