Iman (model)

Iman is a Somali-American supermodel, actress, and businesswoman.

A supermodel is a high-profile fashion model with immense influence. Throughout her career, she has served as a muse for legendary designers. A muse is a person who inspires an artist's creativity. Designers like Gianni Versace, Calvin Klein, and Yves Saint Laurent relied on her image. Saint Laurent even described her as his "dream woman." Beyond fashion, she is a dedicated philanthropist. This means she works to provide help and support to people in need.

Iman’s journey began in Mogadishu, Somalia. She was born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid on July 25, 1955. Her father was a diplomat serving as the Somali ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Her mother was a gynecologist, a doctor who specializes in women's health. At age four, she attended boarding school in Egypt. Later, her family moved to Kenya due to political unrest in Somalia. In 1975, she began studying political science at the University of Nairobi.

It was during her university years that American photographer Peter Beard discovered her.

Her modeling career moved quickly to the United States. Her first major assignment was for Vogue magazine in 1976. She became an instant success in the fashion industry. People admired her long neck, slender figure, and copper-toned skin. Iman often notes that her features are simply typical of Somali women. She worked with famous photographers such as Richard Avedon and Annie Leibovitz. These professionals helped cement her status as a global icon. She was also represented by TESS Management in London.

Iman expanded her talents into acting and television. She appeared in the 1979 British film *The Human Factor*. In 1985, she had a small role in the Oscar-winning film *Out of Africa*. She even played a shapeshifting alien in *Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country*. Her television work included guest roles on *The Cosby Show* and *Miami Vice*. Later, she became a host for fashion shows. She hosted *Project Runway Canada* for two years. She also hosted the second season of *The Fashion Show* in 2010.

In 1994, Iman transitioned into the world of business. She founded Iman Mohamed Cosmetics to address a specific problem. She wanted to create makeup shades that were difficult for many women to find. She used her experience mixing formulations for makeup artists to help develop the products. She also served as the commercial face of her brand. By 2010, her company was a $25-million-a-year business. In 2021, she released a signature fragrance called "Love Memoir."

The amber bottle mimics two stones. This shape references a spiritual ritual used for healing from grief.

Iman’s personal life included a famous marriage to musician David Bowie. They met on a blind date in Los Angeles in 1990. They married in a private ceremony in Switzerland in 1992. They had a daughter together named Alexandria Zahra Jones in 2000.

Iman is also a polyglot, meaning she speaks many languages. She is fluent in Somali, Arabic, Italian, French, and English. She has also been a citizen of the United States since her twenties.

Her influence extends deeply into global humanitarian work. Since 2019, she has served as the first Global Advocate for CARE. This organization works to overcome poverty and ensure people live with dignity. She also supports Save the Children and the Keep a Child Alive program. Iman famously fought against the trade of "blood diamonds." She did this by terminating her contract with the conglomerate De Beers. In 2010, the Council of Fashion Designers of America gave her the Fashion Icon award. This lifetime achievement award recognizes individuals who profoundly influence the fashion world.