None of the models defecated on the floor, only one lost bladder control, and things only got mildly physical on the runway. This was my initial takeaway as I left the Susan Alexandra x Rachel Antonoff fashion show—my first fashion show. My second thought was that I might have just sat front row to something utterly historic.
This is not because it was a dog show (and I’m not saying that in the misogynistic, pejorative way; these models were actual canines). The show was hosted by two exceedingly funny comedians, Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak. The judge was actress and comedian Bridget Everett, and some of New York’s finest (Sandra Bernhard, Alison Roman, and most endearingly, Antonoff’s parents) strutted the carpet with dogs on leashes. And yes, these sweet pups were up for adoption.
Rick and Shira Antonoff, Rachel Antonoff’s parents, walked the runway.
Now is the time I feel obligated to mention that I don’t like dogs. They’re jumpy and unpredictable, and many of them have bitten me. I’m lying. Not many. Three. Okay, two. But two is two too many. I am fully aware this makes me unlikable and unrelatable to the masses. Whoever said “honesty is the best policy” has never been vocal about their dislike of dogs. I’ve learned this the hard way, but alas it is my truth. But even I have to admit, when I saw these creatures strutting their stuff, owning their unique bodies, unapologetic about their needs, unwilling to conform—it made me think twice about my stance.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan channeling Brat Summer with her pup.
Are these animals… hmm… the best? It’s hard to know if my change of heart is a result of the dogs or if it’s wholly due to the Susan Alexandra accouterments they were sporting. Her iconic beaded accessories were draped on the animals, AND IT WAS WORKING. One was even wearing a funky hat! The human models were also all looking perfect in Rachel Antonoff’s playful looks, and I felt so happy. I’m not unique; happiness is a universal feeling when you are in the presence of her creations. There was a particular green sweater/skort combo that has a white scalloped detail that I will undoubtedly be adding to cart immediately.
Said funky hat!
I love clothes deeply, but I tend to wonder if I really belong in the “fashion world.” Am I a fashion girlie? I suppose when you dissect it, the real question is: “Am I cool enough?” Maybe we all feel this way. Perhaps it doesn’t matter what we’ve accomplished, what we look like, or what shiny objects we’ve amassed—we’re still unsure. But when I looked around the venue, St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn, I got the real sense that everyone felt they belonged. And I believe that is the most impressive—and perhaps the bravest—accomplishment in an industry that trades in exclusivity and rung-reaching. This show said accessibility and fun is not only OK, it’s cool.
I decided to walk to my hotel after the show, and I was dressed in Rachel Antonoff paisley pants and her bagel schmear sweater—a perfect piece of clothing. Multiple people stopped me on my walk to compliment my sweater, and it made me wonder if this sweater could change the world. Could it bridge the political divide? Maybe it could heal the hate? Is this sweater the one things we can all agree on? I think it’s possible. I mean, I like dogs now, so truly anything is.
Monica Padman is the co-host/producer of the Armchair Expert podcast, host and producer of Synced podcast, producer of the Armchair Umbrella company, actress, and a writer. Her acting credits include Curb Your Enthusiasm, ChiPs, The Good Place, and Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television. She has hosted and produced multiple limited-series podcasts including Monica and Jess Love Boys, We Are Supported By with Kristen Bell, Flightless Bird, and Race to 35. She was a producer on the Emmy-nominated digital series, Momsplaining and previous host of The Tiny Kitchen Cookoff for Tastemade.