Fashion meets purpose: Katwalk Dolls International raises funds for PAWS
Beyond the runway’s glamors, Katwalk Dolls International introduces a deeper sense of creativity’s value: using fashion to help others. This year, they chose to raise funds for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
Staged to celebrate Women’s Month, the Heavenly Dreams collection was designed to empower and uplift women through fashion and purpose. From shiny wings and colorful hues, everything was meant to call for equality and free expression, albeit generational social norms.
Katniss Griffiths, the founder of Katwalk Dolls, shared that the show in Victoria Sports Tower was something personal and meaningful. For her, it was a redemption of her childhood dreams, which carry out fashion’s mission and inspire more people.
Aside from inspiring fashion enthusiasts, they are also extending their mission to help stray dogs and cats receive better care. Their latest fashion show aims to accumulate revenues that can fund PAWS’ dog food and other animal care supplies.
In partnership with PAWS and the Department of Tourism, Griffiths said that they are elevating the meanings of contemporary fashion.
PAWS Education and Campaign Officer Sharon Yap affirmed that the event can be a great avenue to further their advocacy. She explained that beyond monetary and supply donations, public awareness about animal welfare could help them push their organization’s causes.
Yap thinks that the event opened a lot of discussions when it onboarded PAWS as the fashion show’s main beneficiary. For them, this is already a huge win given that not many fashion brands and institutions showcase love for animals.
Often limited to pet events, PAWS expressed their utmost appreciation to the Katwalk Dolls and the people behind the event. Yap added that this is a great manifestation that more and more people are increasingly becoming aware of their advocacy.
Leading meaningful impacts
While the event mainly features fashion statements, the organizers hope that the event will open the discussion about animal welfare. Given that the event was launched in the Philippines, they said that the country could lead a meaningful fashion revolution.
Griffiths dreams that the Philippines will become one of the world’s fashion capitals. And now, while she awaits her dream, they are using fashion to attain something more meaningful for the community.
“I think we can do it,” Griffiths confidently affirmed. She, along with Jino Esteban and Edna Villadolid, vouch for the continuity of the project’s aspirations.
Jino Esteban works as the Griffiths’ business partner, Business Development Head, and Creative Director, while Villadolid serves as the Katwalk Dolls’ Operations Head.
Meanwhile, albeit not expecting that international agencies would reach out, PAWS felt extremely valued, affirming that their mission ripples. They said that collectively, they are making more and bigger impacts along with Katwalk Dolls and their other project partners.
While at the center stage, PAWS also reminded the audience that animal welfare extends to caring for Aspens and Puspis. The organization firmly called for the end of speciesism, or the discrimination of animals based on their breed.
In partnership with the Department of Tourism – Philippines Metro Manila and in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture – Philippines Bureau of Plant Industry, this event is proudly co-presented by PAGCOR, with major sponsors Nifty Shoes and Edwin Lisa Brows and Aesthetics, and minor sponsors Three Hens, Hoegaarden, and Skin Light. Supporting a meaningful cause, proceeds will benefit the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), while Victoria Sports Club and VS Hotel serve as the official venue partners.
