Doggies on the Catwalk fashion benefit receives new leash on life at GPB
Posted 1/16/2010 8:39:00 AM

In its third year, the Doggies on the Catwalk benefit fashion show received a stylish upgrade to the multi-million broadcast studios of Georgia Public Broadcasting Friday night.

The annual fundraiser for Pets Are Loving Support features the dazzling design work of Grady High School’s talented Urban Couture fashion students.

>> See more photos from the event

In its first two years, Doggies was held at the Grady High gymnasium. 

This year, the show was recorded to air across the state on January 20 at 8 p.m. and January 24 at 7 p.m. on GPB-TV.

“We haven’t raised the bar this year, we’ve flown over it, thanks to GPB,” Urban Couture director Vincent Martinez told Intel as guests arrived on a red carpet, past swirling spotlights on 14th Street.

Backstage, celeb models, including V-103 FM morning man Frank Ski, Atlanta actress Catherine Dyer, CNN meteorologist Rob Marciano, and philanthropist Angela Karatassos were busy bonding with their canine companions.

But as usual, there were a few fashion faux paws when it came time for the couture-clad canines to strut their stuff on the catwalk.

Jessicashops.com retail reporter Jessica Dauler had to borrow a pooch from pal KC Public Relations co-owner Kristin Cowart after Dauler’s beloved Sasha demonstrated some “behavioral issues” that prevented her from participating.

But Cowart’s dog Gatsby arrived on stage with Dauler sans wardrobe.

Cracked host and CNN anchor Holly Firfer: “Gatsby, you’re naked!”

In the audience, Cowart had a hand over her mouth.

“My first thought was ‘Gatsby has eaten his outfit,’” she told Intel. “It’s not out of the realm of possibility. This dog has eaten a sock, Miracle-Gro, and a pair of $20 bills before.”

There’s a diva on every catwalk.

And Wilhelmina Slater’s Manolos may have been filled this year by Doggie celeb model and Atlanta designer Wendy Babchin.

Explained Grady Urban Couture student Savanna Sweeny in an interview set to air on the GPB special: “She’s very opinionated but I welcomed her feedback. She also chose her color.”

Backstage, Intel heard whispers that Babchin’s “opinions” so unnerved the high school student at one point, her mother had to fire off a scolding email to Grady administrators.

But the gorgeous end result on Babchin and her adorable companion Jazz wowed the crowd.

And while he declined to give us a peek inside his gradebook, Martinez told Intel at the post-show cocktail reception: “Judging from the expression on my face, you can probably guess what final grades my kids will be receiving on their fashions tonight.”

Posted By: Richard Eldredge  
Comments:
I love this article! Been meaning to comment and say how much I've been enjoying your posts! Keep it up!
Posted By Lindsey Howe On 1/18/2010 2:03:39 PM
Everyone was fab fab fab! (Including the humans!)
Posted By Ava On 1/18/2010 2:00:32 PM
Catherine Dyer rocked!
Posted By J Buyens On 1/16/2010 6:35:19 PM
It must have been such fun, wish I had been there. Very impressive. Yay Savanna! Want more pictures!
Posted By Catherine Corkill On 1/16/2010 6:24:03 PM
Cute event!
Posted By tammie reed On 1/16/2010 12:13:46 PM
I completely agree that Jazz wowed the crowd and so did Wendy and Savanna!
Posted By Shelley Sweeney On 1/16/2010 10:46:59 AM
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