New York Fashion Week started off with a bang (ahem) on Thursday when a 200-pound African spurred tortoise treated guests at Mathieu Mirano’s desert-inspired presentation to a show of his own when he began mating with one of the female tortoises among the luxurious evening gowns.
The creatures — the third-largest species of tortoise in the world and the largest mainland tortoise — were allowed to roam on the sand-covered runway among the models at Thursday’s show at Pier 59 studios.
They can grow to 33 inches long and weigh more than 230 pounds. But nobody expected an amorous display, least of all the models clad in elegant gowns.
An onlooker told us, “A large male began pursuing a smaller female tortoise around the models, who stood still posing in the sand. One model could barely hide her giggles as the determined male followed the female past her feet, and he then proceeded to climb aboard.”
Meanwhile, another beauty, wearing a colorful striped dress, maintained her cool as the copulating pair went at it against a mirrored wall behind her.
Designer Mathieu Mirano told Page Six, “I’m delighted my collection inspired such amorous behavior – regardless of species. If they have kids, they should name one ‘Mathieu.'”