When it comes to modeling, few develop an individual style that's all their own. It can be on the runway, or photo shoot...Sarah D. Bell is truly one of those special models that will strike the pose you will never forget!
by Rodney W. Branche
by Rodney W. Branche
Copa: Where are you from?
Sarah: I am originally from the country of Chad in central Africa.
Sarah: I am originally from the country of Chad in central Africa.
Copa: Where did you attend school?
Sarah: I attended high school in Chad, and did a computer science course at CIB-INTA in West Africa, where I also completed an airline training course and worked for a while at Asky Airlines. I completed a year of language studies at Inlingua in Virginia.
Sarah: I attended high school in Chad, and did a computer science course at CIB-INTA in West Africa, where I also completed an airline training course and worked for a while at Asky Airlines. I completed a year of language studies at Inlingua in Virginia.
Copa: When did the fashion 'bug' bite you?
Sarah: I started modeling in my late teens in Chad, and even won first place in a couple of local runway competitions. After that, I was hooked!
Sarah: I started modeling in my late teens in Chad, and even won first place in a couple of local runway competitions. After that, I was hooked!
Copa: When did you arrive to the United States?
Sara: I came to the U.S. in 2008 and became a proud American citizen in 2012
Sara: I came to the U.S. in 2008 and became a proud American citizen in 2012
Copa: What is your opinion of the fashion scene in Washington, DC?
Sarah: I love modeling in DC because of the diversity of the models, the excellent photographers, and the excitement surrounding DC's growth as a fashion capital.
Sarah: I love modeling in DC because of the diversity of the models, the excellent photographers, and the excitement surrounding DC's growth as a fashion capital.
Copa: When was your first modeling assignment in the US and describe the experience for our readers.
Sarah: My first experience modeling in the US was at DC fashion week in February 2014. I was selected to walk for five amazing designers and made some amazing connections that allowed me to model at other shows in DC and New York City.
Sarah: My first experience modeling in the US was at DC fashion week in February 2014. I was selected to walk for five amazing designers and made some amazing connections that allowed me to model at other shows in DC and New York City.
Copa: What is your personal style?
Sarah: Like a lot of women -- and African women especially -- I love to get dresses up in gorgeous outfits and beautiful shoes! I am comfortable in formal and elegant wear but also like to show my sexy side sometimes. At home with my family I like to be casual: jeans and tshirts.
Sarah: Like a lot of women -- and African women especially -- I love to get dresses up in gorgeous outfits and beautiful shoes! I am comfortable in formal and elegant wear but also like to show my sexy side sometimes. At home with my family I like to be casual: jeans and tshirts.
Copa: Who are your favorite designers?
Sarah: In terms of local designers, I like Danielle Canfield, Le Tam, Cojor International, and Dur Doux, Yvonne Jewnell. Chalina Couture in Paris is another up and coming designer who I like. In terms of the big names I like Gucci, Prada, Calvin. Klein, Chanel, Michael Kors and Armani.
Sarah: In terms of local designers, I like Danielle Canfield, Le Tam, Cojor International, and Dur Doux, Yvonne Jewnell. Chalina Couture in Paris is another up and coming designer who I like. In terms of the big names I like Gucci, Prada, Calvin. Klein, Chanel, Michael Kors and Armani.
Copa: What about your fabulous footwear, what are your favorites?
Sarah: I love Steve Madden shoes, Michael Kors and also Betsey Johnson of course.
Sarah: I love Steve Madden shoes, Michael Kors and also Betsey Johnson of course.
Copa: Would you please share some of your experiences from DC Fashion Week?
Sarah: Both in February and September 2014, I had amazing experiences in DC fashion week. The level of organization was incredible, and the networking opportunities were superb. When you step onto the runway in DC Fashion Week, you know you are not in a small town show!! Some of the best photographs that I now use for my website and portfolio are from DC Fashion Week.
Sarah: Both in February and September 2014, I had amazing experiences in DC fashion week. The level of organization was incredible, and the networking opportunities were superb. When you step onto the runway in DC Fashion Week, you know you are not in a small town show!! Some of the best photographs that I now use for my website and portfolio are from DC Fashion Week.
Copa: What does the future hold for Sara D. Bell?
Sarah: I am excited to expand my network of contacts and hopefully do more professional modeling and maybe feature in a fashion magazine like Vogue or Elle -- why not!! I would like to work as a freelance model or Agency model in print, fitness, commercial/catalogue modeling. I think my look is best suited for these areas.
~Copa
Sarah: I am excited to expand my network of contacts and hopefully do more professional modeling and maybe feature in a fashion magazine like Vogue or Elle -- why not!! I would like to work as a freelance model or Agency model in print, fitness, commercial/catalogue modeling. I think my look is best suited for these areas.
~Copa
