Senior Cat Model Mr. Wendy Welcomes Persian Protégé To New York Fashion Week

Minus the debut of Grace Coddington's Pumpkin Cat inspired capsule collection for Balenciaga, New York Fashion Week has been devoid of any major cat news. However, one event I was looking forward to reporting on was the return of one of my favorite Tweeting felines, Mr. Wendy, a debonair black furred fashion model who celebrated his (sweet) sixteenth birthday late last week.

Reading/snuggling my program from @rachelantonoff. Thx, human, for bringing one home for me! #nyfw yfrog.com/oe2f1vcmj

— Mr. Wendy (@mrwendycat) September 8, 2012

For the past four years, Mr. Wendy - a cancer survivor who was rescued from behind the dumpster of a Wendy's - has enjoyed a cherished spot as a cat model in designer Rachel Antonoff's annual fashion week presentations. Unfortunately, due to illness, he had to sit this year's picnic inspired presentation out, however when reached for comment on his current condition, the senior kitizen replied, "Still sick, but better soon. So sad to miss show, but Lyle (@grumplstiltskin) was so fluffy and cute! Like a young me! #modesty"

Here's a pic my human took at the @rachelantonoff show on saturday of lyle just chillin'. #catmodel yfrog.com/oexipykj

— Mr. Wendy (@mrwendycat) September 10, 2012

The Lyle in question was Mr. Wendy's understudy - the show must go on, after all - a bashful 4-year-old Persian mix, owned by Audrey Gelman. The Cut, apparently eager to cover every aspect of NYFW, posted a profile on the reluctant cat model, where her owner revealed the kitty's pre-show preparations, which included running around in circles for extra cardio, and getting pampered with a shampoo and nail trim before the live event.

My understudy at @rachelantonoff is a little stiff... Yet another amazing show!! Amazing! <3 <3 <3 yfrog.com/kf8owtyj

— Mr. Wendy (@mrwendycat) September 8, 2012

It also appears that unlike other budding feline fashionistas, Lyle isn't exactly in it for the long haul. As Gelman told The Cut via email after the show, "She's been taking a lot of naps since we got back, staring at her favorite tree in the backyard, and catching up on Sons of Anarchy with me. I think she prefers the simple life, and I sympathize!"

Via The Cut / Twitter (@mrwendycat)

Senior Cat Model Mr. Wendy Welcomes Persian Protégé To New York Fashion Week

Seasoned Feline Fashionista Mr. Wendy Shines at New York Fashion Week

(Facebook / Rachel Antonoff)

New York Fashion Week is in full swing, and fashionistas of all breeds have been spotted around town, working the catwalk the only way they know how.

One such cool cat is Mr. Wendy, a 15-year-old cancer survivor who modeled for the Spring/Summer 2012 Rachel Antonoff presentation last week. The handsome black kitty posed with Addams Family-esque models, and added a touch of realism to the spooky black and white dollhouse theme. This was the fourth Antonoff fashion show for the cat, who got his name after being rescued from a dumpster behind the fast food restaurant of the same name.

Behind the Scenes at Rachel Antonoff, Spring/Summer 2012

In this behind-the-scenes video for ModCloth, Mr. Wendy's owner Amy Lippincott says that modeling is his "favorite thing to do," confessing, "He loves the attention from beautiful women, and laying in the sun."

(Twitter / @mrwendycat yes, he tweets too!)

Designer Antonoff herself is no stranger to cat lady chic. Earlier this year, her collection for Bass shoes also featured a kitten-themed marketing campaign.

Via About.com, Pet Shops

Seasoned Feline Fashionista Mr. Wendy Shines at New York Fashion Week