Debbie Russell
~ Mature Model ~
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Copa: Where are you from?
Debbie: I'm from the wonderful city of Richmond, Virginia. Copa: Where did you attend School?
Debbie: I attended Maggie Walker High School, Home of The Mighty Green Dragons in Richmond, Virginia. The school was named after Maggie Lena Walker, an African American entrepreneur and civic leader who broke traditional gender and discriminatory laws by becoming the first Black woman to establish and become president of a bank in the United States—the Saint Luke Penny Savings Bank in Richmond.” Per the Library of Congress. Copa: When did you discover the wonder and love of fashion? Debbie: When I was in my 20’s …. I met this girl at work and she was like a fashionista or model type who was always “Put Together”. I hung out with her and started emulating her style of dress until I created my own style. I noticed people started admiring what I wore and it made me feel good. So, I started creating my own unique look to set me apart. I also loved watching Miss America Pageants and looking at Fashion Magazines. |
Downtown Richmond, Virginia
Map of Richmond, Virginia
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Copa: Who are your favorite 3 models of all time and why?
Debbie: Carmen Dell ’Orefice is my Muse; She’s an Ageless Beauty … gorgeous, confidant, and is still modeling in her 80’s. I love her!
I also love Yasmeen Ghauri's runway style. She has an electrifying walk. I saw a video of how shy she was, and through hard work, she overcame her shyness and commanded the runway. Naomi Campell, what can I say … she has a no-nonsense style of runway. She also commands the runway with her nonchalant/unbothered walk.
Debbie: Carmen Dell ’Orefice is my Muse; She’s an Ageless Beauty … gorgeous, confidant, and is still modeling in her 80’s. I love her!
I also love Yasmeen Ghauri's runway style. She has an electrifying walk. I saw a video of how shy she was, and through hard work, she overcame her shyness and commanded the runway. Naomi Campell, what can I say … she has a no-nonsense style of runway. She also commands the runway with her nonchalant/unbothered walk.
Carmen Dell ’Orefice
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Yasmeen Ghauri
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Naomi Campbell
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Copa: How would you describe your personal style?
Debbie: I love vibrant Colors, Glamour, Classy, and the Chic Casual Look!
I have to be “put together” before I leave the house, I don’t care I’m only going to the grocery store! 😊 I’m not talking about getting “dressed up” I’m talking about looking nice before you leave. You never know who you’ll meet or what situation you will be in. It elevates how I feel. Also, I believe a woman should smell good as well with some nice fragrance; it adds to the femininity of a woman.
Debbie: I love vibrant Colors, Glamour, Classy, and the Chic Casual Look!
I have to be “put together” before I leave the house, I don’t care I’m only going to the grocery store! 😊 I’m not talking about getting “dressed up” I’m talking about looking nice before you leave. You never know who you’ll meet or what situation you will be in. It elevates how I feel. Also, I believe a woman should smell good as well with some nice fragrance; it adds to the femininity of a woman.
Copa: Do you believe there should be more exposure for more mature models and why?
Debbie: Yes, there should be! Women are beautiful in all ages, some of them look better now than they did when they were younger. The ship has not sailed on for us …we are still vibrant, energetic, fun-loving, and at our best life! We are not the forgotten few; we want nice chic clothing to make us feel and look amazing and sexy!
Also, after a certain age, we start to feel less “desirable and pretty,” so we may” let ourselves go!"
I want to bring back self-confidence and with the right clothing, it will uplift mature women. We want Pretty clothes just like our younger counterparts. 😊
Debbie: Yes, there should be! Women are beautiful in all ages, some of them look better now than they did when they were younger. The ship has not sailed on for us …we are still vibrant, energetic, fun-loving, and at our best life! We are not the forgotten few; we want nice chic clothing to make us feel and look amazing and sexy!
Also, after a certain age, we start to feel less “desirable and pretty,” so we may” let ourselves go!"
I want to bring back self-confidence and with the right clothing, it will uplift mature women. We want Pretty clothes just like our younger counterparts. 😊
Copa: Please share some of your fashion show experiences with our readers.
Debbie: I started modeling at 60 because of a dream I had and wanted to see if I had what it took to be a Model. Well, seven years later, I have been in 27 fashion shows and am not slowing down yet! I have walked for Ronald Stephens “Pops” of ‘Popz Topz Hats’ (Father of R&B Singer John Legend). I stepped in for a Designer/Host who wasn’t available to continue setting up her fashion show. I directed the setup and also had the models get with the designers to see what they were wearing. The Designer/Host came back and was very grateful. She eventually asked me to come by to model again for her; this time, I modeled the whole show by myself! I love how the younger models admire my walk and will take tips from me; they respect me tremendously! Being a Model is a great way to build confidence and to be creative in showcasing a garment; I like to entertain my audience with my style,. Since then, I haven’t stopped. Some of my dreams are to model in New York Fashion Week or travel abroad for modeling; that would be the icing on the cake! I would like to inspire mature women to pursue their goals and dreams; it’s never too late … that way you will not have any regrets! Copa: What does the future hold for Debbie Russell in her wide wonderful world of fashion & style?
I would like to get into different types of modeling such as Parts Modeling, Hair Modeling, or Editorial Modeling. It's important to build confidence as mature ladies. Strive for them to step out on faith, try some things, and follow their dreams. You are beautiful! …. It’s never too late! |
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