What the smart vineyard dog is wearing this year.

Fire, while still fit and sprightly, is not the young pup she was and feels the cold more these days. She loves a woodburner stove, and can often be found on a cold night imitating a Coney Island hot dog at very close quarters to a roaring blaze.

Nevertheless, she is still the first to volunteer for frost fighting chores at 3 a.m., and this year, as insurance against below zero centigrade temperatures, has been sporting a very fetching number, imported from a very chic boutique in Dunedin, from a leading NZ designer.

Fashionistas will admire the deft use of 100% American denim, cut on the bias. It should be noted that the fur is fake. (Don’t tell Fire that.)  Note how the slim lines of the garment both flatter and compliment the figure of the older dog. A coat that can be worn equally confidently at the races, at home on the estate, or even out on the town clubbing til 4:00 a.m.

She is very happy in her new coat. As with the best clothes, it is practical, well made and damned attractive.