By Della Hasselle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MIDTOWN — Forget the catwalk — the center of this fashion show was a dogwalk.
A parade of fashion-savvy pooches marched down a miniature runway in Bryant Park Saturday afternoon as part of a charity fundraiser and book launch.
The canine fashionistas ranged from French bulldogs to Chihuahuas who strutted their stuff in front of an enthusiastic crowd gathered around the stage. Doggie outfit highlights included elf outfits, frilly tutus, miniature tuxedos and movie star sunglasses.
"I love seeing all the creativity and the passion and how it really just comes together," Jay Mikel Sacher, an Upper West Side resident who sells pet shampoo and bodywash, said after the show.
"The charity element was really nice too."
The doggie fashion show was part of a bigger ceremony to celebrate the launch of a new book, Christmas Feet, a charity-themed holiday travel log by author Maureen Davis that featured an eight-year-old pitbull named Carlos.
Carlos, who is said to be brave and enjoy pizza, was a special guest at the ceremony, appearing in a Santa outfit with his very own Christmas dogwalker. In the book, Carlos shows a generous holiday spirit by donating a pair of his doggie booties.
"It's a beautiful book about perspective," Tara Sullivan, the author's daughter, said after the launch, while holding Carlos.
Other charity organizations were represented at the event by canine companions, including Basil, a French bulldog who was an animal rescue from Florida. Basil had to be given up because his owner lost his job during the recession.
"A lot of dogs are being surrendered due to the economy right now," Basil's new owner, New Jersey resident Anita Lee, 29, said. "This is great because it's bringing awareness to all the other rescues who need homes."
