On Friday, May 9, just before 6:00 PM, guests from around the world began arriving at the Spartanburg Downtown Airport—not to board a flight, but to take part in an extraordinary celebration. Marking ELYSIAN’s 10-Year Anniversary, the kickoff event, fittingly themed The Sky is the Limit: From the NYC Runway to the Spartanburg Runway, blended elegance, purpose, and heartfelt philanthropy. Held in a private hangar, the evening honored Major General Darwin Simpson, former Director of the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport and board chairman of the Spartanburg Humane Society.
The celebration benefited the Spartanburg Humane Society, an organization close to both ELYSIAN and General Simpson’s hearts. Under the leadership of CEO Angel Cox, the Humane Society joined forces with ELYSIAN to curate a private silent auction featuring an array of luxurious and rare items—from estate jewelry to bespoke dog beds with sustainable cushion covers designed and donated by Cate Brown. As the sun dipped below the horizon, guests mingled over curated cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while enjoying live music from acclaimed artist TJ Jeter.
Karen Floyd, Founder and Publisher of ELYSIAN, opened the program with a heartfelt welcome alongside Dean Garritson, owner of the stunning hangar space. The evening then transitioned into an exclusive screening of the South Carolina-focused edition of CatWalk FurBaby 2, a powerful documentary showcasing the behind-the-scenes journey of the second annual philanthropic fashion show that captivated New York Fashion Week. The fashion show, which earned praise from Forbes as one where “Dogs Rule the Runway,” spotlighted the bond between fashion, philanthropy, and animal welfare.
The celebration continued with a highly anticipated digital reveal of ELYSIAN’s 2025 Summer 10th Anniversary Issue. The magazine’s cover art, commissioned from Graceful Madness Studio, exemplified the spirit of metamodernism—seamlessly weaving the organic with the digital, and tradition with the avant-garde.
Then, the runway came to life in a breathtaking fashion show by Merci Dupre Clothiers, founded by visionary Dr. Christina Rahm. At Merci Dupre Clothiers, style meets purpose through sustainable, eco-conscious design that not only elevates fashion but actively protects people and the planet. Guided by Dr. Rahm’s unique expertise as a scientist, artist, and mother, the brand blends cutting-edge barrier shield technology with a mission to raise awareness about the environmental toxins we encounter daily. Named in honor of her children, the label reflects the love and urgency behind its mission: a healthier, more conscious future for humanity.
During the show, models walked with adoptable furbabies from the Spartanburg Humane Society, creating a powerful visual narrative of compassion and innovation. Each garment represented the brand’s dedication to wellness, sustainability, and high design. The evening concluded with a live auction of the looks worn on the runway, with all proceeds benefitting the Spartanburg Humane Society.
While ELYSIAN celebrated a decade of success, it remained steadfast in its commitment to extraordinary quality and intentional content curation—a hallmark of the award-winning global publication. With a growing presence in film, ELYSIAN has produced multiple internationally acclaimed documentaries, ranging from philanthropic initiatives to raw portrayals of global conflict. Publisher Karen Floyd expressed heartfelt gratitude for the magazine’s dedicated team of professionals, based on Main Street in Spartanburg, SC. This small but mighty group has weathered unimaginable challenges, forging an unshakable trust in the mission—and in one another—as they continue to chart a visionary path forward.
Feel free to explore the event through our recap video and photo gallery.