‘Tis the Season of Gratitude with Jil Dever Model Deb Heibel
‘Tis The Season with Deb and Jil Dever
Photography by Pame Bueno
From the pastoral corn fields of Illinois to the sun shining on our model’s serene smile, our most recent shoot’s theme centered around gratitude which is definitely fitting for Thanksgiving and the overall holiday season. Following the shoot, we asked model and cancer survivor Deb Heibel (pictured) to share her story of gratitude with our readers, why her hair holds symbolic meaning, and express why it’s important to see all stages of life represented in fashion shoots, while wearing a signature Jil Dever scarf.
Mary Anderson: What inspired you to be a part of this shoot?
Deb Heibel: My daughter-in-law inspired me to be in this shoot…when she asked me if I would model for her. I thought it would be fun especially since we would be outdoors, and I love being outdoors.
MA: Why did you choose that particular Jil Dever scarf in the photo?
DH: The colors looked like the corn, very natural, very earthy.
Deb Heibel shines in Jil Dever’s “Bryant Sand Velvet Muffler” - styled in seasonal sand silk velvet oblong for endless wearability.
Glowing locks paired with Jil Dever’s “Park Oblong Scarf in Lilac Velvet with Leopard Printed Silk” - the ideal weight and warmth for cool days or nights, this reversible scarf instantly elevates casual looks.
MA: What was the most fun part of the shoot?
DH: The most fun part was walking through the mud…also trying to keep moving to not get cold since it was 30 degrees outside. I also absolutely loved whipping my hair free, since I don’t usually get to have it down…
Also being out in nature with my daughter-in-law…was so natural and it didn’t seem rehearsed. It was fun to bring nature into people's lives via photographs and fashion.
MA: Why do you think it's important for people to see models of all ages and different representations of beauty?
DH: So they can picture themselves in fashion. If they see you can do it, then it inspires them to do it. Age is no factor. You can be in any age group and in your own way bring out…your own style and show your youth and vitality with what you wear.
It brings out a different part in them that they may never had seen before. I don’t always consider myself doing things a 58 year-old would do. I do anything and wear anything I feel like despite my age. I can still see myself dancing and doing outside activities a 58-year-old never thinks of doing. I do what I love despite what anyone thinks. Sure I might feel it later, haha, but it makes me feel alive. I'll climb a rock if I have to. My grandkids are always challenging me and I love it.
MA: Jil shared that your hair is connected to your experience as a cancer survivor. Could you please elaborate on your experience and why your hair holds symbolic meaning?
DH: My mother battled cancer. She lost her hair first and then she lost her life. When I got my hair back after chemo I got my life back. When my hair came back it showed me I still had life. It's a daily reminder of what I have lost and what I have now. I almost lost it all like I did my hair, but I have everything today and every moment is a blessing.
MA: What are you thankful for and what brings you joy this holiday season?
DH: I am most thankful for my family and my health which is all the common things one is usually thankful for, but when you almost lose your life they become the most important things — family and life. It's probably why I am so involved in my kids’ lives. I don’t want to miss a moment. Family is the most important, and it was so great to be able to be part of this experience with my daughter-in-law.
Responses have been shortened and edited for clarity.
If you would like to help support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation please >>>click here<<<
Mary Anderson
Mary Anderson is a freelance fashion/beauty reporter, stylist, and brand consultant based in New York City, who has written for InStyle, Fashionista, Harper’s Bazaar, and Revelist. While at the Millennial women’s lifestyle site Revelist, she managed the brand’s fashion-focused Facebook page and produced many photoshoots and video shoots, in addition to reporting news and long-form industry coverage.
Twitter: @AlanaMaryGrace | Instagram: @WhatMattersToMary | whatmatterstomary.com
Jil Dever’s “Bryant Velvet Muffler in Electric Blue” layers easily under coat and over sweaters for an extra dose of warmth in cooler months.
Look at the beautiful hair Deb tosses!
All Photography by Pame Bueno
