Coco's Coming Out Party

Attendees to last year's Fashion Week were greeted on the red carpet of the fashion show tent by a seven foot tall pink poodle sculpture called Monsieur Pompadour created by world-renowned artists Karen and Tony Barone of Rancho Mirage.

Last week, this year's piece Mademoiselle Coco was unveiled at the Barone’s home with a celebratory party.

"She was inspired by our muse, our Blue Point Siamese cat," the Barones said. "With her haute couture name and high fashion attitude, we feel she's the perfect symbol for Fashion Week 2011, representing the ultimate CAT walk."

Coco will arrive Sunday, March 20 at the entrance to the big white tent. Her gleaming coat will lend the perfect accessory for photo ops to all who enter during the event.

According to the Barones, "Her coming out party was off the Richter Scale fantastic! She greeted over 120 guests, each bubbling with enthusiasm. Fred Couples wines were professionally vintner served in a wine tasting format which became an event inside an event!"

After Fashion Week, Coco hopes to find a home with one of the Barone’s private collectors or as a piece of public art. Last year, Mademoiselle Pompadour was acquired by the city of Palm Springs for placement at its new modernist Palm Springs Animal Shelter, which is scheduled for completion this summer.

The Barones are currently at work on their next project: a six and a half foot iridescent purple and black spotted Dalmatian with R. Hero on its collar, meant to be placed in front of fire stations to honor the courageous firefighters housed within.