NEWMAN—The spirit of fall and community service took center stage at the Newman Women of Service Fashion Show, a celebrated event raising funds for the Newman Fall Festival and returning for the first time since 2014.
The show brought together local stylists, models, and community members to the West Side Theatre to showcase stunning autumn looks and celebrate the women who have dedicated their lives to serving Newman.
The fashion show's revival was a collaborative effort, organized by Sandy Solano, Miss. Newman 1988, and Yoana Belo. "We're bringing back the past and incorporating the new," Solano explained, noting that many of the models were returning participants who had previously graced the runway. She emphasized the event's core mission: showing the Women of Service that their hard work and dedication matter. "When I asked them to do this, many said they shouldn't be up there," she shared. "But we have shown them all that the service they've done matters."
Stylist Julie Plumb curated the evening's looks, drawing inspiration from the fall season. She featured designers like Donna Karan of New York, Liverpool LA, and Macy's own brand, INC.
"The time of year and what's going on in our area" inspired her choices, Plumb said. Her favorite piece, a green dress, was a nod to the local fall landscape. "Color green, you see it throughout from dark to light shades," she said.
The show highlighted a balance between trendy styles and community flair, with Plumb explaining that the looks were tailored for local events like football games, featuring denim that could be worn by anyone from a teenager to an 80-year-old.
Melany Rios, one of the models, described the show's vibe in one word: "Powerful." The energy was "amazing," she said. Her favorite outfit was a blue serendipity set that "reminded me of the beach."
Rios, who is a competing for Miss Newman, shared that her pageant practices helped her prepare for the runway. She also recalled a favorite behind-the-scenes moment, watching everyone "running around" in the green room. "Everyone helped everyone," she noted, emphasizing the sense of camaraderie.
The event featured a variety of local businesses and designers. Sandy Solano highlighted key partnerships, including Macy's for shoes, handbags, and designer outfits. Other contributors included 1403 Pom, a new high-end thrift store called Pretty Thrift Co., and Wild Mane Designs, and The Boutique at Serendipity which provided clothing for the younger models. "Each location gave them something," Solano said.
Attendee Maribel Pisenl was excited to support her niece, Melany Rios, and noted that the white dress she wore from Pretty Thrift was especially "Newman." Pisenl summed up the event as a fun mix of "young and older ladies" coming together.
Solano hopes attendees leave feeling excited about the upcoming Newman Fall Festival and inspired to work together for the community. She also hopes they look forward to next year's fashion show, continuing the tradition of celebrating service and style.
