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At just 23, Ysa Perez has joined the ranks of GQ, assisting photo editors with high-profile spreads while rubbing elbows with the likes of Terry Richardson and Busy P. After meeting the photographer and Bushwick stylista at a Chromeo party, we had to know more about what makes this chick tick. Read our interview with Perez below and scroll through our fashion spread above! Cute, huh?
When we spotted you at the Chromeo concert, we thought, ‘that girl has IT.’ How would you describe your style?
I knew this question was coming, but I still never know how to answer it. It’s nothing crazy, it’s part thrift, part splurge items. I’m like a long shirt, tights with heels kind of person, but at the same time I’ll break out the suede high tops, for sure. I’m really minimal with jewelry and accessories but keeping the nail game tight is a must.
What inspires your style?
New York is what inspires me; everyday. I come from Rochester and worked at an Abercrombie & Fitch, to put everything in perspective. As soon as I came here [I] began noticing everyone’s different styles and observing trends. There’s thrift stores, vintage shops, everything is at your fingertips, you can dress however you want, and more importantly, be whoever you want, that’s New York.
Which shopping locations in New York have caught your attention and kept it?
Off my stop at Morgan is this place Urban Jungle – it’s just a legit thrift store. I usually go once a week and see if anything’s new and I’ve gotten great things from there! I have this fur coat that cost $40 bucks and it is boss. Bushwick is the place for thrifting, most of Brooklyn is, I don’t think I’ve ever “thrifted” in Manhattan…too overpriced for me. Urban Outfitters and H&M— no explanation, every chick knows why.
Where are your favorite places to chill?
When I was 19 and came to New York for the first time, someone took me to Café Habana and I fell in love. If you know me, you know I love to eat. That place has the best Cuban corn, and it’s cheap — a plus when you’re a 23 year old living in New York on the grind. The only fault is, it’s always insanely busy, so timing always is strategic. I gotta say Whitmans because my boy Alex works there and it’s suddenly the new Seinfeld joint. Or, like Cheers, in this “Everybody knows your name” way. It’s on E 9th and has the best burgers and don’t question the fried kale. I wish I could go here more often but Submercer in the basement of the Mercer Hotel is dope. I like intimate places where you roll with a group rather than a huge venue.
What would you never be caught dead wearing?
White tights and Uggs. Never.
What are your beauty essentials?
Moisturizer for sure, and I could never be a person without eyeliner, it helps thin out my huge eyes. Eyeliner, blush, concealer, and I’m good. I wish I could do more but, when I put a lot of make up on I look pretty over done. It’s the inner J.Lo in me.
Def, and now you’re reppin’ GQ! What exactly does your work over at Gentleman’s Quarterly entail?
I am an assistant in the photo department at GQ. I work closely with my Photo Director, three Senior Photo Editors, another assistant, and a researcher. I began as an intern last June for three months and was hired in September of 2010. Everyday is different, which is why I love being here. I handle a lot of the incoming work, whether it’s digital or physical, such as prints, and help with finding research on stories. Let’s say they want a picture of Kevin Durant looking mad when he’s playing ball — I’ll help find that. Everyday I look at pictures and it’s food for my brain, and interact with editors that are notoriously successful in this industry, what else can you ask for at 23?
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done while working at GQ thus far?
Having to act as a photo editor is exciting — it’s like trading lives for the day, and thinking on my feet not as a photographer. I shoot for GQ.com as well so the parties I attend are usually amazing because I have that access. Yesterday I went to a book Launch for Glenn O’Brien and took a picture with Terry Richardson who shoots for us all the time. That was dope. If I ever get to write some memoirs, a lot of of those moments will come from my time here.
What are you looking forward to doing this summer in NYC?
I can’t even tell you how much I look forward to just being outside in the daytime, sunny and hot, and taking my Contax wherever I go. Nothing beats New York in the summer time.
To continue following Ysa, check out www.ysaperez.com!
