Fashion on Four Legs: Celebrity Catwalk’s “Paws in the City” Fashion Show
Flying couture, scrambling models…no, it’s not a typical backstage moment at New York Fashion Week. It’s a typical backstage moment at a doggy fashion show! So commented Celebrity Catwalk‘s Paws in the City host, Jill Nicolini, anchor at CBS-TV affiliate, WLNY. Just short of the fur flying, petite fashionistas were briskly ushered through the curtains to parade down the ruffway in more glitz and glamour than a RuPaul nightclub act. It was a dazzling event, beautifully organized by Celebrity Catwalk’s Jennifer Bartok, sating our appetite with 14 different dog designers displaying their fashions on four legs.
The show opened with the brand All About Elegance, featuring a very cute and summery cherry red sailor dress worn by Malti/Yorkie Tasha Bella, and a Pucci-esque vest with a flower embellishment that I loved. Baby Dog Fashions showed pretty pastels. I loved the spring-like baby blue floral gown with a filmy overlay, strutted by supermodel ZZ, walked by mom, Ilene Zeins.
Catherine Mefford‘s designs were all stand-outs. One theme she utilized was black and white fashion, which I think is elegant and timeless, and is also very on trend for spring. She showed an adorable black and white little boy’s shorts and shirt set, worn by Philly, a Yorkie rescue owned by Mary Goodrow. And, a black and white ribbon floral gown was very striking, too. I also liked Couture by Lucey Trembley‘s black and white polka dot long dress with lace detailing and a tulle undercoat, featuring a white satin ribbon bow with long streamers.
Doggie Market had a eye-catching cobalt blue, multi-layered dress with lace applique, worn by ice white Pomeranian, Sophia, who flew in from Mississippi with her mom, Gena Oddo. Sophia is three years old, and has been modeling since she’s three months, the little star having appeared in the Washington Post and New Yorker magazine.
Harlow & Grace created an interesting “Read All About It” newsprint design – a boy’s vest and girl’s dress – for brother and sister Yorkie models, Bonnie and Clyde. And, Princess Fur Fashions showed a number of colorful feathered creations. A rich-looking black number was worn by ZZ, who sported shades for the full-on glamorous effect.
The Light Up Fashions brand, which makes clothing for humans and pets, had interesting apparel, some with matching carry bags. They utilized colored fiber optic lights, so the fashion twinkled down the runway.
Established canine couture designer, Yvette Ruta, showed some great pieces. Ruta has been so prolific; I am seeing her Facebook posts of new designs all the time, not only in apparel, but beds and bedding. She’s even begun designing lovely baby clothes (as in human babies)! I have so much respect for the volume she creates, while keeping it all high quality and beautiful. The focus of her collection on this runway was Shabby Chic, and Cubby, a cutie pie Westie who’s a regular on the modeling scene, wore a pale pink ribbed cotton chenille harness vest, trimmed in a black lace patterned ribbon. An accordion-styled ribbon down the center back added an elegance to what looked like a very cozy vest.
Couture designer Mario Laliberte and partner, Colin Belanger of Vienna Canine Couture, turned out some very lovely pieces. This rock ‘n’ roll inspired studded vest worn by Philly was a fave, as was their gorgeous deep purple crystal-encrusted floral vest, worn by Chihuahua-around-town, Chai Latte. Cubby sported a beautiful yellow crystal-embellished vest with a pop of turquoise and gold, Asian-inspired fabric appliqué. It sounds like a lot going on, but it worked.
All in all, it was a great afternoon! There was so much fashion, it’s impossible to report on it all. These are some of my stand outs.
Each year, Celebrity Catwalk fashion shows raise money for Rescuzilla animal rescue group. This year, that plan was sabotaged when they lost their regular runway space. Bartok found a new space at Chelsea’s The Cell Theater, but the event was much more costly to produce. Her regular supporters still came out in droves to lend a hand and sponsor, because Jennifer’s heart is in the right place when it comes to fundraising for animals. It took a village, and here is the list of those who contributed to making it a success:
International Association of Pet Fashion Professionals
Support UR Pet
Orly & L.A. nail polish
Organic Oscar pet shampoo
Mane & Tail Shampoo & Conditioner (for people)
McMillan Publishing
Shea Moisture lotion
Bio Creative Lab Spa Sugar Scrub
Pawfect Day
Green Bark Gummies
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Have you experienced a doggy runway show? Tell me about it in the Comments below.
On Behalf of Light Up Fashions and Support UR Pet. I would like to thank you Jennifer Bartok for all your efforts in putting together this amazing charity event.Many thanks to the lovely models and sponsors. It was truly magical. We were honored to Light Up The Celebrity CatWalk for the love of dogs. Genny E Perez
Hi Genny! Thanks for commenting! Was so nice to meet you at the event. Look forward to staying in touch on the great things you’re doing.
Jody
We were so proud to participate in this fantastic show that benefited our furry friends.Thank you Jennifer Bartok for your hard work and allowing us to participate! We were in wonderful company, collectively reaching out together for a worthy cause. Thank you. .. it was an honor!
Hi Sophia & Gena! It was great meeting you! You both looked beautiful on the runway. Jen did a fantastic job and it was wonderful discovering new designers and seeing so much beautiful fashion for our babies!
It was a fun afternoon filled with fashion both dogs and owners. I took my boys Bogie and Kimba to watch, enjoy and most importantly to support our friends both canine and humans in raising funds for such a worthy cause. Kudos to Jennifer Bartock on a job well done in the name of Celebrity Catwalk.
It was a great time, Anthony! So much talent on display! Sorry I missed you and the boys. Were you wearing another of those fabulous new ties you’re creating for men and their fur boys? Love love! 🙂