'Paws' to Look at These Dogs in Fancy Outifts!

Dorri Olds got an exclusive sneak peek of what some lucky dogs will be wearing to Paws in the City, where dog couture and animal rescue go paw in paw. (Photo by Dorri Olds)

Celebrity Catwalk takes dog couture and animal rescue very seriously, and Saturday, May 30 marks the third annual Paws in the City, where “designers present high fashion close to the ground.” The fashion show of furry proportions is located this year at Copacabana (268 West 47 St.) in New York City.

When I broke the news that I was unable to attend this year, Paws in the City came to me. Jennifer Bartok-Taylor, the creator of Celebrity Catwalk, arranged a private dog fashion show preview.

Jen Bush’s pooch Tiffany modeled a fancy-schmancy dress by the Texas-based designer Lilly Langtree’s Diva Your Dog couture. She’s sitting so pretty in pink. “This is my second go-round with Celebrity Catwalk,” Bush said. “We did the fashion show last year. We were thrilled to be invited back.” I asked about Tiffany’s history, and Bush said, “New Rochelle Humane Society brought Tiffany here to New York City after she was rescued from a hoarder’s home in West Virginia.” Tiffany smiled easily for the photo shoot. She is digging her new life as a fashionista.

All photos by Dorri Olds.

Ilene Zeins’ dog ZZ is hanging with her pals Tiffany and Yeyush. All three are modeling Sophia’s Diva Closet fashions. Don’t you love sweet little ZZ’s pink painted nails?

A very proud papa named Ser Galdamez introduced me to 7-year-old Yeyush the Rescued Chihuahua. The dashing dog happily modeled outfit after outfit just for me. Here Yeyush is dolled up — or should I say dogged up? — in The Doggie Market. Galdamez told me that “Yeyush was rescued from a puppy mill in Indiana. He was abused for [three and a half years], but now he travels with me all the time. I take him to Miami, and everywhere else that I go. He came right to me when we met. He knew what he wanted and did what he had to do to get adopted by me,” he added.

ZZ Zeins’ peach-colored dress was created with love by Sophia’s Diva Closet. ZZ wears it well, don’t you think? I asked Ilene Zeins how many summer events she and ZZ have lined up, and the dog mom replied, “Lots! And we may even go to the Fabulous Fur-Baby Cotillion in Florida. We’ll also go to plenty of non-fashion events where ZZ gets to run around and be a dog.”

Yeyush sported a silver sequined tux and matching hat made by Canadian designer Darlene Hachey of Princess Lilly & Co.

Grace Forster’s Portia was sitting pretty in a lime green garment with black lace details. The outfit was created by Diva Your Dog, whose signature design is the can-can look you see here.

ZZ’s breathtaking yellow feather dress was made by Oregon-based designer Lachelle Evearts of Princess Fur Fashions. Evearts is one doggie designer who has been a big supporter for Paws in the City since its very first show in NYC. When she’s not modeling or running around to play, ZZ is doing her mitzvahs as a Good Dog Foundation certified therapy dog. She even dresses up in a nurse’s uniform when she goes to hospitals to visit with patients.

ZZ Zeins

Yeyush’s special portrait harness was created by Sophia’s Diva Closet, which wanted to create something special for this adorable little rescue pup.

Here Portia is in green and Rosie in pink as they model the detailed backs of their doggie attire. Both designs are by Lilly Langtree of Diva Your Dog.

Here Rosie and Portia are wearing crowns as the sweet princesses they are. These poofy rainbow ensembles were made with love by Princess Fur Fashions. “My girls love to model, and they have such fun walking the runway with our friends,” their mommy Grace Forster said. “I groom them myself. I bathe them every week, and I brush and braid their hair once a day. Yorkies look a little messy if they don’t get brushed every day. They can get very unruly. They love any attention, and grooming is actually bonding to me. It’s a labor of love.”

What shindig would be complete without a party crasher? Here’s Norman, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who came sniffing around the festivities. Poor little beasty in the buff, Norman stood out like a sore thumb. Although I must say, Norman wears naked incredibly well. And look at that tongue! Squeeeee.