F  L  A  U  N  T

_“I don’t want to change for people. They either accept me for who I am, or don’t accept me. I’ve always looked up to Tyra Banks because she was able to break some of the norms of the fashion industry.”_ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- While the fashion industry may not be riddled with necrophilia, resting-bitch-faces and cannibalism—as depicted in Nicolas Winding Refn’s latest film _The Neon Demon_—it certainly presents its own set of trials and tribulations for young models; as super model and _Project Runway_ host Heidi Klum famously stated: “One minute you’re in, and the next you’re out.” As such, those breaking into the industry face immense pressure, this is really well understood by an up-and-coming 17-year-old Iman Perez. The daughter of model and actress Karine Silla, Perez is no freshman to the fashion world. Being one of the youngest models featured in _Vogue España_’s editorial focusing on the talent of Next Model Management can definitely set you apart. With that spotlight beaming on you and thousands of girls ready to kill for your spot, it is easy to cave-in, meltdown and generally lose your shit, but Perez is sure of herself and very comfortable in her skin. “I like the way I am,” she says with characteristic verve, “I don’t want to change for people. They either accept me for who I am, or don’t accept me. I’ve always looked up to Tyra Banks because she was able to break some of the norms of the fashion industry.” Having worked in both Paris and L.A. as a burgeoning model, and budding actress—appearing in a Dior campaign, and the film _A Butterfly Kiss_ (2011), written and directed by her mother, and starring her father, actor Vincent Perez—the young Perez has an educated perspective on the differences between Paris and L.A.-based fashion: “Oh very different!” she asserts. “Places like Paris and New York are very high fashion—classic but at the same time rock’n’roll; whereas L.A. is more commercial.” Some of Perez’ aspirations include working with the likes of fashion legends Karl Lagerfeld and John Galliano yet her biggest goal, “is to walk for Victoria’s Secret—and I really want to have a _Vogue Paris_ cover!” However, Perez doesn’t just want self-fulfillment—she hopes to be an inspiration to all girls. “I want to inspire girls that don’t necessarily fit into the characteristics of being a model,” she says with conviction, “I want to show them that they can still do it—like Tyra Banks did for me.” * * * Photographer: Elise Toïdé Stylist: Elin Bjursell Hair/make-up: Céline Charpentier Photographer Assistant: Alizee Omaly Stylist Assistants: Diane Decourt and Dominyka Angelyte **Written by** [Dylan Tom](http://flauntmagazine.com/author/dylan-tom)