These were created for creative grooming shows (do an image search for "creative grooming"). I believe that the poodles are not left that way for prolonged periods of time. I believe the dyes wash out (and of course, the accessories detach).
I saw the same photos on a link someone sent me a couple weeks ago... I think it was in the Telegraph. Yes, I was curious and looked up why people would do this to their dogs. What I want to know is, how long does it take to grow the hair back to a length that the poodle can be used in another show?
And standard poodles do not look wimpy. Most of those were standards.