Ubiquitous on runways and in print for decades, Philadelphia-born Debra Shaw has changed the rule book on aging out of the modelling business. She is as busy - and as cool - as she has ever been, darting back and forth across the Atlantic for shows in New York and the European fashion capitals, always stopping when she can to spend time in Paris which is her adopted home. Back in the 90s, I would interview Debra in the midst of backstage excitement at shows by Galliano for Dior, McQueen for Givenchy, Chanel and Mugler. With her perfect line and attention to what designers were trying to communicate, Debra was given the job of wearing some of the most iconic designs in the history of fashion's Golden Age.
It was a very big honour to be able to interview her again so many years later for the Carton d'invitation Podcast.
Please subscribe to this podcast and if you also have cherished memories of Debra's work, feel free to leave a comment. Your support for the Carton d'invitation project is much appreciated.
Learn more about my documentary and research - plus see videos of Debra, back then and today, by visiting my Instagram feed @cartondinvitation.
Original music: Ashley Rivera, Chloe Hsu, Myla Carlos
Photo credit: Pierre Tremblay