This week, Top Dogs of Marketing hits the runway with seven fabulous “greathounds” at New Zealand Fashion Week.
The switch up comes courtesy of Special, who collaborated with local charity Greyhounds as Pets to showcase why these dogs make such awesome companions.
On August 29, Greyhounds as Pets ran New Zealand Fashion Week’s first-ever dog show, partnering with Kiwi designers and brands, including Karen Walker, Sylvester, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Twenty Seven Names, Penny Sage, Caitlin Snell, Swanndri, Nom*D, Bendon, Sonnie and Kowtow.
With greyhound racing set to end in Aotearoa in August 2026, around 2,500 retired race dogs are looking for new homes. The Greathounds fashion show and accompanying campaign is all about building awareness of greyhounds not as racers, but instead the perfect pet.
And while they make wonderful pets, we at NZ Marketing believe they’ve got also everything it takes to be your next marketing MVPs: striking looks, effortless charm and the kind of star power that turns heads and wins hearts.
Thommo: all cuddles, no buzzwords
First out of the traps was Thommo, the ultimate city-chilling pro. Thommo, adorned in an apple green Trelise Cooper bow was joined on the runway by model Fabienne, who was dressed in a matching pantsuit. Thommo is the ultimate four-legged wellness officer – he’s a master at boosting your mood. When deadlines hit and you need a lift, he’s always down for a cuddle or a midday nap on the couch.
Sam: your go-to teammate
It was matching brown and white striped hoodies from Sylvester for Sam and model Shanaya as they took to the runway. Sam highlighted why greyhounds are great at fresh starts: curious at heart and always coming to the table with big ideas – whether that is for a beach walk, a cuddle or a snack. He is described as loyal, trustworthy and adept at ensuring his humans take well-earned breaks between brainstorms.
The pair later reappeared in Karen Walker’s urban ensembles, because greyhounds are also great at apartment living: gentle, well-trained and quiet. Likewise, they are the perfect low maintenance office dog, letting the team stay focused – with just the right amount of tail-wagging joy in the background.
Nei Nei: midday recharge
Need a breather from your desk? Nei Nei shows you why greyhounds are the perfect pick – they’re always up for quick power walks between meetings or a lunchtime leg-stretch to keep you energised! And they like to look badass while they do it, with Nei Nei bringing style and flair in Nom*D’s black cape.
Greyhounds also love going on adventures in the great outdoors, which Nei Nei showcased beautifully while dressed in New Zealand’s iconic Swanndri flannel.
Bailey, Irish and Willow: the chill officers
Bailey, Irish and Willow hit the runway to emphasise that greyhounds love to chill out: loving long sleeps, staying in and a gentle life, they remind their humans to take it easy, all while stealing their hearts in the process.
At the show, Bailey walked out with model Kaya, in a Twenty Seven Names red diamond suit. Irish first came out in a Penny Sage stripy blue neckerchief was joined by Aileen in a matching stripy blue shirt. They reappeared again with Irish just wearing his green collar and Aileen in a black Stolen Girlfriends Club outfit.
Meanwhile, Willow and her human Kaarina shone in neon sweaters from Kowtow.
Angelina: head of hugs
Lastly, Angelina reminded the audience that greyhounds are great family dogs. Youngsters Ollie and Rain wore children’s clothing brand Sonnie for their outing. Cuddly and full of love, this also makes greyhounds excellent candidates for the office, bringing good vibes and plenty of hugs.
Top Dogs of Marketing is our regular Friday feature where we unleash our furry favourites and celebrate their contribution to office life. Last week, we met Tui, the Border Colleague at FCB Aotearoa.
If you reckon your very good girl or boy deserves to feature in a future #TDOM, tell us all about them using the form below.
Come back next week for another Top Dog!
