Debra Ovall
~ Copa Style Magazine 2023 "Actress of the Year" ~
Copa: Where are you from?
Debra: I was born in Detroit MI. At age three my parents moved to Toledo, Ohio, 45mins south of Detroit. I never experienced living in the Motor City. Copa: Which schools have you attended?
Debra: St. Michaels Elementary, Central Catholic High, Macomber Vocational School for Nursing, University of Toledo with major in Psychology, Los Angeles Community College, Borough of Manhattan Community College, Sterling Style Academy in San Francisco where I became certified as an image consultant. Copa: At what time did you develop an interest in Modeling?
Debra: In my early twenties when I looked at a magazine, in my mind’s eye I could see myself posing and laughing and having fun in the glamour of the picture; but growing up in Toledo, Ohio, the only avenue for modeling that my parents and I were aware of was the Barbizon modeling school. After a trial session it didn’t seem like the fit for me. So, I kept that dream alive but, in the meantime, started a five-piece rock band. |
Copa: Who are your 2 favorite models of all time and why?
Debra: Well, I watch and study several models because each one is different and each one increases my knowledge of the art form. The two models I gravitate toward are: Yasmeen Ghauri. Our body shapes are about the same and I like how she presents the clothes, and you still see her beauty, ease, and femininity. Naomi Campbell because she has a Fierce Walk and how her eyes look like they are saying “you know you love me and this outfit. Recently I learned that I naturally walk in a straight line – which is more significant than one might initially think. I didn’t know that was part of the “Walk” in a professional sense, so learning this about myself added more confidence and ease for incorporating different routines to my walk.
Debra: Well, I watch and study several models because each one is different and each one increases my knowledge of the art form. The two models I gravitate toward are: Yasmeen Ghauri. Our body shapes are about the same and I like how she presents the clothes, and you still see her beauty, ease, and femininity. Naomi Campbell because she has a Fierce Walk and how her eyes look like they are saying “you know you love me and this outfit. Recently I learned that I naturally walk in a straight line – which is more significant than one might initially think. I didn’t know that was part of the “Walk” in a professional sense, so learning this about myself added more confidence and ease for incorporating different routines to my walk.
Copa: What's the most interesting thing you like about commercial modeling?
Debra: I enjoy going on different sets, working with different Actors and crews. I enjoy the precision of the shots. Depending on the Product, on some shoots the model is literally a living still model. For example, on this assignment I was the living mannequin for Radiesse, the shoot was in Brooklyn NY and while in still pose the MUA said to me, that I was so patient and doing a great job. I could not even say “Thank you” because the Photographer and Client were looking in the monitor at images taken of me 6 months prior, making sure the alignment matches perfectly to the current shoot. Not every assignment is like that, the shoots are always different, and that makes it fun and interesting to me. |
Copa: How were the rehearsals for the Randhawa show?
Debra: Successful! The atmosphere has been one of unity, respect, a sense of calm with excitement. The choreography has created a smooth flow for the catwalk, especially since there will also be Musical Artists, sHazia, and Haider Hassan mid stage, that we get to short-dance with. Makes for great entertainment. |
Copa: If you had your choice to be part of a dynamic photo shoot anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Debra: Several places come to mind, Singapore, Israel, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Dubai, Milan, Paris, India, Switzerland, London and Greece. For commercial, print and runway! Oh, and I’m also a car girl which is why I would like to be an ambassador for BMW, Bugatti, Tesla and several other high end vehicles. Copa: I see that you participating in New York Fashion Week with Randhawa Brands in February.
Debra: Oh my gosh, yes! First, I want to thank my model friend and sister, JeanAnne Roberts who was the Models Choreographer for the show. She was an essential instrument that GOD used to invite me to the NYFW2020. I would also like to thank Amna Inam designer of Randhawa Brand for inviting me to walk for her beautifully feminine brand! When I was a little girl, I always liked style and design of Indian clothing and I also wanted to have a ruby on my forehead; I thought it was beautiful. So to be a model in Pakistani runway show is simply amazing, as another part of my dream manifested. Also, the fact that I’m walking again within 5 months of my 1st walk in NYFW, Stellar! Walking on a NY runway was always part of my dream. So my dreams are continuing to be fulfill, and I’ve just begun! |
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Copa: What does the future hold for Debra Ovall and her fabulous world of Fashion & Style?
Debra: There is so much in my future to come that there are not enough pages to contain the experiences, but here are a few. Waking up every morning thanking GOD for this wonderful life with wisdom, understanding and abundance. Keeping my imagination strong for moving to the next wonderful episode of my life. For instance, I recently Co-produced my first live show, “Singles in the City-DC” in 2022, wow! That was over and above what I asked for! Now here is a non-exhaustive list: Be Happy, know I’m loved, succeed, and prosper in everything I do. Enjoy the experiences I’ve amassed that were not planned by me yet turned out to be fantastic. Continue with commercial assignments like for BMW, Bugatti, Rolls Royce, Channel, Charlotte Tilbury, Loreal, Revlon, go to Germany and drive on the Autobahn. Do more national and international assignments like my recent AMTRAK and Capital One bookings, oh and so much more. To everyone that has a wonderful dream for their life I wish for it to show up in your experiences!
My life’s motto is:
My Being, My Modeling,
My Acting, My Singing,
My Writings go forth to
Bless, heal, inspire, elevate & dignify,
In the hearts of men & women.
Debra: There is so much in my future to come that there are not enough pages to contain the experiences, but here are a few. Waking up every morning thanking GOD for this wonderful life with wisdom, understanding and abundance. Keeping my imagination strong for moving to the next wonderful episode of my life. For instance, I recently Co-produced my first live show, “Singles in the City-DC” in 2022, wow! That was over and above what I asked for! Now here is a non-exhaustive list: Be Happy, know I’m loved, succeed, and prosper in everything I do. Enjoy the experiences I’ve amassed that were not planned by me yet turned out to be fantastic. Continue with commercial assignments like for BMW, Bugatti, Rolls Royce, Channel, Charlotte Tilbury, Loreal, Revlon, go to Germany and drive on the Autobahn. Do more national and international assignments like my recent AMTRAK and Capital One bookings, oh and so much more. To everyone that has a wonderful dream for their life I wish for it to show up in your experiences!
My life’s motto is:
My Being, My Modeling,
My Acting, My Singing,
My Writings go forth to
Bless, heal, inspire, elevate & dignify,
In the hearts of men & women.