We all have those clothes hanging in our wardrobes that we never wear. The dress that doesn’t quite fit anymore. The shirt that seemed like a good idea at the time. Most of us let them gather dust, or worse, we throw them away. But what if that forgotten dress could become something more? What if it could become a book in a classroom, or a chance for a child to learn to read?
That is the question Vintage with Love has been asking for over a decade. Founded by Leigh Ord and Jacquie Myburgh, the non-profit has raised millions of rand for literacy and educationfocused charities across South Africa. What started as a small community initiative has grown into a powerful movement.
Now, in August 2026, the organisation is taking its mission to a new level with The Big Week, a celebration of sustainable fashion, community, and giving back to Cape Town.
Two Events, One Purpose
“This year, we wanted to take something big that we’ve been doing for years and make it even bigger,” says Taylea du Toit, Senior Marketing Manager at Vintage with Love.
The Big Week features two flagship events. The first is The Big Show, taking place on 20 August at Beluga. Created in partnership with Bridget Pickering from Ruff Tung/Therapy Boutique, the fashion show brings together local brands, designers, and changemakers championing sustainability in South African fashion.
The second is The Big Sale, returning to the Cape Town Cruise Terminal during the final weekend of August. For more than a decade, the sale has transformed donated fashion into funding for literacy and education while giving thousands of garments a second life.
Fashion with a Future
At its core, The Big Week celebrates sustainability in more ways than one. By extending the life cycle of clothing, the sale helps reduce textile waste and encourages conscious consumption. But for Vintage with Love, the impact goes beyond the environment. Every garment purchased contributes to social sustainability, funding programmes that empower young South Africans.
“The impact of The Big Week extends far beyond fashion,” says Debbie Smarts, Head of Fundraising. “Every item donated, every ticket purchased, and every garment sold helps fund literacy and education programmes that change lives. What might feel like a small action to one person becomes books in classrooms, opportunities for children, and brighter futures for communities.”
The Big Week is a celebration of the community, generosity, and shared purpose that make this work possible. It starts with people doing small things with great intention. A donated shirt. A purchased ticket. A community showing up. And when thousands of people come together, the impact becomes something truly big.
For those who believe fashion should do more than look good, this is a week not to be missed.
