Celebrating Joy and Canine Companionship at New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week often exudes a serious, high-stakes atmosphere. Victoria Beckham’s famous “Fashion Stole My Smile” T-shirt symbolizes the somber vibe frequently found in front-row seating and runway displays. However, shows that showcase fashion as a source of joy can create unforgettable experiences.
Designers Rachel Antonoff and Susan Alexandra have dedicated their brands to capturing happiness through vibrant designs. Antonoff delights audiences with her nostalgic garments inspired by beloved television shows, such as whimsical toiles and quirky pasta-themed puffers. In parallel, Alexandra focuses on healing the inner child with her playful collection of chunky charm-filled beaded jewelry. Both creators share another affinity: their love for dogs.
If you follow these designers on social media, you’re likely aware of their cherished adopted pets. For instance, Alexandra’s companion is Pigeon, whileAntonoff is accompanied by Lafitte; both are rescues from Los Angeles kill shelters. Besides promoting their collections, both have actively supported local rescue initiatives by sharing heartwarming stories online. For Spring 2025, they elevated this advocacy to new heights during a runway event themed “Best in Show,” featuring adoptable dogs walking alongside various celebrities.
“We adore dogs so much that our entire presentation was themed around them,” shared Alexandra during an interview at the event with Fashionista. “Our goal is to create joy—both for others and ourselves.”
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“The looks were designed based on the individual personalities of both handlers and dogs,” noted Antonoff. To which Alexandra added: “Each person we collaborated with was someone we admire—this inspired us to enhance each person’s unique character through fashion.”
The eclectic show featured numerous notable figures showcasing dazzling outfits alongside equally stylish pups. The former “Bachelorette,” Gabby Windey strutted down the runway in a luxurious emerald velvet jumpsuit while her canine companion Peachy sported an exquisite pearl-encrusted collar. Comedian Ana Gasteyer appeared decked out in a cow-print skirt coupled with an adorable dachshund-patterned sweater while holding Frank—a senior Beagle adorned with a leash covered in toys.
The ultimate victor from this unique presentation turned out to be Elmer—a black-and-brown English bulldog teamed up with Dylan Mulvaney who looked chic in his plaid ensemble paired with a bag featuring handcrafted dog portraits.