Donna Feldman

Donna Feldman is a dynamic force in the world of modelling, seamlessly blending beauty, talent, and business acumen into a career that spans multiple media platforms. With her striking Mediterranean features and captivating presence, Donna’s image has become iconic across the globe. She has graced countless magazine covers, starred in high-profile ad campaigns, and appeared in both television and film, making her a recognizable figure worldwide.

Donna’s career took off when she dazzled millions as the hostess escorting Oscar winners at the 2005 Academy Awards, quickly becoming a familiar face on television as a spokesmodel for NBC’s “Deal or No Deal” and a series regular on “Fashion House,” a show that aired internationally. As a top model, she has walked the runways at Los Angeles’ Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and Macy’s Passport, while also becoming the face of luxury brands like Cadillac’s Celestiq, Bentley, and Visa BlackCard.

Beyond modelling, Donna is an accomplished businesswoman with a degree in fashion marketing and business, as well as expertise in professional makeup artistry. She also runs her own production company, StrawHat Productions, where she and her production partner produce photo shoots, editorials, TV commercials, and digital media projects. Despite her glamorous career, Donna remains grounded and approachable, known for her professionalism, passion, and contagious smile.

Your career spans across modelling, acting, and production. How did you first get your start in the industry, and what inspired you to pursue such a diverse range of roles?

I was approached in high school but only began modelling in college when I was studying fashion marketing. I became a fit model for various big clothing brands (which means instead of trying the clothing on a mannequin, it fits on a human body and can be made to fit perfectly). It was a great way to learn about the process and I had an agent at the time pushing for me to try fashion, print, and commercial modelling as well. It led to a full-time career; travelling the world for ad campaigns, editorials, TV commercials, acting, and TV hosting work. The thing that inspired me to start a production company at the start of COVID was that I realised after years of being in front of the camera and learning a lot about what it took behind the camera from photographer friends of mine, I happened to be producing shoots for several of my clients without even realizing it. I put the entire concept and art direction for the shoot together, recommended the entire creative team, and glam squad, helped with post-production, etc.

You’ve appeared in some of the most iconic ad campaigns and walked the biggest runways. How do you prepare for high-profile events, and what’s your secret to maintaining confidence under pressure?

I prepare a couple weeks before a job making sure I’m eating cleaner than usual, hydrating more, and going at least a couple times a week to a personal trainer, getting a facial or peel to make sure my skin looks refreshed, nails and hair refreshed, and eyebrows threaded. As far as maintaining confidence under pressure I would say the biggest key is knowing that if you weren’t ready or right for that opportunity, it would never have presented itself to you in the first place. Knowing that automatically helps take the pressure off and helps you to own your greatness and individuality.

With a degree in fashion marketing and business, how has your education influenced your approach to your modelling career and your production company, StrawHat Productions?

I remember from the very beginning I always cared to get to know the clients I was modeling for and only wanted their success. My fashion marketing/business education helped me to be involved with growing their brand and trying to help in any way I could. I never had the mentality of just looking pretty, taking a few pics, and never seeing the person again. I knew that if their sales grew because of me promoting them properly, I would have a long-term and consistent client. I take this same approach on the production side. The goal always is to help elevate the brand through its marketing content and grow its business and brand awareness as a result.

You’ve worked with major brands like Bentley, Revlon, and Cadillac. What do you think is the key to building successful long-term relationships with such prestigious brands?

I think the key is not only in the positive feedback you hope they’ll get after working with them, but it’s also super important to know that “teamwork makes a dream work” and staying in touch with the creative teams that produced these amazing projects is how you grow and maintain relationships in a freelance oversaturated industry where many get lost.

As a model, actress, and producer, how do you balance these different aspects of your career, and what do you find most fulfilling about each role?

I always thought these different aspects of my career work hand in hand and one part can help another. I keep things balanced by being a bit more particular about the projects, auditions, and shoots I give my time to. I think working smarter rather than harder is something I’ve been striving for lately as my personal/family life has become more demanding of my time. As far as what I find fulfilling, modelling has always been similar to acting for me because with each new style, item of clothing, and makeup change it’s like I’m a whole new character that comes to life and that feeling really energizes and excites me. I love getting to be a part of the entire process and when I produce it’s probably the most fulfilling because I get to see my creative concepts and ideas come to life!

Your work has been seen by millions across the globe. How do you stay grounded despite the recognition and fame?

I come from an extremely close family and they have always been an amazing support system for me. They are loving, authentic, connected, loyal, and they don’t hold back their opinions. Those are the ways of being that rub off in the most wonderful ways, and keep me grounded in reality, and I feel super blessed for that!

With your experience both in front-of-camera and behind-the-scenes roles, what advice would you give to aspiring models and producers looking to break into the industry?

My advice would be to keep creating, keep being yourself and see what makes you unique and different from the rest. Also, manifest what you want by creating the content needed to attract particular clients you dream of working with, keep showcasing your new work, and know that someone who is an assistant one day, can very well turn out to be a big director, producer, or client the next day, so be nice and respectful to everyone on set no matter what!

Do you think social media has had a positive or negative impact on the industry? Does it play a role in decision-making for clients? What do you advise talent and/or brands when it comes to their social presence?

I think social media has destroyed a big part of the industry, has destroyed people’s self-esteem, destroyed a lot of budgets for real professional quality marketing content and even destroyed the concept of who a real model is rather than an Insta model is great at taking selfies on her phone.

The positive aspect however is that you can really showcase your work and grow your brand in a much bigger way than ever before because the entire world now has access to you. Clients have told me before that I booked a certain job not only because of my follower count but also because I kept my Instagram on the classier side when it comes to the imagery.

Your production company, StrawHat Productions, has produced various projects, from photo shoots to digital media to tv commercials. What inspired you to start this company, and what projects are you most proud of?

I had a photographer/director friend Michael who I did some test shoots and I felt so free on set with him. An artist without an ego is what I experienced, which I found very refreshing. I then realized so much of my modelling portfolio was from the photoshoots we produced and created together. I would show up to certain jobs and the art director would print out “inspo” for how they wanted the look and feel to be that day and 99 per cent of the time it was a photo from one of our productions. I realized we were on to something and that we could bring that expertise and good energy to help brands. Luckily, we are getting great feedback from our clients and it’s a blessing knowing we are growing more and more each year. Our newest client shoot for a luxury golf/tennis brand is one I am proud of, but the biggest source of pride was recently when my client told me they tripled their sales thanks to the eye-catching television commercials we created for them.

Looking ahead, what are some of your upcoming projects or goals that you’re excited about?

We have a new fashion client as well as a cosmetics brand that we are going to shoot for soon, but I’m most excited about our overall goal which is bringing beauty and glamour back to advertising. We are seeing so far that not following temporary trends or making woke casting choices, etc. is proving to be the best and most successful way to go for our clients.

Donna’s Holiday Rules

When you’re constantly on the go, what are the top beauty essentials that you always keep in your travel bag?

Tarte Maracuja lipgloss, L’Occitane hand cream, tweezeerman tweezers, Too Faced “Better than Sex” mascara, and Jane Irdale’s hydration spray.

What’s your go-to outfit for a day of exploring a new city or destination?

My go-to outfit depends on the weather, but it’s either comfy leggings with my Hoka sneakers or a summer dress, a denim jacket and cute comfy sandals or sneakers

How do you stay glam while travelling? Any tips for maintaining your look on long flights?

I stay glam by bringing a hair clip so that my hair is out of my face, keeping my always hydration mist, mascara, and lipgloss in my bag as well as a big water bottle since hydrating on a long flight is so important!

What are your beach must-haves when you’re headed to a tropical destination?

My must-haves for a beach getaway include my favourite swimsuits, easy summertime dresses, Havaiana flip flops, sunglasses, gold hoop earrings, a few cute straw hats, and of course plenty of sunscreen.

What are your must-have items when packing for a trip, and do you have any tips for keeping your luggage light and stylish?

My must-have items are a secure cosmetics bag to store my skincare, haircare, and makeup, a pair of heels and sneakers, a couple of different pair of sunglasses, my vitamins, and a warm enough jacket for the aeroplane and airport. A tip for keeping my luggage light and stylish is to put the heavier items like shoes in my carry-on bag.

Photography by Greg Hinsdale

Male Model: Antonio Ortega

Styling: Krystal Collier

Hair and Makeup: Donna Feldman

Boat: sbsail.com

Shop items inspired by Donna’s favorites: