A fashionable cat: A shelter cat is transformed into a feline fashionista

Mr. Wendy, with a model pal, works the camera. (Photo: Rachel Antonoff)

While most designers in New York City’s Fashion Week stick to the runway, Rachel Antonoff prefers to present her collections in alternative venues, including a townhouse and a school gym. And for the past three years, the fashion elite attending her shows have been in for a special treat: adopted cat Mr. Wendy mingling with the models and their admirers.

Mr. Wendy was inherited by my sister Amy after our grandparents passed away within a month of each other. He was originally adopted from Animal Welfare Adoption Network in West Hurley, NY, after being rescued out of a Dumpster behind a Wendy’s restaurant.

After seeing a request on Antonoff’s Twitter feed for a friendly cat to take part in her next show, Amy and Mr. Wendy jumped at the chance.

Mr. Wendy enjoys a relaxing day off.

Mr. Wendy now has three Fashion Week shows under his belt, including a murder mystery-themed show for Fall Fashion Week 2010, a slumber party-themed show for Spring 2011 and, most recently, a school dance-themed show for Fall 2011.

But going from Dumpster diving to being cuddled by models hasn’t gone to his head: Mr. Wendy continues to spend his days sleeping on the radiator, getting brushed and soaking up attention – even from non-models.

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