Tika the Iggy: “The world could always use more levity, and I’m happy to provide it”

Gisele Bündchen for Gucci, Naomi Campbell for Dsquared2, Kate Moss for Calvin and Tika the Iggy for Dolce & Gabbana. There’s one thing that each of these supermodels have in common — they’re much more than just a coat hanger. Hasten to say, Tika the Iggy is undeniably the leggiest of the bunch (mostly thanks to number) but, like every model knows, fashion is a dog-eat-dog world and, in order to make it, it’s good to have a few other tricks up your sleeve. For Tika, those range from side hustles (she’s an accomplished writer and actress) to a strong support network (her two loving dads), as well as a strong sense of style and the confidence to rock even the wildest looks.

But, behind the glamour and gowns, who is Tika the Iggy? More than just your average Canadian-Italian greyhound, she was born in Montreal in 2011, and rose to fame soon after for her impeccable sense of style and TikTok persona. Dare we say, a diamond in the ruff? After cultivating a cult following on Instagram and TikTok, Tika began making appearances at New York, Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks, both on and off the runways. She’s modelled for brands such as Dolce & Gabbana and BOSS, and graced the pages of magazines spanning VOGUE, Elle, and People. An accomplished writer, too, the famous greyhound published her first book, Tika the Iggy: lessons in Life, Love, and Fashion in 2023, with a 14-city book tour to match. It focused on her passion for self-expression, LGBTQ activism and taught readers that even the smallest bark can make a big, beautiful bite in a world of uncertainty and darkness. As the Iggy likes to say, she’s “not just a dog”, she’s “a movement”.

Amid a bustling fashion season, we caught up with Tika to hear
what she’s up to now, her most exciting moments and her biggest
dreams.

Camille Bavera: You’ve become a global fashion icon since your debut in Montreal. Tell me about your journey from local pup to international style sensation.

Tika the Iggy: It all started with practicality. Living in Montreal means facing every kind of weather. Cold, rain, heat, snow, you name it. My dads started dressing me just to keep me comfortable, but along the way, we realised two things — I like wearing clothes and I wear them well. From there, it snowballed. One stylish outfit turned into another, and before we knew it I was in Vogue and sitting front row at fashion week.

CB: Your front-row appearances at New York, Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks have made headlines. Which was your most memorable runway moment, and what it’s like working with luxury brands?

TI: One of my most exciting moments was working with BOSS. I was the only dog influencer slash model at their show, and I even starred in a campaign alongside Ashley Graham, riding a motorcycle. As for Dolce & Gabbana, I was the face of their holiday campaign for Fefe, their luxury dog fragrance. A fragrance ad? For dogs? That’s peak fashion.

CB: You’ve also shared the spotlight with stars like Lizzo, Drew Barrymore and Whoopi Goldberg. Who has been your favourite celebrity encounter, and what fashion advice would you give to their pets?

TI: Drew Barrymore personally invited us onto her show for such a fun segment — she’s a true Tika fan! And Whoopi Goldberg had us on The View to talk about my book, which was such an honour. But my most unforgettable moment was filming content in the West Village when I heard someone yell, OMG, is that Tika the Iggy? I turned around and it was Brooke Shields running toward me. Iconic behaviour. As for celebrity pets? Accessorise. Even a simple bandana or bow tie can elevate a look.

This excerpt was taken from HUNGER Issue 34: Fight Back. Stay tuned for the full story.