Paper Tiger, ‘Beto’ Takes 1st Place At DFW Paper Fashion Show, New York Next!

By Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media,  Photos by Jonathan Garcia & Carmen Mayta, Videos by Milter Herrera-Milter Media (see below)

Move over Mondo Guerra make some room for the new kid in town. Norberto Mojardin has taken the Colorado fashion scene by storm dazzling audiences with his spectacular designs over the past three years. Most recently Norberto, better known as ‘Beto” took first place at this past weeks Denver Fashion Week Paper Fashion Show held March 23rd at the Denver Center For Performing Arts Seawell Ballroom. Denver Fashion Week is produced by 303 Magazine with the Paper Fashion Show being the largest in the country.  The win earned Mojardin and his design team a trip to New York City where they’ll be invited to showcase their paper design at the 97th Annual ADC Awards during Creative Week on Monday, May 7, 2018!

Mojardin won the grand prize with his creation "Aztec Princess" modeled by Itzel Gonzalez. The design was as made entirely, 100%,  paper and we tell the story of Quetzalcuatl, the feathered serpent. Photo by Jonathan Garcia

Mojardin won the grand prize with his creation “Aztec Princess” modeled by Itzel Gonzalez. The design was as made entirely, 100%,  paper and we tell the story of Quetzalcuatl, the feathered serpent.
Photo by Jonathan Garcia

Each feather was burned in fire to get a different texture and shadow in the effect of the paper. Photo by Jonathan Garcia

Each feather was burned in fire to get a different texture and shadow in the effect of the paper. Photo by Jonathan Garcia

The hand painted corset tells the story that inspired the artist Norberto Mojardin, Photo by Jonathan Garcia

The hand painted corset tells the story that inspired the artist Norberto Mojardin, Photo by Jonathan Garcia

Dia de los Muertos Mexican Cultural Ctr. Nov. 2, 2017 (124)

Photo by Joe Contreras

Born in Sonara Nogales, Mexico Mojardin came to the U.S. when he was ten years old. First in Phoenix, Arizona and for the past several year’s Denver has been his home. He established “Beto’s” hair studio and is highly sought after hair stylist and serves as a beauty consultant for Telemundo Denver.

Photo by Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media

Photo by Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media

Beto literally stole the show at last fall’s Denver Fashion Weekend with his over the top hair designs that brought the audience to it’s feet for a resounding standing ovation. (see that Latin Life Denver feature article HERE) At the “Historias” Hair & Fashion Show  last July at Exdo Event Center in Denver, Beto again stunned the crowd with his incredible fashion designs and hair stylings. (see our article HERE)

Photo by Joe Contreas

Photo by Joe Contreras

Aside from his fashion and hair design prowess Marjardin is an amazing artist.  At the Dia de los Muertos art exhibit at the Mexican Cultural Center in Denver last fall the packed crowd was abuzz with oos and awes as the viewed the lavish displays of a variety of alters was put together by artist Norberto Mojarin.  (See more HERE)

In a recent interview with  Casa Magazine Mojardin said, ” “I am Mexican, but I also have Native American, Asian and Italian blood. For me to design is to explore and to admire those cultures and many others. My collections have evolved to incorporate new influences,” explained the artist.” he added “I don’t see myself designing dresses or hair for the rest of my life. I am a stylist, a fashion designer; but I am also an interior designer, painter, muralist and sculptor. My dream seems more like that of an artist. I feel like an artist.”
Video by Milter Herrera-Milter Media

Video by Milter Herrera-Milter Media

Video by Milter Herrera-Milter Media

Photos by Jonathan Garcia & Carmen Mayta, Latin Life Denver Media (see gallery below)

Now, in its 13th year, The ONE Paper Fashion Show shines light on Denver talent. Since 2004, over 500 paper fashions have been created and consequently viewed by thousands of curious, enthusiastic observers—there to celebrate this beloved art medium.

Designers will create their collections from paper donated by Spicer’s Paper, Paper Fashion Show’s premier sponsor (along with other participating paper mills). These innovative, haute-couture fashions will be showcased on the grand runway, and judged by an esteemed panel of top Denver-area designers and celebrities.

Partial proceeds from the ONE Paper Fashion Show will benefit Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (www.davarts.org), a local community organization that provides after-school arts programs for at-risk youth. Combining art and technology, DAVA programs emphasize innovation, problem-solving, and connection to community. While arts education can connect to careers in the arts, at DAVA they do much more. Their unique approach results in students not only gaining skills in art, but also valuable education, job, and social skills in preparation for a wide range of life aspirations. By participating in the Paper Fashion Show, you are giving youth the opportunity to gain important social skills that directly transfer to positive youth development.