Chanel says she dresses entirely according to mood, and no two days are alike. If Im in a punk rock mood, I try a just-rolled-out-of-bed, dark-colored thing.... If Im happy, summery, Ill go with Stella McCartney bright, colorful. I always love wearing lots of jewelry mostly bangles and charm bracelets. (Mark Boster / LAT)
Chanel caught the attention of Vogue editor Anna Wintour with a cheeky wink from the catwalk. (Mark Boster / LAT)
I like the creativity of what designers can do to the clothes, Chanel says. And I like how it transforms me into a person Im normally not. (Mark Boster / LAT)
For many, Chanel embodies the ideal of a 21st century model: an unconventional beauty, a mix of glamour and mischief, and a quirky individual style. (Mark Boster / LAT)
The young model mixes with some admirers during a Venice Beach photo shoot. (Mark Boster / LAT)
Chanel at work in a Venice Beach photo shoot. (Mark Boster / LAT)
Chanel enjoys some musicians on the boardwalk in Venice Beach. (Mark Boster / LAT)
These days between shoots for Vogue and Allure, walking for Marc Jacobs and Dolce & Gabbana, posing in ads for Benetton and Tommy Hilfiger Chanels home base has shifted from Los Angeles to New York. (Kirk McKoy / LAT)
Chanel on the runway in the Missoni show in Milan, Italy. (Kirk McKoy / LAT)
I do see some of myself in Chanel, said Tyra Banks, who has become Chanels friend and mentor. She is a driven, motivated professional and doesnt seem to be at risk of getting caught up into the dark side of the modeling world. But, at the same time, shes a regular kid from the same part of L.A. that I am from. Girls like Chanel dont come by the modeling industry often. (Kirk McKoy / LAT)
