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Meet Sonia Ben Ammar: The Tunisian Model Who Lit Up Cannes

Sonia Ben Ammar is the French-Tunisian model you are about to see everywhere. After a striking appearance on the Cannes 2017 red carpet at The Beguiled screening this weekend hot on the heels of leading Spring campaigns with Miu Miu and Dolce & Gabbana, Vogue Arabia finds out what is next for the rising star.

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Born in France, the 17-year-old is making waves in the fashion industry. Ben Ammar first made her foray into fashion during the Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear shows, where she turned heads seated front row at Dolce & Gabbana wearing a purple, flower-adorned pantsuit.

@itsnotsonia/Instagram

Her runway debut came that same week, walking for Miu Miu. She went on to grace the Chanel Métiers d’Art runway in Paris before jetting off to Milan for Dolce & Gabbana’s Fall 2017 Menswear show; she then took things full circle by opening up for the Italian fashion house’s Alta Moda presentation last weekend. In addition to her countless catwalk appearances, Ben Ammar was chosen to star in a number of high-profile advertorials, including the Spring 2017 campaigns for Miu Miu and Dolce & Gabbana.

@itsnotsonia/Instagram

The model, who counts Brooklyn Beckham as a former beau, is the daughter of a Tunisian film director and an actress (Tarek and Beata Ben Ammar). She balances her music and modeling career while simultaneously finishing up her last year of high school.

@itsnotsonia/Instagram

Signed to Next Management in Paris, Ben Ammar was scouted in the streets, and has a couple of acting stints in French Cinema under her belt, too. Below, the 17-year-old tells Vogue Arabia her shopping go-tos, lists her beauty icons, and offers some model-approved style tips to copy and paste into your wardrobe.

When can we expect an album?

I’ve been writing and recording music for over a year, so you can expect some music from me soon… I will continue modeling as well, and [will] take any great opportunity that comes along.

How did you discover your musical talents?

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My grandma sings, my father plays the drums, and my mother is a pianist, so it definitely runs in my blood. I’ve been playing the piano and singing since the age of five.

Who is your musical inspiration?

Michael Jackson. My all-time favorite song is Man in the Mirror.

Do you have any beauty icons?

A young Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin—French girls!

What album do you currently have on rotate?

I listen to the Weeknd’s Starboy everywhere.
[Listen to the Vogue Arabia playlist by top designers.]

Describe your sense of style.

My fashion sense is eclectic and unfussy. I like to mix boyish clothes with sexy and elegant pieces, without trying too hard.

@itsnotsonia/Instagram

What are some of your favorite brands and places to shop?

My favorite brands are Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, Topshop, Opening Ceremony, and Alexander Wang.

Describe what you would wear to a…

…casting?

Black skinny jeans, heels, a black top, no makeup or jewelry.

…first date?

A skirt, elegant top, heeled leather boots, and a quirky purse.

…shopping trip?

Jeans, T-shirt, and sneakers.

…lavish soirée?

A Dolce & Gabbana suit with a lace corset top and stilettos.

If you could swap wardrobes with anyone, who would it be?

Rihanna, any day!

What’s something no one knows about you?

I have OCD, yet I am also the messiest person; it’s very ironic. You should see my room.

@itsnotsonia/Instagram

Have you ever been mistaken for Barbara Palvin?

Not yet, but I’m often told that I resemble her. I wish that was true [laughs].

Lead Image: Sonia Ben Ammar attends the ‘The Beguiled’ screening during the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 24, 2017 in Cannes, France. Getty

Read our interview with up-and-coming Moroccan model Rania Benchegra.

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