COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Creativity took center stage Sept. 24 during a Newspaper Fashion Show hosted by the Colusa County Pioneer Review and Colusa County Free Library.
The event was held ahead of National Newspaper Week, Oct. 4-10, and played off this year’s theme, “Rooted in Community, Committed to Truth.”
Five teams were given about 45 minutes to turn stacks of newspapers and a table full of craft supplies into wearable creations before sending their models down the runway.
Messenger Publishing Group’s Regional Editor Lloyd Green Jr. said the lighthearted event was also a way to recognize the larger role newspapers and journalists play in keeping their communities informed, connected and engaged.
“Local newspapers do more than just report the headlines,” Green said. “We cover public meetings, schools, businesses, sports, community events and the people who make up the history of places like Colusa County.”
Then the newspapers and their models took their own turn in the spotlight.
Ana Plaza worked the runway like a seasoned model, showing off the newspaper creation the 29-year-old said was inspired by strong women in Colusa County schools who “show up and show out” each week in sports.
Seti Long and her son Saxon took another approach, turning newsprint into storybook fashion as the Queen of Hearts and her dashing dandy, winning them the second-place finish. Colusa County Sheriff Mike Bradwell traded his familiar dress blues for something considerably different, a Scottish-style newspaper kilt, earning his team third place.
At the opposite end of the age spectrum and awards, 11-month-old Aria Boes proved a model does not need years of runway experience. Just weeks into walking on her own, the tiny contestant strutted her newspaper princess look into fourth place, drawing plenty of attention along the way.
The creations were judged by Colusa County Youth Services Librarian Gabby Silva and circulation desk librarian Nikie, whose fashion credentials were introduced with equal parts humor, including childhood viewing of “America’s Next Top Model,” Tiger Beat and plenty of virtual fashion.
Green told contestants before the scissors started flying that community journalism is built on relationships and the fashion show demonstrated what can happen when local organizations work together. The Colusa County Arts Council supplied various craft accessories that help the teams pull the fashions together.
Runway contestants also included Vasili Karamanos, whose fashion was inspired by British singer-songwriter Charli XCX, and Williams City Manager Yvonne Kimball donned a chef’s hat and apron made entirely from the provided newsprint.