Missouri Press Association
Serving Missouri Newspapers Since 1867
Versailles middle school students conducted a fashion show March 6 at the performing arts center, complete with a red carpet, velvet ropes, and runway music. I was not aware of any fashion critics in the audience, but the auditorium was full to the gills with students cheering loudly. The fashion designers and models, both male and female, were the students themselves. The whole production was actually pretty impressive.
One “little number” however really caught my eye. It was a black and white, full-skirted, floor-length dress, oozing layers and ruffles, and finished with a large bow - featuring material of which I am very familiar: newsprint! The unique garment definitely has a “period piece” vibe. After all, it literally has dates printed on nearly every fold.
Morgan County R-II Art Instructor Andrea Pawling was the force behind the fashion show and the creative genius who designed and produced the newspaper dress, now proudly on display in the hallway of the Morgan County Statesman office for all to see, admire, and talk about. What could be more fitting for fashion finery with front-page flair? The dress narrowly escaped destruction after the fashion show, but a suggestion by our graphic designer that we ask about acquiring it, led to its preservation.
I have never in my life purchased a dress form or mannequin, so that was an experience. Evidently, I got the right size. Pretty good for an old newspaper guy.
As I was looking at the dress, I found bits and pieces of local history in each layer. One thing for sure, I’ll never have to iron this dress — it’s permanent press!
