NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The kickoff to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City Wednesday evening is causing quite a stir as animal rights activists demonstrate against what is expected to be a grand affair featuring several city staples.
As 1010 WINS’ Holli Haerr reported, designer Victor de Souza is opening Fashion Week with a show featuring models in dresses from his spring 2015 collection as they ride horse-drawn carriages around Central Park South.
Animal rights advocates protest use of horse-drawn carriages at New York Fashion Week kickoff event (Credit: Holli Haerr/1010 WINS)
Organizers of the fashion show said the event is a great way to enjoy Fashion Week since you don’t even need a ticket for it.
The animal advocacy group NYCLASS is also in attendance, but not to admire the designer digs. Instead, they are protesting the use of the horse-drawn carriages — a practice Mayor Bill de Blasio has vowed to ban.