The Hill’s & TEARS Re-Loved Fashion Show once again proved that fashion can be a powerful force for good. Hosted over two sold-out evenings at Simon’s, Groot Constantia in Cape Town, the event raised an impressive R250 000 for TEARS Animal Rescue — while also inspiring a heartwarming adoption story that captured the true spirit of the initiative.
Beyond the couture creations and runway energy, the event’s deeper purpose came to life when show manager Devon Anderson found an unexpected new family member. While browsing TEARS’ adoption page for design inspiration, Anderson spotted a tiny, bottle-fed puppy named Levi. In that moment, he knew the pup was meant to be part of his family.
“I sent the picture to my partner and said: ‘I think this is our puppy,’” says Anderson. “We’d always wanted two dogs, and when I saw him, I just knew. We went through the adoption process, met him in Kommetjie, and fell in love immediately. He came home with us that same day. We renamed him Zeus — strong, just like he deserves to be.”
For Anderson, the connection was no coincidence. “Zeus is part of our family now because of this event. It’s amazing that something so meaningful emerged from something we worked so hard to put together.”
The show’s organisers say stories like Zeus’s illustrate exactly why the Re-Loved Fashion Show exists: to blend creativity and compassion, raising resources for animals in need while spotlighting the joy of pet adoption.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the generosity shown over the two nights,” says Jackie Quail from Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “Every cent raised helps TEARS continue their incredible work. And seeing a dog like Zeus find his forever home reminds us why this partnership matters. This show isn’t about fashion alone — it’s about giving rescue pets a second chance.”
The event showcased Cape Town’s top designers, who transformed thrifted garments from TEARS Thrift Shops into runway-ready pieces. Each night also featured adoptable TEARS rescue dogs partnering with models, delighting the audience and encouraging adoption interest. Funds were raised through designer auctions, Hill’s product auctions, and direct donations — all supporting essential TEARS services including sterilisations, vaccinations, food, and veterinary care.
Hosted by comedian and radio personality Angel Campey, the show delivered two evenings of purpose-driven entertainment. It celebrated sustainable fashion, community generosity, and the life-changing impact made possible when creativity and compassion come together.
The R250 000 raised will strengthen TEARS Animal Rescue’s ongoing mission to provide care, treatment, and hope to animals in vulnerable communities.
