After a small break from my duties at BBka, I am thrilled to announce that I’m back after a whirlwind year.  I’ve been through a lot of changes both professionally and personally. I’ve driven from Winnipeg to Calgary to Toronto to Montreal … some may say that I’ve been to the jungle and back!

I made a cameo appearance in the documentary, John Walk.  Here I am blocking a scene with the director, Stephanie Plaitin (Twitter:
@stephanieplaiti) and my co-stars, Hannah Petrie and Andrew Lennard Taylor Bickford (Twitter: @LennardTaylor).

I also worked behind-the-scenes as a Best Boy in the grip department on a music video for the songbird, Maiko Watson. It was a lot of fun to be a part of the shoots.  I love being on set!!  However, my heart belongs to my animal friends and BBka…

The most exciting change that happened this year was the introduction to beautiful Sydney Krause. She is an entrepreneur, a designer, an animal lover and professional babe. She’s also bilingual! Parlez- vous Francais? I’m proud to welcome Sydney to the BBka team because I know that with her addition comes a new energy and enthusiasm for our unique fashions. We are very excited to have her on the team. Welcome, Sydney!

BBka will be re-launching this weekend at Winter Woofstock in Toronto, Ontario. Come down and say hello! You can meet Sydney and find out more about what we plan to do next with our little company.

With much respect and a wet-nosed kiss,

The Baron

BBka was heartbroken with the news of the passing of Suki. She lived a great life with Pat, Crystal, Samo and Manny. A special girl who had an impact on people and animals alike…

Suki was the apple of Pat’s eye…

A favourite memory is from when Suki joined BBka for a fashion show on Breakfast Television Winnipeg. Suki was our final model in the segment. She walked down the red carpet and held her mark for the rest of the segment. Like a pro. Suki loved the camera and the camera loved Suki. (You can read about it on my girlfriend’s blog.)

Rest in peace, sweet Suki.

Art by Pat Lazo.

A very special 2011 calendar was created by Shirley Girl from Love Shirl Magazine for everyone to enjoy.

Click here to download a printable version of the 2011 calendar. This will take you to a new page where you can download a zip file of the calendar. Download by clicking on the link.

With much respect and a wet-nosed kiss,

The Baron

This question was recently asked on the Black Baron kingdom apparel (BBka) Facebook page and I felt inclined to answer with a little blog action.

The Kenora Dinner Jacket – or KDJ for short – is more commonly known as a lumberjack jacket. It’s a popular look for Canadians that was first brought into pop culture by SCTV‘s Bob and Doug McKenzie.

Hosers, fisherwomen and fashionistas alike have embraced this look from Fort McMurray to New York.

Kenora is a town that I visit often in the summer time. I love boating and relaxing on the dock at the great Lake of the Woods.  I couldn’t help but be inspired by grunged-out hipsters and the plaids that were once worn by the lumberjacks and fishermen as they would gather for dinner and unwind from a long day of work. Just thinking about fried walleye makes me lick my lips!

The KDJ, on the rocks in Kenora. This was taken during our annual spring visit to the lake.

This photo of Abby from Pudgy Dog has been popular and published several times now.  Perhaps you saw it in the Fall 2010 issue of Modern Dog? Isn’t Abby a pretty gal?

Shirley Girl from I Love Shirl Mag looks fabulous in our hoodie plaid KDJ. I recently had an interview with this hilarious Bernese Mountain Dog and cannot wait to see the article!!

The KDJ was such a great cut that we decided to make it with different textiles. It’s also available in denim, tweed, corduroy, suede and silk velvet.

Suki from Hip Pooch came over to model the other night and I was so excited when she was a perfect fit in the BBka Kenora Dinner Jacket made from Silver “Suki” denim.

Suki also loves to layer her pink STUBBY form cable knit with a KDJ. She is ready to go ice fishing with the boys at Black Sturgeon Lake!

Layla the Bullmastiff is begging darlin’ please in our XXL blue and white plaid KDJ.

The BBka Kenora Dinner Jacket fits animals sizes 3 lbs – 130 lbs with prices starting at $18.

Shop online or visit select stores in Winnipeg, Toronto, Vancouver and Miami.

With much respect and a wet nosed kiss,

THE BARON

I am beside myself with excitement about these radical dogs who represent New York City and I welcome everyone to the BBka pack!

The handsome chihuahua Emmett Sleepy Do Boogie Honeycut and his lovely sister MeiMei posed (below) for a shoot on the rooftops of SoHo. It sounds like a super cool place where funky NY doggies enjoy the city life.

Oh boy, I’m such a prairie dog and only used to flat land.

I was SO impressed when I saw how Emmett and MeiMei were not scared of the heights! What brave little amigos…

Emmett is wearing a small steel grey thermal wool STUBBY and MeiMei is wearing a small pink corduroy KENORA DINNER JACKET.  Both pieces are embellished with handwoven Laura MacKay metallace jewellery.

Moishe the Bulldog sported two KENORA DINNER JACKETS during his photo session in front of the legendary Flatiron building. It comes as no surprise that he looked so stylish in his made-in-Manitoba gear. Both Moishe’s owner and his handler in this photo are also from Winnipeg. Peg City Holla!!

Tourists stopped to take their own photos of Moishe during the shoot and the beautiful dog was certain to add happiness to everyone’s day.

Moishe is wearing a XL Grandma Plaid KDJ with handwoven Laura MacKay metallace jewellery.

Thanks to all my furry friends for hooking the persons up with such fun times. I wisI could have been there will you all.

With much respect and a wet nose kiss.