by intern Bella Gerard
Photo credit: intern Julia Cohen
“We’re here to see dogs!” “It’s all about the dogs!” “In the end, we do it for dogs.” At the 8th Annual Fashion for Paws Runway Show benefiting the Washington Humane Society, there was no shortage of D.C.’s favorite D-word: Dogs!
This event is a night unlike any other: A lavish cocktail party with guests dressed to the nines, an incredible dinner in the Omni Shoreham Hotel’s banquet hall, and a fun and exciting fashion show with the models showing off their dogs as their best accessories.
“Every year when I walk into Fashion For Paws, it kind of brings tears to my eyes, because there’s so much energy in the room and so many people who work so hard,” explained Lisa LaFontaine, Washington Humane Society President and CEO. “Last year we touched the lives of 43,000 animals, but one thing I want to really press upon you is that we also touched the lives of just as many people.”
According to LaFontaine, the current rate of animals that enter the Washington Humane Society’s doors and end up in loving homes is at an all-time high of 90%. This made Fashion For Paws not only a night to promote, but also a night to celebrate – and indeed it was.
Guests who entered the cocktail hour before the show began were entertained with the most luxurious of surroundings: DJ Seyhan Duru spun tunes while three bars served non-stop drinks, pictures were taken and dogs were everywhere! Volunteers for the Washington Humane Society walked around the event introducing attendees to dogs who were looking to be adopted, hoping to raise awareness – and perhaps find someone his or her new best friend.
“It’s a great opportunity for the adoptable dogs to get out and socialize, and for people to see the dogs that we have,” explained Humane Society volunteer Jennifer Boger as she strapped an ‘Adopt Me’ vest onto one of the dogs. “It’s also a great way for people to see that a shelter dog can look good at a black tie event too!”
Ordinarily, guests in cocktail dresses and suits might be opposed to the idea of dogs running around a formal event. However, no one batted an eye when the volunteers showed up with these well-behaved shelter dogs – in fact, everyone was thrilled to meet them.
“My friend sent me the link to the event, and I didn’t even care that I was imposing – I knew I had to come! It’s a nice event not just for us, but for the animals,” said guest Val Tacoña. “My daughter, Dr. Lauren Talarico, is a neurosurgeon at SouthPaws Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center,” said attendee Gloria Fulton. “Her dog just got finished with chemo, so she’s walking with a friend’s yorkie!”
To walk in the show, the models must raise a minimum of $5,000 each for the Wahington Humane Society. Each model easily surpassed the minimum – some by tens of thousands of dollars! To recognize these fantastic women, the Model Washingtonian of the Year award was awarded to Susan Ostrowski who has raised more than $60,000 for the Society over the past few years. First Runner-Up Melinda Griffith and Second Runner-Up Dr. Ashley Gallagher also received awards of recognition for their positive work with the Humane Society.
Hollywood on the Potomac caught up with a few veteran models, Sussanah Moss, Katie McHenry, and Poetry Sayer, and asked them what their reason for getting involved was. As if planned, the three responded almost in unison, “For the dogs!”
“I’m always finding stray cats, and I wanted to get more involved with helping animals, so I turned to the Washington Humane Society,” elaborated Sayer. “From there, I just gradually fell into Fashion For Paws!”
“The dogs are such professionals,” said McHenry, “We just wing it out there! No practice.”
You’d never be able to tell – the models and their dogs stunned guests as they sauntered down the runway all smiles. While the models were all dressed in fashions available at Tysons Galleria, many of the dogs rocked ensembles as well. Regal and Pooch, the luxury canine couture brand responsible for clothing many of the dogs on the runway, had a pop-up shop set up during cocktail hour, and donated a portion of the night’s proceeds to the Humane Society.
“I feel like Washington D.C. is always looking out for the next fashion step forward, so it’s important for D.C.’s dogs to be in that same realm!” said Mallory Hancock, owner and designer of the dog-friendly designs. “If your dog wants to dress up, we have outfits for dogs of all sizes! We’re really excited to be here representing such a great event.”
The brand had everything from tutus to polos, custom collars to hounds tooth jackets. Hancock also explained that they are often creating custom pieces as well. They’ve even created a Swarovski-crystal studded collar for a Saudi Arabian royal family member’s pup!
At around 10:00 pm the lights dimmed and the DJ started up again. Hosts Dr. Katy Nelson and Scott Thuman of ABC7 News charmed the audience as they opened the show with their own dogs in tow. Screens projected video “interviews” of the dogs modeling in the show, with voice overs animating and giving unique personalities to each pup. Awards were presented to the Model Washingtonians. Lisa LaFontaine said a few words about the great importance of the event, and the runway show began!
Needless to say, the night was a major success. An impressive amount of money was raised for the Washington Humane Society, as well as an important level of awareness. Fashion For Paws achieves its great success in being not only an event with a worthy cause, but also one of D.C.’s most entertaining nights out.
Honestly, does it get better than puppies, fashion, and food? We think not!
