By Elizabeth Ladzinski
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
CHELSEA — Fourteen furry pups took over the catwalk Wednesday night during FIT's third annual pet apparel fashion show showcasing the latest in canine chic.
The show, called "Fashion After Bark," put the pooches in everything from raincoats to evening wear. All clothes were designed by students in FIT's Pet Product Design and Marketing Professional Development certificate program, the only one of its kind in the nation.
The free event drew a crowd of more than 100 people to the Katie Murphy Amphitheater, including Sonja Morgan of Real Housewives of New York, Mario DiFante, executive director of Pet Fashion Week New York, and Fern Mallis, creator of NY Fashion Week.
"When I was younger and it wasn't cool to dress your dog, I used to make outfits for my dog," said Lindsey McGraw, one of the design students whose work was featured in the show. After finishing the program in March, she plans to launch her dog clothing business, American Dog Apparel.
The show had pup lovers raving afterward.
"It was super fun to watch all the dogs, they did such a good job," McGraw said.
"Last year was terrible, but this year I think they got really chic, they pulled out the nice pretty dresses, people took it more seriously," said Leana Dominguez, who participated in the program and fashion show last year.
Some of the fashions on the runway included a bright yellow spotted rain slicker, a black velvet cape with pearl collar necklace, and a peacock-feathered leash.
"I was pretty impressed with the craftsmanship and the collection of fabrics," Dominguez added. She particularly enjoyed the knitted sweaters, but thought the raincoats were too small on the dogs.
"I really loved the show, I thought it was really original," said Yousra Attia, 21, who attended the show in-between classes for her degree in Fashion Merchandising Management.
"I have just one thing to add: this would only happen at FIT, nowhere else," said Attia's friend, Ksenia Pereverzeba. "It's awesome."
