The All Races, All Sizes fashion show featured unconventional yet realistic models strutting designs at Club 101 last Friday.
Moda Modelos, a Dallas based modeling agency, wanted El Paso to sponsor a fashion show featuring Miss Coors /Maxim 2006 model Ellie Mercado, along with local Hispanic female models last December.
The models who attended the casting call, however, did not meet the 5’7” and size six requirements to participate in the fashion show.
“I understand those requirements, but not when you want to represent the real Latina beauty,” said Diana Sanchez, who has been modeling for four years and because of the height requirements, she was declined.
“I’m very petite and Latina, and I didn’t fit the profile, so I couldn’t participate,” Sanchez said.
Because of these requirements, Del Pueblo Press, Inc. and the Storyteller’s Alliance, a movement organization, withdrew as sponsors.
“It was discriminatory, hypocritical and ironic having a Latina fashion show that didn’t allow the real size of Latina women. El Paso women are between 4’11” and 5’5” and are voluptuous,” said Reyes Mata, owner of Celestial Productions modeling agency and spokesman for Storyteller’s Alliance.
“We did not want to be a part of an event that's discriminatory toward a unique border culture,” Mata said.
Celestial Productions modeling agency, Del Pueblo Press, Inc. and the Storyteller’s Alliance hosted their own fashion show with models varying in heights and sizes.
“Unfortunately there will always be a place where they will discriminate you,” said Marylee Hughes, 21, who has been modeling since the age of 15, and is currently a full-time EPCC student.
“El Paso doesn’t have to change itself for other people’s definitions of beauty. Our beauty is our authenticity,” said Mata.
There will be an upcoming show for any women who are interested in modeling.
For information, contact Reyes Mata at 999-1460.
