CatWalk FurBaby Has Furry Friends As Models
At the annual CatWalk FurBaby fundraiser and kickoff to NYFW, dogs strutted the catwalk alongside their model counterparts. Hosted by Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, the tastemakers and powerhouses of New York society gathered to celebrate animal rights and welfare. The event featured ten teams with fashion industry veterans acting as judges. Additionally, the top three teams received prizes, with the winner taking home $100,000. The judges included Fern Mallis, former executive director of the CFDA, actress Karen Abercrombie and supermodel Carol Alt. Organized by Karen Floyd, the founder of Elysian Magazine, it kicked off 2023 New York Fashion Week.
CatWalk FurBaby: The Collection
The first look was a model in an earthy bohemian skirt and a ginger Pomeranian in her arms. The skirt was worn over a pleated black bustier top and pleated pants. Now, the outfit maintained a level of coherency with the outerwear. Yet one wonders a look aiming for naturalism added anything black. Next, a bright red party dress appeared with a ruffled tulle bottom that still remained a tasteful length.
Additionally, more dresses in various styles, shapes and lengths followed. Some opted for intricate embroidery including an ankle length black dress with steel blue flowers and a lovely butterfly headpiece. Others however fell short with little aesthetic correlation between the animal and the outfit.
The standout however, was undoubtedly the duo in matching silver suits and an ‘Adopt Don’t Shop’ sign. The duo basked in the campiness appropriate at such an event and incorporated their canine partner in their look. Also, the bright suits consisted of black diagonal lines that glistened in the light and were cinched at the waist.
For an industry that has often received flack for the treatment of animals, this show was a refreshing sight to see. Designers are consistently at war on the inclusion of fur and leather with only some such as Stella McCartney vowing to be vegan and cruelty free. But for some of the most influential people in fashion to support such a cause gives many hope that the industry is slowly progressing on this issue.
All Images Via Jared Siskin for PMC / Getty Images, Dave Warren
Featured Image Via Jared Siskin for PMC / Getty Images, Dave Warren