At Animal Mukti, the only models in real fur walk on four legs

By Samantha Critchell, Associated Press writer

Being cuddled and nuzzled by supermodel Christy Turlington isn't a bad way to spend an evening. But for Pepe the Chihuahua, it was all in a night's work.

Turlington and Pepe were co-hosts of Animal Mukti, a fund-raiser for the Humane Society of New York held at the Jivamukti Yoga Center. The event combined "animal-friendly" food and fashion with the lessons of freedom and nonviolence taught in yoga.

"Yoga is about compassion. The whole idea is to treat every living being with kindness," said Turlington just prior to a runway show that featured custom-designed collars for dogs and designer outfits for animal lovers.

Pepe was the top dog on the catwalk, sporting a bright red nylon collar and leash adorned with antique glass fruit and a silk tassel.

Other items modeled by adoptable dogs included a black collar and leash decorated by NBC's Katie Couric and her daughters, and a silk charmeuse rose print and sapphire collar and leash fashioned by designer Betsey Johnson, who also took a walk down the runway.

Human models wore wool suits "inspired by the Shar-Pei" by designer Matt Nye, and a white evening coat with fake "mink" fur by Hayley Mortison of Hayley Inc. These designs and dozens of others were put up for bid in a silent auction.

Opening bids for the dog collars ranged from $250 to $650. Opening bids for human clothing ranged from $65 for an oxford shirt and cargo pants from Phat Farm Fashions to $8,500 for a black fringe suit with a crystal organza flower-petal scarf from Montgomery.

"Mukti" means liberation in Sanskrit, a language used in the ritual of the Northern Buddhist Church. It is a term closely associated with yoga.

Animal Mukti is intended to draw attention to the fashion industry's use of animal fabrics and furs. More than 150 guests paid $500 a ticket to attend.

"It's a night of action, awareness and fashion," said Turlington, who has refused to wear fur for nine years. "We wanted to flip the issue and talk about fake fur."

Turlington worked with David Life and Sharon Gannon, owners of the yoga center. Madonna, Mike D of the Beastie Boys, Sting and his wife Trudie Styler, and Miranda Richardson helped with the event. All are students at the center.

"I was astonished that there was no spay and neuter program in a city this big," said cat owner Richardson, whose primary residence is in London.

The leap from yoga to animals is not that far a stretch, Richardson said. "This is about promoting awareness. With yoga, you have a higher plane to move on."

Proceeds will be used toward a pet adoption awareness campaign and a free spay and neuter clinic.

Photo by The Associated Press
Christy Turlington and Pepe the Chihuahua were co-hosts of Animal Mukti, a fund-raiser for the Humane Society of New York that combined fashion and yoga. According to the model, yoga teaches compassion for all living creatures.