Fashion designer Dawn Deisler was named the winner of awards for pet apparel and accessories presented at the Fashion Institute of Technology's fourth annual pet fashion runway show, BARKinistas Unleashed, held April 18 at FIT in New York City.
Deisler won the Best of Fashion Show Award for an ensemble of a suede leash and matching suede and boa embossed leather patchwork coat, and the Kmart Salable Style Award for a python black and neon chartreuse lambskin carrying bag, leash, collar, and coat ensemble. Second place in this category went to fashion designer Virginia Armstrong-Whyte for a two-piece white and gold wedding /special occasion dress.
The winners will be honored with a reception and display of their work at the new luxury D Pet Hotel opening in New York City in mid-June. They will also have the opportunity to be featured guests on the Connecticut TV show, "Pet Talk," in mid-July.
A designer for Elie Tahari, Deisler has been associated with major fashion companies for the last 20 years. The lack of fashionable, rather than childlike, dog apparel led her to begin designing for her own dog. Her goal is to start a dog apparel and accessories line for the luxury market and donate the profits to animal shelters and animal cancer research organizations.
Armstrong-Whyte graduated from FIT with a degree in Fashion Design and had her own custom design evening and bridal wear business before she entered the pet apparel field.
Thirteen canines took to the dog walk to present 27 unique designs created by students in the FIT Center for Professional Studies' Pet Product Design and Marketing professional development certificate program.
BARKinistas Unleashed was also a charitable endeavor, held in partnership with the New York City Mayor's Alliance and Bideawee Animal Shelter, to benefit animals in need. As in previous years, the show was conceptualized, designed, and produced by FIT's Advertising and Marketing Communications BS program's fourth-year Special Events Marketing class.
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