Each September, the global fashion industry turns its eyes to New York City. The opening of New York Fashion Week (NYFW) traditionally signals the start of a season brimming with runway spectacles, glamorous parties, and cutting-edge design. Yet, in recent years, one event has shifted the narrative, proving that fashion can be more than just style—it can be a force for good. That event is ELYSIAN Impact’s CatWalk FurBaby, a groundbreaking tradition that combines philanthropy, artistry, and community in a way no other fashion week opener does.
For three consecutive years, ELYSIAN Impact has launched NYFW not with a typical runway show, but with a celebration of purpose-driven storytelling. At the heart of this effort is CatWalk FurBaby, an initiative that brings together designers, models, celebrities, and charities in support of animal welfare. Unlike conventional fashion events, where the spotlight shines exclusively on garments and glamour, CatWalk FurBaby elevates causes and communities, turning the runway into a platform for compassion.
This year’s opening event goes beyond live fashion with the second CatWalk FurBaby documentary, a film that captures the behind-the-scenes journey of how 21 charities, countless volunteers, and creative visionaries came together to make the 2024 show possible. It is a rare opportunity to see the grit, collaboration, and heart that drive a philanthropic project of this magnitude. The screening at Sony Hall on September 9th will honor the participants who walked not just for style, but for change.
The uniqueness of ELYSIAN Impact’s approach lies in its fusion of high fashion with human—and animal—connection. Where other fashion week openers often prioritize exclusivity, this event emphasizes inclusivity by spotlighting the tireless work of nonprofit organizations alongside celebrated designers. Each collection presented on the runway tells two stories: one of creative vision, and another of social impact. The result is a tapestry of elegance and empathy that resonates far beyond the runway lights.
Equally important is the community that has blossomed around the event. Charities benefit from exposure, awareness, and fundraising opportunities, while attendees leave inspired by a shared sense of purpose. For designers, it offers a chance to align their artistry with advocacy. For audiences, it creates a richer, more meaningful connection to fashion—a reminder that style can be both beautiful and benevolent.
In redefining what it means to kick off New York Fashion Week, ELYSIAN Impact is also redefining what it means to be fashionable. No longer is luxury measured solely in fabrics, silhouettes, or brand names. Instead, it is measured in compassion, creativity, and contribution. This shift reflects a broader cultural moment, where consumers, especially women of influence, are seeking authenticity and social responsibility from the brands and experiences they support.
As NYFW continues to evolve, CatWalk FurBaby stands as proof that fashion and philanthropy need not be separate worlds. Together, they form a powerful partnership—one that has the potential to inspire change, rally communities, and set a new standard for what global fashion weeks can aspire to achieve.
This September, when the lights dim at Sony Hall and the CatWalk FurBaby documentary begins, it won’t just be the start of another season of fashion. It will be the start of something more enduring: a reminder that when style meets purpose, both worlds shine brighter.