Last Saturday, Celebrity Catwalk celebrated with nearly 150 dog-loving attendees at their flashy fundraiser, “Paws in the City: A Fashion Show of Furry Proportions.” Jennifer Bartok, known on Facebook as Jennifer Celebritycatwalk Bartok, headed up the event. High fashion was presented “close to the ground” as an array of adorable adoptable dogs from Rescuzilla and Animal Care & Control of NYC strutted their stuff down the runway.
The extravaganza took place at Calumet Photo gallery in Chelsea. In attendance was the cast of The Real Housewives of New York City who were there to support three of their participating cat-walking cast members, Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan and Heather Thompson.
Fashion for Compassion—No Faux Paws Allowed
Three out of the four events that Celebrity Catwalk produces annually are dog friendly and this was one of them. The 10 designers who donated their dog fashions included Princess Fur Fashions, Yvette Ruta Luxury Pet Couture, Australia’s Downunder Dog Designs, and the U.K.’s Puppy Closet.
“As a result of the show, all of the dogs at the event have been adopted except for one,” said Bartok referring to cutie-pie Mango Chutney, who is still in need of a home.
Award-winning pet couturier, Anthony Rubio, of Bandit Rubio Designs, said, “Celebrity photographer and TV personality Mike Ruiz opened the show. Oliver, his adopted Pitbull mix, was wearing my donated original, a harness vest featuring graffiti designs and chains with a grand depiction of a saint embellished in crystals. I was there to support the wonderful cause and brought along my Chihuahua twins, my models and muses Bogie and Kimba, who dazzled the audience and stole the limelight, as usual. They showed off my latest creations, sequined zebra fabric and elegant black ostrich feathers.”
Another animal supporter and animal advocate, Prince Lorenzo Borghese (an almnus ABC’s The Bachelor), donated his time to emcee the show. The glamorous costumes, decked out dogs, celebs and attendees were brilliantly photographed by the well-known celebrity photographer, Yoni Levy.
Borghese said, "I was happy to see The Housewives of New York City come out to support the importance of pet adoption on such a steamy hot Saturday night. It was a wonderful evening for an incredible cause."
High-energy fitness trainer Summer Strand said, "I was impressed, and I applaud the decision to intersperse dogs who needed homes along with runway dog models for the fashion show. It gave an opportunity for those in attendance to open up their checkbooks, but also to open up their home to a pet in need. Because The Real Housewives of New York City were shooting at the event, they brought cameras and lots of viewers. Anything that helps raise awareness for pets in need is a good thing. Animal rescue, animal cruelty prevention and stopping puppy mills are causes close to my heart. Celebrity Catwalk with Jennifer Bartok and her heart of gold, is an amazing organization and I’m honored to support it."
Karen Biehl, Doggie Moms actress and owner of Eli the Celebrity Chihuahua, was also in attendance. “The designs were adorable and fit Eli perfectly,” she said. “It was wonderful that even though most of the designers do not live here in New York, they all donated their beautiful designs to help our local homeless animals.”
Eli modeled five of the designs and, true to Doggie Mom form, Biehl changed her outfit each time to match.
Biehl said, “It was especially fun to see the Real Housewives on the front row as we reached the end of the runway. Judging by the looks on their faces and their applause, it seemed they loved the designs and had a great time, too. Eli modeled for Bella's Prissy Puppie Boutique, Daisies Patch, Downunder Dog Designs, Harlow & Grace and Yvette Ruta Luxury Pet Couture.”
The show was a great success and funds were raised by the dolled up dogs to help those less fortunate. “Bravo Celebrity Catwalk!” said Rubio, “And kudos to Jennifer Bartok, her amazing and dedicated crew, and of course all of the dog models.”
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