Chanel Iman: “Edgy” Role in ‘DOPE’ “Was Just Meant to Be”

/sm/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/chanel-iman-c-magazine-summer-2015-03c.jpg
Chanel Iman covers C Magazine Summer 2015

Chanel Iman covers C Magazine Summer 2015

Model Chanel Iman covers C Magazine ‘s Summer 2015 issue where she speaks on her big screen debut in Rick Famuyiwa ‘s acclaimed indie, DOPE .

The Atlanta-born, L.A.-bred beauty stars in the Inglewood-set dramedy as Lily, the off-the-rails, ecstasy-taking seductress.

“I love my character because she’s really edgy,” says Chanel. “She’s wild, young and free-spirited. It was the perfect part because nobody’s ever seen me messed up. They’ve all seen me nice and dressed up—like a lady.”

Dope (2015) Poster: Chanel Iman as Lily

Dope (2015) Poster: Chanel Iman as Lily [Click to Enlarge]

Set to hit theaters on June 19, the film started a bidding war at the Sundance Film Festival and it was also the final screening at the Cannes Film Festival .

“[This role] was just meant to be,” she continues. “The script popped up, and I wasn’t even thinking about doing movies yet, I knew it was something that I wanted to be part of because of the people who were involved.”

The feature also stars Shameik Moore ( The Watsons Go to Birmingham ), Tony Revolori ( The Grand Budapest Hotel ), Kiersey Clemons ( Transparent ), Blake Anderson ( Workaholics ), Zoë Kravitz ( Mad Max: Fury Road ), A$AP Rocky , Tyga , Keith Stanfield ( Selma ), Casey Veggies , Vince Staples , and Rick Fox ( Hit the Floor ).

Among producers is Forest Whitaker , along with Pharrell Williams as an executive producer and by Sean “Diddy” Combs as co-executive producer.

As for how difficult it was to transition from modeling to acting she says, “Acting is just like being a fashion model. If you’re not trying too hard or overthinking it, the pictures come to life.”

Chanel also explains how social media has been for her career: “It gives models a chance to have a voice and personality—a lot of my coolest jobs come through social media. Some people just fall in love with you—who you are, not just a pretty face.”

For her Gilles Bensimon -lensed shoot in C Magazine, Chanel “Makes A Splash” in hot swimwear by Eres , Dsquared2 , Lisa Marie Fernandez , and La Perla selected by fashion editor Deborah Afshani .

Chanel Iman wearing Eres swimsuit, $550; Gucci necklace, $6,450, and bracelet, $6,450; and Estate Cartier ring, $2,500 for C Magazine Summer 2015 photographed by Gilles Bensimon

Chanel Iman wearing Eres swimsuit , $550; Gucci necklace, $6,450, and bracelet, $6,450; and Estate Cartier ring, $2,500 for C Magazine Summer 2015 photographed by Gilles Bensimon

Chanel Iman for C Magazine Summer 2015 photographed by Gilles Bensimon

Chanel Iman for C Magazine Summer 2015 photographed by Gilles Bensimon

Chanel Iman wearing Dsquared2 swimsuit, $1,800 and Lanvin cuffs, $985 each for C Magazine Summer 2015 photographed by Gilles Bensimon

Chanel Iman wearing Dsquared2 swimsuit , $1,800 and Lanvin cuffs, $985 each for C Magazine Summer 2015 photographed by Gilles Bensimon

Chanel Iman wearing <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http://www.shopbop.com/lisa-marie-fernandez/br/v=1/2534374302199480.htm?all&pid=uid7321-27362611-42" onclick="event.preventDefault();window.location.href=

Chanel Iman wearing Lisa Marie Fernandez swimsuit , $455; Hervé Van Der Straeten necklace , price upon request for C Magazine Summer 2015 photographed by Gilles Bensimon

Chanel Iman wearing La Perla swimsuit, $194; Estate Cartier earrings, $6,250; Estate Tiffany & Co. cuffs, $3,850 and $7,250; and Estate Hermès ring, $1,450 for C Magazine Summer 2015 photographed by Gilles Bensimon

Chanel Iman wearing La Perla swimsuit , $194; Estate Cartier earrings, $6,250; Estate Tiffany & Co. cuffs, $3,850 and $7,250; and Estate Hermès ring, $1,450 for C Magazine Summer 2015 photographed by Gilles Bensimon

Chanel Iman wearing La Perla swimsuit, $194; Estate Cartier earrings, $6,250; Estate Tiffany & Co. cuffs, $3,850 and $7,250; and Estate Hermès ring, $1,450 for C Magazine Summer 2015 photographed by Gilles Bensimon

Chanel Iman wearing La Perla swimsuit , $194; Estate Cartier earrings, $6,250; Estate Tiffany & Co. cuffs, $3,850 and $7,250; and Estate Hermès ring, $1,450 for C Magazine Summer 2015 photographed by Gilles Bensimon


Shop Swimwear

Author