Every so often a dog will pop up in the front row of a fashion show, usually on the lap of a very VIP guest. At Rachel Antonoff and Susan Alexandra’s joint fashion show on Friday afternoon, all guests were encouraged to bring their furry companions along to St. Ann’s Warehouse in Dumbo. And everyone in the audience was also very, very encouraged to adopt one of the dogs walking in the show, which partnered with Animal Haven and Muddy Paws Rescue.
“I think my doodle would be so mad if I brought home another dog,” said Busy Philipps before the show, which was “Best of Show” themed. “I’m a huge fan of Rachel Antonoff and I’ve been a friend of hers for many years. I love her clothing. I buy it, I wear it myself, and I love Susan Alexander. My daughter’s obsessed with all of her jewelry,” she added. “I also love dogs.”
Guests lined up outside of the theater, while several of the model-rescue dogs lounged on the ground nearby, getting an early taste of the attention that often accompanies fame. VIP guests, dog or human alike, came dressed in Susan Alexandra’s colorful beaded accessories and Rachel Antonoff clothing.
“It just looks like a f—king beautiful Sofia Coppola film in here right now. I’m in heaven,” said Hayley Williams of the red and pink-hued space. She and other front row guests, including seatmate Jack Antonoff (aka Rachel’s brother), were greeted by their very own “honorable mention” ribbons, no competition necessary. “I’ve been watching Rachel build this brand since the very beginning. She sent me samples the very first year I met her at Bamboozle, this festival in New Jersey, and me and Jack have been friends for a long time. So I’m here celebrating my friendship with them.”
Other guests included Christopher Abbott, Ella Emhoff, SNL’s Sarah Sherman, Gayle Rankin, Karen Elson, Sophie Von Haselberg, Tom Pecinka, and Kelley Heyer, who created the viral “Apple” dance that was all over social media this summer.
“I gotta say, I’m a cat person, so I’m stepping out of my comfort zone here. But I do love all animals,” said Heyer.
During the dog-slash-fashion show, rescue dogs were paraded around by a cast of friends and family of both brands, as Jacqueline Novak and Kate Berlant provided live commentary from the stage and Bridget Everett served as show judge. An American Staffordshire and bulldog/terrier mix, walked by Dylan Mulaney, ended up taking the first place ribbon. “This is the best day of my life — this is the best day of Elmer’s life,” enthused Mulaney from the podium.
Lets make it even better: someone adopt him!