Bolivia marks bicentennial with paper fashion

Paper takes the place of silk and chiffon on a Bolivian catwalk as part of celebrations for the nation's bicentennial. The ultimate in environmentally-friendly fashion was shown off in La Paz this weekend in the form of paper dresses, skirts, and hats.

Designer Marion Macedo has become renowned for her cutting-edge designs made entirely of paper. And she took inspiration for her latest show from celebrations marking Bolivia's bicentennial.

Bolivia gained its independence from Spain in 1809, and Macedo took ideas for her latest collection from the colonists of the period as well as from the indigenous population of the time.

Marion Macedo, fashion designer, said, "Seeing as it is the year of the bicentennial, we decided to dedicate the collection to the bicentennial. We were inspired by old drawings of fashion from 200 years ago. We compiled sketches from historians who travelled all around recreating the traditions from this time. We got our inspiration from that."

The models said that they were nervous at first to wear the fragile designs, but later grew comfortable strutting down the runway in the delicately decorated pieces.

Maywa Jauregui, model, said, "At first we were asking ourselves how we were going to walk the catwalk [wearing paper dresses], but now we think it's a lot easier. Now we know how it all works with the paper and everything. So, I am very pleased."

Macedo launched her first paper fashion designs in 2005 using a variety of paper products for her elaborate designs.