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New York Fashion Week was abuzz with excitement on Thursday, September 5th, as ELYSIAN Impact held its highly anticipated second annual CatWalk FurBaby fashion show. This unique event blended high fashion with a powerful purpose, showcasing 21 models paired with dogs wearing designer brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Nicole Miller. The event not only highlighted the glamour of New York Fashion Week but also brought attention to important causes by pairing each fashion team with a charity to raise awareness for ELYSIAN Impact’s focus categories: Animals, Children, Women, Service, and Environment.
The day kicked off with an electrifying performance by Chloe Jane, who treated the audience to a sneak peek of her upcoming music video, “Dance Floor Emergency.” The lively energy set the tone for a memorable morning. In keeping with ELYSIAN Impact’s mission of creating positive change, a quote from Mother Teresa resonated throughout the venue: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
Karen Floyd, the visionary behind ELYSIAN, officially opened the show with a heartfelt message about the theme of the day: “Ripples create waves, and waves create change.” Her words perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the event. Soon after, Fern Mallis, the founder of New York Fashion Week and the Emcee of the event, took the stage, adding an air of prestige and anticipation as the fashion show began.
Unlike any other runway show, CatWalk FurBaby wasn’t just about fashion; it was about fostering change. The 21 models, paired with dogs dressed in designer ensembles, walked the runway to showcase the latest trends while also promoting a cause. The models and their furry companions were grouped into five charitable sections: Animals, Children, Women, Service, and Environment, reflecting the diverse range of ELYSIAN Impact’s philanthropic efforts.
As each model-dog duo graced the runway, the audience was captivated by the creativity, elegance, and dedication displayed by the designers and their charitable partners. This year’s show proved once again that fashion can be a powerful platform for advocacy and raising awareness.
CatWalk FurBaby wasn’t just a showcase; it was also a competition with three prestigious awards up for grabs: the Judges’ Award, the People’s Choice Award, and the Publisher’s Award.
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Judges’ Award: Decided by an esteemed panel of judges, including Consuelo Vanderbilt, Maribel Lieberman, and Carol Alt, this award went to Nicole Miller and Canine Cashmere. Their stunning presentation was in partnership with NYC Second Chance Rescue, a foster-based non-profit dedicated to saving animals in need. Model Rachel Donahue helped bring their vision to life, earning them the top spot in this category.
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People’s Choice Award: This award was determined by the generosity of the audience. Donations cast as votes led to a resounding victory for Team Louisiana. The team included Companion Animal Alliance, an animal shelter making strides in animal welfare, the clothing brand Queen of Sparkles, and designer Jaime Glas Odom. Their collaboration and passionate representation won the hearts of the audience.
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Publisher’s Award: This award was determined by contributors to ELYSIAN Magazine from across the country, celebrating the team that most effectively conveyed the essence of ELYSIAN’s vision. Team Texas emerged victorious in this category, featuring Operation Kindness, a no-kill animal shelter, NYC-based lifestyle brand D’Marsh Couture, designer Glenroy March, and Russian model Gia Skova.