Fashion is in constant search of revolutionary materials that can enhance and bring to life a vision, a collection or a simple idea. Recently I found myself walking through a very particular fashion show: The Paper Runway. This fashion exhibit created to reinforce the relationship between the world of paper and one of fashion, will be a special feature of the 2011 National Stationery Show® (NSS), taking place May 15-18, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
In partnership with premier stationery retailer Kate’s Paperie, The Paper Runway showcased paper dresses from cutting-edge fashion designers, side-by-side with original works created by design students from New York City’s LIM College, who will compete for a $1,000 cash prize and Fashion Week window display at Kate’s Paperie.  “The Paper Runway will create a lot of ‘buzz’ on the Show floor,” said Patti Stracher, show manager. “This incredible exhibit will powerfully convey the synergies between these two design-led industries, and surely will inspire new ways to think about the paper-fashion relationship.

This special runway featured also dresses by icons such as Lela Rose, Susan Woo, Yeohlee, Jen Kao and Donald Deal, among many others. In addition, creations from the design studios of exhibiting company DCWV were featured. Paper fashions by LIM College students will take center stage within The Paper Runway, as they compete for the cash prize and a coveted Fashion Week window display at Kate’s Paperie. The students’ designs will be made from exhibitor-donated product, including paper, gift-wrap, ribbon, greeting cards and more, from such exhibitors as Ampelco Ribbon Company, Blackbird Letterpress, Eieio, Good Paper, Hard Cards, iota, Joie Studio, May Day Studio, MIDORI Ribbon, Up Up Creative; Notes & Queries and more.

Here is the complete gallery of paper dresses featured on the runway: