Tilly Samoyed struts Tommy Hilfiger's runway, sparking a dog‑trend

During the current New York Fashion Week, a handful of four‑legged models stole the spotlight. Marigay McKee’s Samoyed, Tilly, closed Tommy Hilfiger’s spring 2027 collection, drawing both backstage attention and press interest that some mistook for pop‑star companion Wendy from a recent campaign.

The dog’s runway moment was just the beginning of a trend that saw dogs strutting in front of designers and celebrities alike.

Tilly received an elaborate pre‑runway routine: a lunch of chicken nuggets, a lavender bath, and a facial before she took the catwalk. Meanwhile, other shows incorporated canine companions, from prime seating during the Simkhai presentation to the Daily Front Row Awards.

A highlight was Rachel Antonoff and Susan Alexandra’s third‑annual “Best in Show,” which showcased adoptable pooches from Animal Haven walked by Ricki Lake, Aly Raisman, Victoria Pedretti and others.

Beyond the runway, a local doggy daycare turned its 50‑foot fake‑grass fetch lane into a pet runway. Former Miss New York Briana Siaca closed that event with her dachshund Stanley, praising the dog’s natural confidence. The daycares’ owners noted how dogs are increasingly central to high‑fashion moments.

## Background & Context

The presence of dogs at New York Fashion Week marks a new chapter for the industry’s accessory lineup. Traditionally, fashion weeks have highlighted human models and designer garments; this year’s shows brought pets into the spotlight as both companions and fashion statements.

The trend emerged early in the week, with Tilly’s appearance prompting media attention and inspiring designers to consider animal‑friendly accessories.

Designers at the “Best in Show” event emphasized comfort for their canine models. Susan Alexandra noted that each leash contained at least 2,000 beads, underscoring a commitment to both style and practicality.

She added that “I’ve yet to meet a dog who enjoys wearing a tiny hat, which is a shame!”—a comment that highlighted the need for more dog‑centric fashion items.

Meanwhile, the daycares’ runway highlighted how pet owners integrate their dogs into the broader New York fashion narrative. The event’s organizers observed that “No one struts New York City streets better than dogs — and their owners taking them for walks,” underscoring the increasing visibility of dogs in urban fashion scenes.

## What People Are Saying

Marigay McKee reflected on the moment that “It was funny to see the attention a fluffy white dog got from the models backstage and from the press.” She recalled that people initially mistook Tilly for Wendy, the dog that accompanied Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in a recent Hilfiger campaign.

Tilly’s presence sparked conversations among designers and models about the evolving role of animals on the catwalk.

At the “Best in Show,” Rachel Antonoff commented that “I think we are probably, hopefully, the only NYFW show where half the models are peeing all over the place backstage.” Her observation highlighted the playful, sometimes chaotic nature of incorporating pets into high‑fashion events.

The daycares’ co‑owners shared their enthusiasm for dogs’ growing prominence. Jeffrey Carlson and Gabriella Desposito‑Carlson noted that “It’s really interesting how dogs are becoming more of the moment this year …

They’re popping up in so many high‑fashion places.” They also remarked that “I’ve never seen more wagging tails in a room,” emphasizing the joyful atmosphere that dogs bring to fashion settings.

Briana Siaca, who closed the Barkhouse event, praised her dachshund Stanley: “He is exactly who he thinks he is, and he was a complete natural on the runway.” Her comment illustrated how pet owners view their animals as confident models in their own right.

## What Happens Next

The current fashion week has seen multiple designers and venues showcase dogs alongside human models. No official announcements have indicated a permanent shift toward dog‑centric shows beyond this week’s events.

Designers who highlighted animal‑friendly accessories may continue to explore this niche, and pet daycares that converted runways are likely to expand their offerings as the trend persists.

As the week concludes, the industry will likely evaluate the impact of these canine appearances on audience reception and brand perception.

While no definitive plans for future shows featuring dogs have been disclosed, the enthusiastic responses from designers, models, and pet owners suggest that dogs may remain a vibrant element of New York Fashion Week’s evolving landscape.