When people say “every dog has his day,” they’re usually quoting Shakespeare — but in Tucson, several dogs truly had theirs. The annual Dogs N’ Denim fashion show at the University of Arizona gave working and service dogs a chance to strut down the runway in custom denim outfits designed by fashion students.
Turning Old Denim into New Design
Professor Elizabeth Heuisler from the Norton School of Human Ecology assigned her students to create canine fashion using repurposed denim collected across Tucson. The project combined sustainability, design, and community engagement.
After crafting their creations, the students collaborated with service dog owners to prepare the animals for their big moment. “People often think fashion shows are just fun and glamour,” said Heuisler. “But organizing an event like this takes planning, teamwork, and dedication — and my students handle it all themselves.”
Empowering Dogs with Disabilities
This year’s event featured a partnership with A Loyal Companion, a Tucson-based non-profit that helps dogs with disabilities rehabilitate and start anew.
Fashion major Clare Bonasera from Norwalk, Connecticut, described how the collaboration inspired them. “They do incredible work helping dogs who face challenges — those missing limbs or unable to use their back legs. We wanted to include them and showcase their strength and spirit.”
A Growing Tradition
Since its debut in 2018, the Dogs N’ Denim show has become a proud part of the Fashion Industry Science and Technology curriculum at the University of Arizona. Each year, it highlights not only student creativity but also the deep bond between humans and their loyal companions.
