Runway 7 kicked off New York Fashion Week with dog and human models.
Photo by Dylan Christie
New York Fashion Week is on, and Runway 7 spared no extravagance for the most awaited fashion show in the city.
Amid dogs and models, New York Fashion Week’s opening night blew attendees’ minds with ravishing designs sharing the runway with adorable pets up for adoption. Designers from across the U.S. and other countries, like Ukraine, gathered to kick off the season in a meaningful way by collaborating with animal rights foundations.
In addition to showcasing incredible looks, each designer worked with an animal rights organization and dressed dogs to stress the importance of adopting pets rescued from at-risk situations. In designer Marc Bouwer’s own words, “It’s all about rescuing instead of buying. There are all these beautiful animals just waiting for a home.”
Runway 7 kicked off New York Fashion Week with dog and human models.Photo by Dylan Christie
While the dogs are not trained professionals, each wore an exclusive garment and walked down the runway with the models—a scene that entertained the crowd and helped these puppies find homes in real time.
The foundations on the runway were Barc-CT, Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Companion Animal Alliance, F.A.R.T, Operation Kindness Humane Society, Petset, Second Chance Rescue, Spartanburg Humane Society, Stand Up For Pits Foundation, and Wings of Rescue.
Josie from Hot Girl Quilting designed for F.A.R.T., and she showcased two spectacular outfits made from repurposed bedsheets that she hand-dyed and quilted. The animal-rights cause inspired her choice to use bedsheets, reminding the public to donate such items to animal shelters in need.
Halynka Shunevych, a Ukrainian designer working with Spartan Humane Society, brought a collection, “made in Ukraine in a warzone and in bombings with no electricity.” Not only does she produce stunning outfits, but she is also a cultural ambassador for “Vyshyvanka for the President.”
Runway 7 kicked off New York Fashion Week with dog and human models.Photo by Dylan Christie
After the show, many anxiously waited for the awards ceremony, which featured three categories. Three celebrity judges, including Jean Shafiroff, decided the first two categories. New York Second Chance Rescue won the first category, Judges’ Award. Next, the Publishers Award went to Marc Bouwers’ spectacular yellow collection. Finally, the People’s Choice Awards, where spectators voted online on their favorites, were a close call between Barc and Big Dog Ranch; however, the public’s winner was Big Dog Ranch!
Apart from all the models and fashion references in attendance, guests also purchased tickets through the Runway 7 app. This accessibility to the general public is what makes Runway 7 a diverse and inclusive company perfect to host such an important event.
From renowned designers like Bouwer to up-and-coming Instagram phenomena like Josey from Hot Girl Quilting, New York Fashion Week promises to deliver more and more as the week unfolds, and you can stay tuned through our exclusive coverage.