Model-turned-DJ isn’t an uncommon hyphenate these days (see Agyness Deyn, Theodora Richards and Erin Wasson). The newest catwalker to join the ranks is Chanel Iman, who will make her debut “on the ones and twos” tonight at a launch party for Sonia Rykiel’s knitwear collaboration with H&M, held at cozy West Village eatery Bobo. “I don’t want to see anyone out there not dancing,” Iman says. “I’m going to make this party as hot as possible.” Here, WWD talks with the 20-year-old about her new night job.
HOW SHE PREPARED: I just downloaded a thousand new songs. You have to make the playlist and research how to DJ.
ON HER PLAYLIST: A little bit of everything. I’ll switch from Akon to David Guetta and then take it back to rock ’n’ roll. And [I’ll also play] fashion songs like “Boring” by The Pierces. It always puts me in the right mood right before I hit the runway.
FAVORITE DANCE SONG: “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson.
FAVORITE WORKOUT SONG: I don’t work out.
HER DJ STYLE: DJs have to have that “I rock the party, everyone rocks the party, let’s have fun” [attitude]. I called up a couple of friends, and we all sat together and selected the songs [for the playlist]. I’m bringing them to the party for cover and backup. So if I have trouble, someone else will jump on the mic and help me out.
HOW SHE’S GETTING READY FOR COLLECTIONS: I think I’m going to try to go back home to L.A. right before I hit Paris and Milan and have a little bit of my own downtime. Usually I go to the beach, skateboard and swim. Right now, I’m also really into cooking. I gotta give it to myself that I make the best salmon croquettes ever.