Central Oregon Community College’s clothing connection hosted its third annual Earth Day fashion show on Friday, April 19. Students and staff came together to watch the models strut the runway with two events held at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The show was put on in celebration of Earth Day. Though the show was free, donations were encouraged to help support the Clothing Connection at COCC.
“The Clothing Connection fashion show offers students an option to learn more about sustainability and a chance to build confidence from the outfits they create,” said Ivy Sotello, president of the Associated Students of Central Oregon Community College fashion show model.
Clothing Connection has been a resource for students in need of gently used clothes since COVID-19, according to Sotello. Students are welcome to visit once a term and take up to 10 items for free. The Clothing Connection is a partnership between COCC and OSU-Cascades.
While attendees waited for the evening fashion show, a local blues rock fusion band, Gypsy Traveler, took the stage to entertain guests.

“We see clothes as a basic need, the Clothing Connection is literally putting clothes on students’ backs,” said Noelle Bell Copley, Sustainability Coordinator at COCC. “It helps students in need, keeps clothes in their usable life cycle, and keeps things out of the landfill.”

To learn more about the Clothing Connection at COCC visit this link