On a blustery Monday afternoon, with waves crashing in the background, scores of people gathered at Puesta del Sol Restaurant at Playa Bonita for a parade of ReDesign, ReCreation, RePurposing…and oh yes, mermaids. Naomi Black of “Off the Beach” studio and Sweet Naomi Creations, along with Creative Cathi and Black Dahlia of “Casa Turquesa”, joined forces for their 1st Spring Fling fashion show and, much like their first Fall event, drew quite a crowd. In addition to the work of the designers/redesigners, some of the additional accessories came from fellow artists who frequent the monthly Mermaid’s Arts Market in town. Mermaids were very much part of the show, with some of the models (Naomi included) donning fantastical face paint and of course colors reminiscent of the thundering sea just steps away.
In highlighting this relationship with the sea, the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO) was selected as “local charity” for any proceeds from the event. CEDO staff even became part of the show, including the day’s only male model, as they showed off items available in their gift shop. A Women’s Collective of artisans from the Campadonico ejido that CEDO works with also brought along samples of their jewelry made from recycled bottle-tops, lids, spoons, and more. Before Fashion show MC Sandy Spain came up to the mic, CEDO Education and Outreach Coordinator, Paloma Valdivia, explained to the eager fashionista audience that CEDO does research, education, conservation, and currently they are also working on social participation and empowering communities.
As CEDO summarized after the event, “Thanks to all the people that participated in the show and CEDO’s friends who came to support our organization, because with your help we can continue our conservation actions to make Rocky Point and the Sea of Cortes an environmentally healthy place for the present and future generations!”
