INDstyle

Woman's best friend

by Amanda Bedgood

Runway show to benefit Lafayette Animal Aid full of fashion and fur.

Things really went to the dogs this week over at The Madison during the second Red Carpet Runway event to benefit Lafayette Animal Aid. (We promise that's our last canine reference.) While the fashion was nothing to laugh about, there were some giggles aimed at runway shy pups who elected to stay backstage and shy kitties clinging to dresses. A few brave models carried their canines. And all of them rocked the runway in fashion we're loving this summer.

The brainchild of Desi Comeaux, the event included a live auction, delish eats and drinks from Le Triomphe with Dunn's Furniture and Interiors and The Madison sponsoring along with Party Central. And scores of models rocking the runway with rescued animals on their arms. (Proceeds went to Lafayette Animal Aid and Acting Up.)

The gals at 7 Chics were decked in layered fringe and little lace dresses. Paloma Reyes donned a creamy crocheted number with turquoise that we loved. The ladies of Sky Blue brought out their signature blend of vintage and modern pieces. We loved Laura Hebert's flared white jeans and apricot top. And the store's in-house super talent - Melissa Palfrey - proved she can do more than design the clothes. The girl can walk a runway (a feat, no doubt with two furry friends in hand). Karen Juneau was laidback cool in her retro sweater from Sky Blue. We couldn't say the same for her pup that demurely refused to join her for her turn on the catwalk.

Partners' had some seriously dapper dudes in suits while sweet little gals were decked out in Goody Two Shoes sweetest dresses.

The mavens over at Maven didn't disappoint. Chief among the gents were Brandon Barrett in seersucker that was less old southern gent and much more now as well as the dapper Stephen Ortego (A state rep on the runway? He had our vote that night.). The ladies of Maven killed it - a Gestapo of style with berets and layers of black and white with pops of red, a dash of leopard here and a moto boot we'd wear now and later.

In the crowd we spotted a few fashionistas as well. The lady who helmed the event - Desi - chief among them. In a little red dress with lace cutouts the marketing director for Dunn's and Lafayette Animal Aid board pres was mostly ladylike with just the right amount of sex appeal. Mandi Usie looked fantastic in a black and white dress (one she snagged, of course, from her husband's store Partners') and her super cropped hair cut.

While we love any good fashion show, anyone who witnessed that certain sweetness that comes with seeing rescued dogs and cats take the runway can agree that this one most certainly stood out. If you don't believe us just ask Lafayette's top dogs sitting front and center with their owner, err, mom, Judy Dunn.

"Finally, a show we can appreciate," said Yorkies Sebastian, Chloe and Zoe watching the dogs strut their stuff from their perch in a stroller.

(While they gave the pups a thumbs up, we can't repeat what they said about the cats on the catwalk. Although one of them insisted they'd do anything to raise awareness for rescue animals.)

"Whether it be cat or dog, they all need a good home," insisted Chloe.