Elysian, an international luxury lifestyle brand created to inspire and reflect the interests of women, held the Inaugural CatWalk FurBaby fundraiser at Sony Hall, to launch New York Fashion Week 2023, hosted by Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin. The evening before Elysian hosted a fashion fete at Lafayette 148 on Madison Avenue, New York with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Bissell Pet Foundation.

CatWalk FurBaby was conceived by Elysian Founder & CEO, Karen Floyd as a way to bring together creative powerhouses, women change-makers, and animal welfare organizations in an effort to make the world better for our furry companions under the auspices of ELYSIAN Impact, the brand’s philanthropic arm.

CatWalk FurBaby paired designers, models, rescue animals and charities together for a morning of passion with a purpose. Ten models – wearing outfits designed by fashion designers (several of whom are members of SohoMuse) including Marc Bouwer, Malan Breton, Karen Caldwell, Anne Fontaine, Gloria Lee, Merci Dupre, Nicole Miller, Noize Apparel, Victor de Souza and Brook Wilder – each graced the runway with a four-legged companion, and a panel of celebrity judges headed by Fern Mallis with Carol Alt and Karen Abercrombie handed out awards to animal welfare organizations paired with each model-and-pet team.

The ten animal welfare organizations represented on the runway were: Operation Kindness (Texas), Friends of Williamson County Animal Shelter (Tennessee), Jameson Humane (California), Danny & Ron’s Rescue (South Carolina and Florida), Big Dog Ranch Rescue (Florida), Freedom Dogs (Ohio and California), Strong Island Animal Rescue League (New York), Global Strays (New York, International), Animal Advocates of Barnwell County (South Carolina), and Companion Animal Alliance (Louisiana).  Puppy Models for the show were provided by Rescue Dogs Rock NYC (New York) and the Spartanburg Humane Society (South Carolina).

The Inaugural awards were presented to; The Judges Choice: Global Strays (Designer: Gloria Lee), People’s Choice: Big Dog Ranch Rescue (Designer: Anne Fontaine), Publishers Choice: Danny & Ron’s Rescue (Designer: Marc Bouwer).

Photo Credit: Jared Siskin for PMC / Getty Images, Dave Warren

About the Award Winners:

Global Strays – A World-wide mission to reduce the suffering of animals in impoverished regions through funding of animal shelters and bringing services directly into communities in an effort to increase well-being.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue – Since its foundation in 2008, Big Dog Ranch Rescue has saved over 50,000 dogs with their mission to save 5,000 dogs every year, to heal and place them with loving families and to educate about proper care.

Danny & Ron’s Rescue – After the 2005 Hurricane Katrina Danny & Ron’s Rescue has aided dogs that were left homeless by the storm and has grown to rescue puppy mill dogs, bait dogs and shelter dogs.

“This is the first time that fashion, animals and charity have been brought together in New York Fashion Week,” ELYSIAN Founder Karen Floyd said. “To do it in a way that will benefit the lives of countless pets adds a layer of meaning that will not soon be forgotten.”

“Our nation’s animal shelters are facing unprecedented overcrowding due to inflation, housing restrictions, and a decrease in adoptions,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “BISSELL Pet Foundation is grateful to be the beneficiary charity of Catwalk FurBaby to make a difference for homeless pets in ten animal welfare organizations across the country. By supporting CatWalk FurBaby, participants will help deserving pets receive much-needed second chances through this one-of-a-kind event.”

Notable Attendees included; Karen Floyd, Dr. Christina Rahm, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Fern Mallis, Carol Alt, Karen Abercrombie, Alvita King, Lt. Gov. (South Carolina) Pamela Evette, Kimberli Scott, Sean Young, Evander Holyfield, Shevon Harris Holyfield, Jean Shafiroff, Cynthia Basinet, Allison Ecung Baroness von Arnim, Elizabeth da Trinidade-Asher, Casey Kohlberg, Jacqueline O’Sullivan, Stacey Silverstein, (Elizabeth Shafiroff for Global Strays, Barbara Gilbert for Big Dog Ranch, Durbin Emerson for Danny & Ron’s Rescue), Nadja Sayej, Bryan Griffin.

About ELYSIAN:

ELYSIAN, a brand dedicated to “Women Inspiring Women,” is a growing print and digital ecosystem for women, led by Publisher Karen Floyd. For more information, visit https://readelysian.com.

ABOUT DRC VENTURES:

DRC Ventures, founded by visionary Dr. Christina Rahm, mission is to create sustainable solutions which challenge the status quo creatively, scientifically, and artistically; to create products to support the health of individuals, animals, and the earth, with environmental attention also paid to land, air, and water conservation, A global catalyst for conservation efforts, DRC Ventures also includes a luxury skincare line titled Ella Pure; a coffee brand called Rahm Roast, Merci Dupri Clothiers, and Rahm Pharma. For more information, visit www.drc-ventures.com.

ABOUT DR. CHRISTINA RAHM:

Dr. Rahm is a sought-after scientific leader, patent innovator, spokesperson, and formulator for health and nutrient wellness. She travels the world presenting, lecturing, and educating both the private and public sectors about the bold new world of nutraceuticals, wellness strategies, and environmental solutions. Author of ‘Cure The Causes,’ Rahm’s mission is to help get to the root cause of health problems. Having traveled to over eighty-five countries, in consulting roles, her proudest achievements are her expansive philanthropic initiatives and being the mother to four children. For more information, visit www.drchristinarahm.com