A Real, Live Cat Takes The Runway At Fashion Week

“I draw inspiration from everything around me, including cats,” said designer Tracy Reese.

The kitty looks quite self-possessed above in a practice round before the Tracy Reese show on Sunday at New York’s Lincoln Center.

Image by Bryan Bedder / Getty Images

The cat was apparently there as part of a partnership between designer Tracy Reese and pet food brand Purina ONE — the brand is launching a new line of cat foods as well as an initiative promoting leash training.

“As a designer, I draw inspiration from everything around me, including cats,” said Reese in a statement. “I loved the idea of incorporating cats into the runway show; cats have a lot of energy, which was the perfect complement to the models and my new line.”

A rep for Purina ONE said the cat’s name was Lily, and she was the very first cat to appear on the runway at New York Fashion Week.

Here in the show itself she looks like she might be freaking out a little. She is definitely not smizing.

Image by Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Lily poses on her own.

Source: Jason DeCrow/Invision for Purina ONE/AP Images

Lily with Tracy Reese (left).

Source: Jason DeCrow/Invision for Purina ONE/AP Images