New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is about to welcome a breathtaking new dimension as CatWalk FurBaby, presented by ELYSIAN, returns this September, where runway glamour meets purpose and compassion takes center stage in a show unlike any other. The event has been featured in Forbes as a standout New York Fashion Week experience and continues to redefine what it means to merge style with social impact.
At the heart of this year’s NYFW celebration is CatWalk FurBaby, an immersive runway experience where rescue dogs and beloved pets become the true stars of the show. Presented by ELYSIAN, the event brings together top designers, celebrity judges, and influential voices from across fashion, philanthropy, and entertainment. Each walk down the runway is more than a moment of style; it is a story of compassion, visibility, and hope for animals in need.
2024 EmCee: Fern Mallis, Founder of NYFW & Celebrity Judge: Carol Alt
The evening of September 8 will officially kick off NYFW in spectacular fashion at Sony Hall in New York City. Guests will be immersed in an unforgettable night where fashion, philanthropy, and entertainment intersect under one roof. The runway will feature leading designers showcasing curated looks alongside rescue organizations from across the United States, each highlighting the importance of animal welfare and adoption advocacy. Celebrity judges and special guests will add star power, lending their voices to a mission that extends far beyond the runway.
Beyond the glamour of fashion, CatWalk FurBaby stands as a movement that elevates compassion into the spotlight. The event partners
Jean Shafiroff wearing Ashley Plasse
with animal charities nationwide, providing a platform for rescue, adoption, and fundraising efforts that directly support vulnerable animals in need. By uniting designers, celebrities, and advocates, it transforms the traditional runway into a stage for storytelling that inspires action and awareness. This fusion of creativity and compassion continues to position the show as one of the most meaningful moments of NYFW.
As anticipation builds, the return of CatWalk FurBaby signals a growing shift within the fashion industry toward purpose driven storytelling, where audiences seek meaning as
Design by Nicole Miller and Canine Cashmere
much as beauty on the runway. With ELYSIAN at the forefront, the event continues to champion initiatives that elevate women leadership, creative philanthropy, and animal welfare in a single powerful platform. It is a celebration that resonates beyond the runway and into communities across the country.
DJ Chloe Jane wearing Tommy Hilfiger
September 8 marks an unmissable evening where fashion meets purpose and compassion takes center stage in a way only NYFW can deliver. Guests are invited to witness an inspiring blend of couture creativity, celebrity influence, and lifesaving advocacy for animals in need. As the runway lights rise and the stories unfold, CatWalk FurBaby continues to redefine what it means for fashion to make an impact that lasts far beyond the runway itself.
This landmark return of CatWalk FurBaby promises to be one of the most emotionally resonant and visually stunning showcases of NYFW, blending heart and high fashion in equal measure. From the runway to the rescue stories behind each organization, every moment is designed to inspire action, compassion, and lasting change.
CatWalk FurBaby will set the tone for a Fashion Week defined not only by style but by purpose. Save the Date, September 8 at Sony Hall.