Couture for a Cause

Fashion, philanthropy and four-legged companions shared the spotlight during New York Fashion Week as ELYSIAN IMPACT presented its fourth annual Catwalk Furbaby, bringing together celebrated designers, runway models and animal rescue organizations for an event where style serves a greater purpose.

Created by ELYSIAN founder, publisher, filmmaker and philanthropist Karen Floyd, Catwalk Furbaby transforms the traditional fashion show into a celebration of compassion and creativity. This year’s presentation featured 10 animal rescue organizations, 10 designer partnerships and 20 runway looks, demonstrating how fashion’s influence can extend well beyond the catwalk.

WHERE FASHION MEETS COMPASSION
The event paired designers with nonprofit animal rescue organizations, creating distinctive runway presentations while drawing attention to the importance of animal welfare, rescue and adoption.

Among the participating designers were Marc Bouwer, Anne Fontaine, Victor dE Souza, D’Marsh Couture and Any Old Iron, each bringing a unique creative perspective to the runway.

Marc Bouwer partnered with Operation Kindness Humane Society, while Anne Fontaine joined forces with Big Dog Ranch Rescue. Victor dE Souza represented Second Chance Rescue NYC, and D’Marsh Couture collaborated with Wings of Rescue.

Other participating organizations included the Stand Up for Pits Foundation, Foster Adopt Rescue Transport, PetSet, Companion Animal Alliance, Bridgeport Animal Rescue Crew Connecticut and the Spartanburg Humane Society.

Together, the partnerships highlighted the diversity of the rescue community while giving participating organizations an opportunity to reach an audience drawn together by fashion and philanthropy.

A RUNWAY WITH A PURPOSE
Beyond the designs and runway presentations, Catwalk Furbaby incorporated a competitive element, with the 2026 event featuring $25,000 People’s Choice, Judges’ and Publisher’s awards.

Serving on this year’s judging panel were Camelia Entekhabifard, Dr. Christina Rahm and philanthropist Jean Shafiroff. Charlii Sebunya served as the event’s emcee.

The initiative reflects the broader mission of ELYSIAN, a luxury lifestyle brand dedicated to empowering women through storytelling, mentorship and philanthropy.

Through its philanthropic arm, ELYSIAN IMPACT, Catwalk Furbaby has raised and distributed more than $475,000 to date, supporting initiatives benefiting women, children, animals, service and the environment.

MAKING AN IMPACT BEYOND FASHION WEEK
Funds raised through the 2026 Catwalk Furbaby initiative benefit the ELYSIAN Impact Fund, a component fund of the Spartanburg County Foundation, a charitable organization.

The event’s sponsors included BarkAir, Discover South Carolina, Merci Dupre Clothiers, International Development and Carmel Fauci.

By combining the excitement of New York Fashion Week with the mission of animal rescue, Catwalk Furbaby continues to demonstrate that fashion can be more than an expression of personal style. It can also provide a platform for awareness, generosity and meaningful change.

For more information: www.readelysian.com
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Photos: PMC / Paul Bruinooge