Paws on the Runway: Dogs Steal the Show at New York Fashion Week
From designer catwalks to charity events, canine companions became the season's most sought-after accessory.
New York Fashion Week embraced a decidedly furry element this season, with dogs of all breeds and sizes making prominent appearances on and off the runway.
At the Tommy Hilfiger spring 2027 show, Marigay McKee's Samoyed, Tilly, closed the event. "It was funny to see the attention a fluffy white dog got from the models backstage and from the press," McKee told Page Six Style, noting that some initially mistook Tilly for Wendy, the dog belonging to celebrity couple Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, who had recently appeared in a Hilfiger campaign. Tilly reportedly received a pre-show pampering, including a meal of chicken nuggets and a lavender bath and facial.
The trend extended beyond major designer presentations. Italian greyhound influencer Kala was a notable presence at the Daily Front Row's Fashion Media Awards, showcasing custom outfits.
Beyond the main fashion circuit, designers Rachel Antonoff and Susan Alexandra hosted their third-annual "Best in Show" presentation, which featured adoptable dogs from Animal Haven. Celebrities such as Ricki Lake, Aly Raisman, and Victoria Pedretti walked the runway with the dogs. "I think we are probably, hopefully, the only NYFW show where half the models are peeing all over the place backstage," Antonoff commented on the unique nature of their event.
Alexandra described dogs as her "forever muses" and designed special animal-friendly accessories for the show, with a focus on comfort for the canine models. She noted that while tiny hats are a challenge, "I've yet to meet a dog who enjoys wearing a tiny hat, which is a shame!"
In Chelsea, the doggy daycare Barkhouse transformed its space into a runway for local pets and their owners. Co-owners Jeffrey Carlson and Gabriella Desposito-Carlson curated the event, which included a variety of doggy fashion. Former Miss New York Briana Siaca walked with her dachshund, Stanley, describing him as a "complete natural on the runway."
"It's really interesting how dogs are becoming more of the moment this year," Desposito-Carlson observed. "They're popping up in so many high-fashion places." She added that the atmosphere was filled with "more wagging tails in a room. I feel like they knew they were stars."