The Spins & Needles Best in Show Party is coming up in a couple weeks, and here’s a peek at the inspiration for the event:

Jeff Koons’ iconic steel rabbit, currently on display at the National Gallery of Canada as part of their exhibition Pop Life, was what started it all. If you’re in Canada’s capital, be sure to check it out. The exhibition, including lots of silkscreened works, runs until September 19th. The shot above is at Nuit Blanche 2009 in Toronto of an actual balloon model of the steel rabbit (via Justin Good‘s Flickr page).

This plush balloon dog from My Paper Crane was too cute!  We totally love this idea.

Horse ribbon prize installation by Hayley Carmo – loving all the colours and shapes (via Decor8).

Napolean Dynamite‘s awesome liger caricatures = mix + match creatures.

Best in Show by Christopher Guest, the mockumentary about competing in a dog show.

Past work by a Spins & Needler a few years back. He won best in show for his own “Best in Show” diorama featuring dogs such as Misty, Lady, Felicity, Destiny, Barbie and Frenchy.

And last but not least 99 Luftballoons (99 Red Balloons) by Nena – classic 80s!