Puppy Style

Washingtonians shared the spotlight with their dogs at the Washington Humane Society’s second annual Fashion for Paws runway show on Saturday at the Embassy of Italy. More than 60 familiar locals—Philippe Cousteau, Capitol File’s Jayne Sandman, and a leather-jacket-clad Fox 5 News anchor Will Thomas were among the models—and their pooches vamped down the raised runway in matching looks from Saks Fifth Avenue (on the people) and Barkley Square Bakery and Boutique (on the dogs).

The event drew 1,100 guests, many of whom attempted the evening’s "Italian chic" dress code. Tara de Nicolas, director of marketing and communications for the Humane Society and the evening’s advisory chair, selected the Italian embassy’s soaring atrium in anticipation of the show’s popularity. “It’s big enough to hold everyone and it is beautiful,” she said.To fit the scale of the airy space, Volanni provided tall floral arrangements, which ranged in size from four to six feet and included dogwoods and orchids in metal frames and square, flat vases. For the dog-themed decor, a green AstroTurf carpet and red plastic fire hydrants lined the venue's entrance, while the runway featured two life-size topiary sculptures in the shape of Labradors.

The V.I.P. section, with tables clad in white, gold, and black with white tulips, took over a side space and offered free makeovers from Chanel.

To make sure guests never had to wait long for a drink, sponsor K Street Lounge placed six bars throughout the venue, with cocktails served in blue plastic souvenir cups. Another sponsor, Teatro Goldoni, provided vegetarian hors d'oeuvres such as sliced portobello mushrooms and cheese ravioli bites. Guests also brought home gifts bags for their pups, including a Barkley Square coupon for a dog treat.