By Diedra Eby
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, nearly 50 candidates gathered for the Model Casting Call at the Pima Community College West Campus cafeteria to audition for spots for the upcoming fashion show supporting the 20th Annual PCC Fashion Show and Event Planning Class.
Model Casting Call Flyer Featuring Keahi Legaspi. Photo by Diedra Eby.
In her first year as Department Head, Jessica Peel-Scott, along with Dulce Douglas, instructor of the Fashion Show and Event Planning Class, will present a show based on the five Chinese elements: water, air, wood, metal and earth. There will be over 100 looks on 50 models created by students, alumni and instructors presented at the May 16 show. A VIP reception happens at 6 p.m. with the fashions being presented on the runway at 7 p.m.
Dulce Douglas, Fashion Show and Event Planning Class Instructor, and models. Photo by Diedra Eby.
Models came to the casting call dressed in black from head to toe, ready to walk the catwalk towards the judges – a long, straight space marked by two rows of chairs. To help them get in the mood to present their best strut, Orlando Lerma, Creative Director of the Fashion Design Department, laid down some beats with his professional DJ setup, though he let me in on a little secret – he brought the speakers from his bedroom.
Orlando Lerma, Creative Director and DJ. Photo by Diedra Eby.
If they didn’t already have headshots, PCC photojournalism major, Marlon Bedoy, was there to take professional headshots. He was assisted by Gianni Martinez, who you may have seen in any of a number of other clubs. She’s president of the Black Student Union, she helps out with the Crochet Club, drops by Creative Writing Club, and helped run the Track and Field Day fundraiser.
Each model struck three to four poses then walked their best walk down the runway. The instructions on the casting call website indicated that they were to get creative with their walk. Many of them were in heels. The ages ranged from 18 to over 60. Short and tall. Many body shapes.
Models in line for catwalk and headshots. Photos by Diedra Eby.
Pizza, chips, and candy was served – and, yes, models do eat – even the thin ones. Gracing the runway was Korean/Puerto Rican beauty Keahi Legaspi, winner of “Top 40 Female Headshot Challenge” Phoenix Fashion Week 2025. It was reassuring to note that with her very lovely body, she ate, too. Pizza.
Tickets to the Fashion show are free for the first 100 PCC students, $15 General Admission, $60 VIP (including two drink tickets). Potential Presenting Media and Restaurant sponsors can contact Jessica Peel-Scott at jpeelscott@pima.edu.
Male model strutting on the cat walk. Photo courtesy Diedra Eby.
Model striking a pose before walking the catwalk. Photo courtesy Diedra Eby.
Models receiving instruction. Photo courtesy Diedra Eby.
Kedar Moye and Keahi Legaspi. Photo by Diedra Eby.