Marie Osmond At Fashion For Paws
Bloomberg Business Week
by Stephanie Green
April 16, 2012
Conservationist Jan Cousteau, and Marie Osmond,
the honorary chairwoman of Fashion for Paws, with her dog, George.
Photographer: Stephanie Green/Bloomberg
Doggie treats may seem like unusual party favors.
They were entirely appropriate for the sixth annual Fashion for Paws, a show benefiting the Washington Humane Society.
Audi AG (NSU), a sponsor of the event, parked a sleek model outside the National Building Museum. Nearby a four-legged friend named Treasure frolicked on the red carpet.
The April 14 event drew 1,700 guests including Melanie Frank, international trade counsel at Hughes, Hubbard Reed (1218L) (1218L), and Mark Drapeau, Microsoft Corp. director of innovative engagement, public sector.
“What’s better than fashion and animals?” Marie Osmond, honorary chairwoman of the benefit, asked the audience. “I love animals. I grew up with brothers, come on!”
After her remarks, Osmond returned to her table -- most of the tables were decorated with a floral centerpiece in the shape of a canine. Her rescued dog, George, rested in her lap.
Dozens of Washingtonians walked the runway in fashions provided by the shops at Tysons Galleria. At their side were pooches from the Washington Humane Society shelter eager to be adopted, or their own dogs.
The models played up to the bright glare of the cameras and the wild energy of the audience. The canines, many bedecked in dazzling accessories, trotted along.
Aba Kwawu, the producer of Fashion for Paws, said volunteer models had to raise a certain figure to be included in the show.
Designer Choice
Those who reached “supermodel” status, raising at least $10,000, earned the privilege of selecting their own designer.
Others were basically at Kwawu’s mercy.
Clothing selections “represented the best of spring,” Kwawu said. “Colors that pop.”
After the show, model Philippe Cousteau, the president of EarthEcho International, visited the VIP section with his girlfriend, Ashlan Gorse, the E! News anchor and host of Fashion for Paws.
Both Cousteau and Gorse, in azure blue ensembles by Elie Tahari, displayed almost parental affection when talking about Gorse’s dog, a Siberian Husky named Aurora.
Cousteau showed off pictures of Aurora on his mobile phone, while Gorse spoke of saving creatures like Aurora from shelters.
The VIP section turned into a party of its own with Moet & Chandon Champagne, Georgetown cupcakes and a dance floor with pulsating tunes from musical host Seyhan Duru.
Lisa LaFontaine, the president and chief executive of the Washington Humane Society, said the event would raise almost $700,000.
(Stephanie Green is a writer and photographer for Muse, the arts and leisure section of Bloomberg News. Any opinions expressed are her own.)
Today’s Muse highlights: Scott Reyburn reports on a Ferrari auction; Elin McCoy reviews the new Bordeaux vintage.
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