What Was a Care Bear Doing at Michael Costello’s Fall 2017 NYFW Show?

It appears that big, furry mascots are here to stay in the fashion world. Fendi and Tommy Hilfiger have taken quite a shine to the slightly terrifying costumes, and on Thursday evening, red carpet darling Michael Costello had a mascot-style figure right in the front row.

In addition to the likes of reality star Cardi B and model Shaun Ross, there were a couple of other larger-than-life attendees: Pandemonia the Blowup Doll and … a bright pink Care Bear.

Cheer Bear, the mascot with a rainbow on its tummy, was right up front, taking in a show that included models with nonkinky hair sporting makeshift Afros, billowing capes, and saucy lace.

Cheer Bear took some time out to pose alongside Pandemonia, a “post-pop artist” and persona built “out of current-day myths and symbols, like, forever young, shiny, blonde glamour, etc.,” as its British creator told BuzzFeed in 2013. Pandemonia’s been to plenty of fashion shows, but Cheer Bear? Not so much.

The bright furry one caused some head scratching on Twitter:

We reached out to Michael Costello, and a spokesperson told us that the company that owns Care Bears is one of the show’s sponsors, and with that came a front-row seat. According to ADDY media, Cheer Bear was also there to help celebrate the 35th anniversary of Care Bears, and that Costello is a big fan of the lovable stuffed figures.

So if you’re wondering how Cheer Bear made it to fashion week before you did … mystery solved!

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