Debra Ovall
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. 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 20s, when I looked at a magazine, in my mind’s eye, I could see myself posing and laughing and have 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 but, in the meantime, started a five piece rock band.
Debra: In my early 20s, when I looked at a magazine, in my mind’s eye, I could see myself posing and laughing and have 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 but, in the meantime, started a five piece rock band.
Copa: Who are your 3 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 shapes are 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. 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 shapes are 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. 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 crews, and Actors. 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 set for Radiesse, in Brooklyn NY, the MUA said to me while I was posed in this living stillness, 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, and making sure of the alignment because it has to match perfectly to the current shoot that was happening. Not every assignment is like that, the shoots are always different, and that makes it fun and interesting to me.
Debra: I enjoy going on different sets, working with different crews, and Actors. 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 set for Radiesse, in Brooklyn NY, the MUA said to me while I was posed in this living stillness, 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, and making sure of the alignment because it has to match perfectly to the current shoot that was happening. Not every assignment is like that, the shoots are always different, and that makes it fun and interesting to me.
Copa: What's the most interesting thing you like about commercial modeling?
Debra: I enjoy going on different sets, working with different crews, and Actors. 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 set for Radiesse, in Brooklyn NY, the MUA said to me while I was posed in this living stillness, 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, and making sure of the alignment because it has to match perfectly to the current shoot that was happening. Not every assignment is like that, the shoots are always different, and that makes it fun and interesting to me.
Debra: I enjoy going on different sets, working with different crews, and Actors. 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 set for Radiesse, in Brooklyn NY, the MUA said to me while I was posed in this living stillness, 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, and making sure of the alignment because it has to match perfectly to the current shoot that was happening. Not every assignment is like that, the shoots are always different, and that makes it fun and interesting to me.
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, New Dubai, Milan, Paris, India, Switzerland, London, Greece. For commercial, print and runway! Oh, and I’m a 'car girl.'
Debra: Several places come to mind, Singapore, Israel, Japan, Hong Kong, China, New Dubai, Milan, Paris, India, Switzerland, London, Greece. For commercial, print and runway! Oh, and I’m a 'car girl.'
Copa: Are you excited about participating in New York Fashion Week with Randhawa Brands in February?
Debra: Oh my gosh, Yes! First I want to thank my dear friend and sister, JeanAnne Roberts for being 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 brand! When I was a little girl, I always liked that style of Indian clothing and 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!
Debra: Oh my gosh, Yes! First I want to thank my dear friend and sister, JeanAnne Roberts for being 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 brand! When I was a little girl, I always liked that style of Indian clothing and 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!
Copa: How have the rehearsals been for you so far?
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.
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: Will you find time to enjoy other activities in the city after the show?
Debra: Definitely, every time I go!!! You see, I lived on Governors Island, NY, which is at the southern tip of Manhattan, for over 12yrs during my 41 years of marriage; both of our children were born New Yorkers. Before getting married I started dreaming about living in New York City and here again a dream come true, so it feels like coming home when I come to the City. So yes, I’ll be off to the Village or, at the very least, walk South on Broadway, where you hit everything, mid-town, Soho, and China Town.
Debra: Definitely, every time I go!!! You see, I lived on Governors Island, NY, which is at the southern tip of Manhattan, for over 12yrs during my 41 years of marriage; both of our children were born New Yorkers. Before getting married I started dreaming about living in New York City and here again a dream come true, so it feels like coming home when I come to the City. So yes, I’ll be off to the Village or, at the very least, walk South on Broadway, where you hit everything, mid-town, Soho, and China Town.
Copa: What does the future hold for Debra Ovall and her fabulous world of Fashion & Style?
Debra: There is so much that there are not enough pages to contain them, but here are a few. Waking up every morning thanking GOD for this wonderful life with wisdom and understanding. Keeping my imagination strong for moving to the next wonderful episode of my life. For instance, I 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. Commercial assignments for BMW, Bugatti, Rolls Royce, Channel, Charlotte Tilbury, Loreal, Revlon, go to Germany and drive on the Autobahn. More national and international assignments like my recent AMTRAK booking, oh and so much more.
Debra: There is so much that there are not enough pages to contain them, but here are a few. Waking up every morning thanking GOD for this wonderful life with wisdom and understanding. Keeping my imagination strong for moving to the next wonderful episode of my life. For instance, I 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. Commercial assignments for BMW, Bugatti, Rolls Royce, Channel, Charlotte Tilbury, Loreal, Revlon, go to Germany and drive on the Autobahn. More national and international assignments like my recent AMTRAK booking, oh and so much more.