Rachel Antonoff and Susan Korn have at least two things in common: First, a playful design sensibility that informs each of their popular fashion brands, Rachel Antonoff and Susan Alexandra, respectively. And, second, a deep love for dogs, especially rescues. So maybe it shouldn’t be surprising that as they were planning their New York Fashion Week spring 2025 shows, a little synchronicity stepped in.
“It was the most incredible thing,” Antonoff says. “Susan and I were hanging out and I believe she said, ‘You won’t believe what we’re doing for NYFW—a dog show!’ And I was like, ‘Uhhh so are we.’ We had the exact same idea at the exact same time! What are the odds?”
Encouraged by the mind meld, they decided to combine forces in a joint presentation for their September NYFW show. It was a collaboration made easier by the friends’ similarly aesthetics. Antonoff makes women’s ready-to-wear, while Susan Alexandra offers mostly beaded bags and other accessories, but motifs of various desserts, a seafood tower, and things you might find at a delicatessen would be at home on either of their designs.
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The show’s models were both human and canine, and the pair cast the latter from local shelters, so the dog models were adoptable from Animal Haven and Muddy Paws Rescue in New York. Longtime rescue advocates, Antonoff and Korn have both supported local organizations in New York City over the years. Among their many rescue efforts are the holiday pop-up at Animal Haven in 2018 and the rescue meet-and-greet at Korn’s Susan Alexandra store earlier this year. And, of course, they rescued their own best friends. Years ago, Korn adopted Pigeon, a Chihuahua-Pug mix, and Antonoff adopted Lafitte, also a mix. Their puppy love has made its way naturally into their design: Antonoff frequently adorns her designs with dogs, and Korn has a line of beaded accessories made special for pups of all sizes.
“I’m truly buzzing with excitement for people to see the explosion that is our two brands together, plus dogs,” Antonoff said prior to Friday’s show. Her dream came true, and then some. A couple of the model dogs were swiftly adopted, per Antonoff.
Find out below what makes Antonoff a dog person:
How did you know Lafitte was “the one”?
Rachel Antonoff: I knew Lafitte was the one the moment I held him as a 5-month-old puppy.
Can you tell us his rescue story?
R.A.: Sure! I tell it to him every night. Social Tees [Animal Rescue] found him at a kill shelter in LA and he was on the to be euthanized list. I think he had 24 hours left. They sent me a picture of him saying, “Seems like your type” and were they ever right. I happened to be in LA at the time so I went to meet him and the rest is history!
What is the quality you admire most in Susan’s dog Pigeon?
R.A.: I find Pigeon to be a deeply distinguished and gorgeous gentleman with great dignity.
If Lafitte had a motto or a tagline, what would it be?
R.A.: “I sh*t where I want” -Lafitte
What was your dog in their last life?
R.A.: He was a large rat mixed with a pot bellied pig and also a 60-year-old war general with questionable politics.
What’s Lafitte’s best trick?
R.A.: Occasionally not sh*tting in the house is my personal favorite.
What’s his favorite possession?
R.A.: Treats.
What’s the biggest lesson your dog has taught you?
R.A.: The scope of my capacity to love.
What do you think is the key to a great human-dog relationship?
R.A.: PATIENCE!
