American fashion designer Ralph Lauren has always been a major advocate for diversity on the runway, but he sill managed to shock onlookers when he welcomed shelter dogs to the stage on October 15. In a partnership with the American Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [ASPCA], Lauren brought pups straight from the shelter to the runway to model a collection of haute dog accessories.
“The Dog Walk” collection is currently available on the brand’s website and includes pricey leather leashes, quilted leather coats, simple polos and luxury doggie carriers. Ten percent of the proceeds from the collection will be donated to the ASPCA through Nov. 17.
A heart warming side effect of using real shelter dogs in the campaign was nearly instantaneous adoptions offers. A number of the model pups have already been adopted and are settling in seamlessly to their new homes.