Ricki Lake, Victoria Pedretti and more show off adoptable dogs at NYFW
Furry companions up for adoption joined celebrities down the runway at New York Fashion Week for the annual “Best of Show” event.
Video Team – USA TODAY Entertainment
It was a furry affair at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), with more than a dozen dogs taking over the ramp for the annual “Best of Show” on Sept. 9.
The “beloved NYFW tradition,” now in its third year, brings “together fashion, comedy and rescue dogs in support of animal adoption,” according to a news release. This year’s edition was presented by designers Rachel Antonoff and Susan Alexandra at Webster Hall in Manhattan’s East Village, which was transformed into a secret garden with a green carpet, green drapes and floral decor.
Actors Ricki Lake, Victoria Pedretti and Missi Pyle were among those who walked the ramp in attire by Antonoff and Alexandra with adoptable dogs from Animal Haven by their side. Lake particularly stood out in a leopard print skirt paired with a shirt that read “No Smoking.” She accessorized her look with a multi-colored leash, a bright red bag and cigarettes in her hair.
The runway also featured Ivy Wolk, Michelle Buteau, Bebe Neuwirth, Bob Balaban, Aly Raisman, Susie Essman, Sloane Crosley, Karen Elson, Spike Einbinder, Ayden Mayeri, Devon Walker, Jack Robbins, Celeste Yim, Peyton Dix, Mitra Jouhari, Isabel Klee, Audrey Corsa, Zach Schiffman, Jane Wickline and Liva Pierce, with Chris Fleming and Jacqueline Novak hosting. Antonoff’s playful prints and Alexandra’s signature beading were on full display as the model walked out with dogs in their arms or on leashes.
Canine models included Apple Crisp, Birdy, Avon, Becky, Biscotti, Helena, Jase, Lady Tilley, Lottie and Quiche, among others, all of which were adoptable. The pups remained on their best behavior throughout the event, strutting their stuff, though some got distracted by the attention and wanted all the cuddles they could get. It is not immediately known how many pups were adopted by the end of the night.
Pet adoption organization Petfinder, which maintains a nationwide database of adoptable animals, partnered with “Best in Show” to encourage more adoption and spotlight its goal of helping people find their furry soulmates. The event celebrates the organization’s 30th anniversary.
This year also marked the launch of the show’s first-ever merch collection, available on Etsy through a creative partnership.
“Co-designed with Etsy sellers, the nine-piece collection was created for pets and their people, debuting on the runway alongside the designers’ newest collections, bringing together Rachel’s playful prints, Susan’s signature beading and craftsmanship of Etsy sellers,” the news release said.
See photos of dogs at New York Fashion Week
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.