Is it just us or are you too drooling over L’Officiel India’s June cover star – Paris S. Chanel. Just like her name, she is one of a kind. Check Out What She Possesses!
Team Credits-:
Muse: Paris S. Chanel @parischanelofficial
Photographer: Matt Doheny @dohenyphoto
Wardrobe Stylist: Sky JT Naval @sky_is_dlimit
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist: Soreya Yann @bysoreya
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist Assistant: Nicole Oheb @styledby_nicci
Videographer: Shelton Wise @on1creations
Production: Emily Blair Media @emilyblairmedia
The power of black is back with Paris S. Chanel glorifying our cover with her undaunted looks and an allure that can make anyone go lunatic. When we asked about her hardships, “The hardest part about where I am from is many do not support you unless you are already famous or go somewhere else and become a big name and move back to the city.” That was her answer, stay tuned for more of her!
“In 5-10 years, I see fashion being done in the metaverse more frequently. We are definitely heading into the era of the real-life Sims games.”
Starting off with that intriguing name of yours, who chose this name for you and is there any story behind it?
I chose the name of my two favourite things. Growing up I was always obsessed with Paris, France, and the brand Chanel. When I wanted to create an alter ego for my modelling career to separate it from my corporate career. I had no clue that I would wound up owing my own modelling and talent agency formerly named The Paris Chanel Agency. When the agency began to thrive, Paris Chanel became my official identity. I spoke with my mom to make sure that she was okay with me changing my name, and as always, she was highly supportive. The next day she drew up my legal documents, walked me in front of the judge, and my name was legally changed to Paris S. Chanel. The funny thing is no one ever called me by my birth name anyway, not even my family. It was a great decision and sounds better in the fashion sector anyway.
As an African American fashion and luxury influencer, how do you strive to be an impactful and empowering voice for others?
I want others that look like me to be able to see that their dreams are attainable. Being an aspirational figure is something that I have always strived to be. It is not so common to see African American influencers thriving in the luxury fashion and travel sector. Being one of the women who makes a difference and lead the pathway for others to come through and successfully thrive is a goal of mine. Being a part of events that have a great cause is next on my agenda.
“You would not believe that on my paternal side, we are naturally fit. I have never had to actively work out. Doing sit-ups and walking occasionally was my go-to.”
Talking about fashion, how would you describe your perfect style of fashion, where do you see this industry after 5-10 years?
My perfect style would be something glam chic. I am a sucker for an outfit sparked in crystals. With my long legs, I can appreciate some nicely fitted flare trousers (36 -37” inseam to be exact). Blazers and trench coats to top it off. When it is cold outside, adding some faux fur to the mix is a must. A fedora hat and matching handbag would complete the look. In 5-10 years, I see fashion being done in the metaverse more frequently. We are definitely heading into the era of the real-life Sims games. Other than that, most fashion styles recycle themselves. It is only my hope to see more African American fashion influencers being recognized for their great fashion sense at the major shows and walking the red carpets. I also believe that more fashion influencers will be having their own fashion lines and fashion-related companies.
If you were given a night to yourself, what would you choose between partying all night with your friends and relaxing in your bed alone?
It honestly would depend on my mood that particular day. Considering I do not get much sleep these days, relaxing in bed alone sounds relaxing haha. Most times I am always down for a night on the town with my good friends though.
“It is not so common to see African American influencers thriving in the luxury fashion and travel sector.”
You look extremely fit and gorgeous, what’s your take on fitness? Please tell us about the fitness regime that you follow?
You would not believe that on my paternal side, we are naturally fit. I have never had to actively work out. Doing sit-ups and walking occasionally was my go-to. My metabolism has always been high, up until recently. I do believe that us being at home during the pandemic added to many gaining a few lbs, including myself. I am currently in the midst of finding a great gym to start getting fit for 2023. My intake of greens and fresh fruit has increased. I drink my tomato and fruit V8 splash drinks. Eating the right amount of grains to keep regular. We cannot forget to drink plenty of water daily. The older you get, you realize that it is important to take care of your insides because it reflects on the outside of your body.
What’s the best part that there is while doing makeup? What are some of your favourite brands?
I love the makeup prep honestly. It is nothing like a good cleanse and moisture season before applying makeup. It helps the makeup look flawless. My favourite makeup brands are Fenty Beauty, Laura Mercier, YSL Beauty, Chanel Beauty, Dior Beauty, MAC, Huda Beauty, NYX, Pat McGrath, and more.
“My favourite makeup brands are Fenty Beauty, Laura Mercier, YSL Beauty, Chanel Beauty, Dior Beauty, MAC, Huda Beauty, NYX, Pat McGrath, and more.”
Suppose someone falls for you and wants to take you out on a date. What will be the definition of being your Mr Perfect?
A true gentleman wins me over every time. A chivalrous man is rarely seen these days in this new society. I was raised old-schooled. A man that picks me up for dates, opens doors, and pulls out my chair is everything. Also, a man that actually pays for the dates. Courting is something that is truly missed. If he can make me smile and laugh, that is the biggest bonus. To top it off, a well-dressed man with great hygiene and smells good is everything to me. Last, if he is 6’0” and taller is a must. I am 5’10” so a taller man is so attractive to me, especially when I am wearing my 5-inch heels and still able to look up at him. It is the best feeling.
As a female entrepreneur, what were the difficulties that you faced while establishing your business, and how did you overcome them?
The difficulties that I faced were being able to get support from my community. The hardest part about where I am from is many do not support you unless you are already famous or go somewhere else and become a big name and move back to the city. It is a tough place to make it, especially in the fashion industry. The fashion industry here is really small. It is also very cliquish and if one person does not like you, the whole crew does not like you. I had to start seeking connections outside of the home and honestly, that made more people locally want to work with me. I had to stop restraining myself to just Memphis because if I had done that, I would have never made any strides in this industry. Also, the racial issues in my hometown are terrible. It made having a business, where my competitors did not look like me and them being older and having most of the clients in the city already, extremely difficult. I pushed through for 6 years and then the pandemic came and shut everything down. I began to then focus on my influencer and modelling career. There was no need to keep fighting a battle that kept going in a loop.
Our readers were quite excited to have you on board. What’s your message to the people who want to be like you?
You can do whatever you set your mind to do. It may take some time to get there but with hard work, persistency, and faith in yourself, there is nothing that you cannot do. You will be great! Now you must believe that and go and put the work in. I want to see you all on top and living the lives that you dream of. Dear Little Black Girl, you are me and I was you. Someone once told me that I would never amount to anything because I looked like a regular Black girl. Look at me now, highly educated, living life, and gracing magazine covers, Do NOT ever let anyone tell you what you can’t be and what you can’t do! You are who and what YOU say you are. I love you, and I know that you will be your ancestors’ wildest dreams.
