Iman

Iman (born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid; July 25, 1955) is a Somali-American supermodel, actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Learn about her journey from Mogadishu to global fashion icon, her business ventures, activism, and lasting influence.

Introduction

Iman is one of the most iconic figures in fashion — a Somali-born model whose elegance, presence, and intellect have made her a legend. But her life is more than catwalks and magazines: she is also a businesswoman who challenged the beauty industry to be more inclusive, a cultural ambassador, and a philanthropist who gives back to her homeland and beyond. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and principled leadership.

Early Life and Family

Iman was born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid on 25 July 1955 in Mogadishu, Somalia. Mohamed Abdulmajid, served as a diplomat (including as Somalia’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia), and her mother, Mariam, was a gynecologist.

She has siblings — two brothers (Elyas, Feisal) and sisters (e.g. Nadia) — and she was the first girl in her paternal line in six generations.

Iman’s name, meaning “faith” in Arabic, was given at the urging of her grandfather, who believed a masculine name might bring her strength and fortune.

Her early education was split: she was sent at a young age to boarding school in Egypt, where she spent much of her childhood and adolescence. University of Nairobi in Kenya, majoring in political science.

During these formative years, she became fluent in multiple languages: Somali, Arabic, English, French, and Italian.

Career and Achievements

Discovery and Rise to Fashion Icon

While at university in Nairobi in 1975, Iman was discovered by American photographer Peter Beard. 1976, appearing in Vogue.

Her striking physical features — tall frame, elegant posture, rich skin tone, and refined presence — quickly made her a muse to many top designers. Yves Saint Laurent, Gianni Versace, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Thierry Mugler, and Halston.

Photographers of the highest prestige — Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz — captured her in many iconic images.

By the late 1980s, she was among the few Black women to enjoy global supermodel status.

Business Ventures: Cosmetics & Brand

In 1994, Iman launched Iman Cosmetics, intended to serve women of color whose skin tones were often ignored by mainstream beauty brands.

Over the years, the business grew, gaining retail partnerships and recognition. “Love Memoir.”

Acting, Media & Other Projects

Iman has taken on acting and guest appearances in film and television. Out of Africa (1985), No Way Out (1987), L.A. Story (1991), Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991), and Exit to Eden (1994). Miami Vice and The Cosby Show.

She appeared (as herself) on Project Runway Canada and The Fashion Show as a host or guest.

Additionally, she appeared as a cameo in the video game Omikron: The Nomad Soul (1999), alongside her husband, David Bowie.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Iman has long been active in humanitarian and philanthropic causes, especially those connected to Africa, women’s health, and children.

She has served as a global advocate for CARE (an international humanitarian organization), Save the Children, and the Enough Project (focused on ending conflict minerals trade).

In a notable stand, she terminated her contract with De Beers over ethical concerns regarding blood diamonds.

She has also engaged in campaigns against HIV/AIDS and worked with Keep a Child Alive.

Her activism and visibility have made her a voice for diversity, representation, and ethical business in the fashion and beauty industries.

Honors & Recognition

• In 2010, she was honored with the Fashion Icon Lifetime Achievement Award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

• She has been recognized in various fashion halls of fame and tribute lists for her influence, style, and trailblazing role.

Personal Life

Iman became a Somali-American, acquiring U.S. citizenship in her mid-twenties. Muslim and openly credits her faith for strength throughout her life.

Her personal life has included several marriages:

• At age 18, she married a Somali entrepreneur, Hassan, though this union later ended.

• In 1977, she married Spencer Haywood (a professional basketball player). Their daughter Zulekha Haywood was born in 1978. The marriage ended in divorce in 1987.

• In 1992, she married David Bowie in a private ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland, and later consummated in Florence, Italy on 6 June.

• Their daughter Alexandria Zahra “Lexi” Jones was born on 15 August 2000.

• Iman also became the stepmother to Bowie’s son from previous marriage, Duncan Jones.

When David Bowie passed in January 2016, Iman wrote a moving tribute and remained an important custodian of his legacy.

She divides her time among New York, London, and other residences, maintaining both fashion and philanthropic presence globally.

Personality, Themes & Influence

Iman has often spoken about representation, authenticity, and dignity. She has resisted being pigeonholed as a “black model” or token, insisting on being seen as a model full stop.

She has also been open about aging gracefully, rejecting pressure to hide her years, and embracing her African heritage’s respect for age.

Her influence goes beyond fashion: she is seen as a role model for women of color, for how to pivot from art to business, and for elevating ethical standards in beauty. Her willingness to speak out — e.g. leaving a major brand contract over principle — underscores her integrity.

Memorable Quotes by Iman

Here are some meaningful statements and reflections attributed to Iman:

“I come from Africa; we celebrate getting older.”

“These aren’t nameless, faceless people.” (On refugees and displaced persons)

“Don’t give me a handout, because that in itself is a racist act.”

“I’ve always believed that if you have beauty, you must give something back.” (Paraphrase often attributed in interviews)

“The struggle is real, but so is God.” (A tribute she wrote for Bowie and in public reflections)

These quotes reflect her blend of faith, dignity, social consciousness, and refusal to be diminished by assumptions or tokenism.

Lessons from Iman

1. Break barriers with purpose. Iman transcended racial and geographic norms to become a global icon, while insisting on respect and equity.

2. Don’t be limited by labels. She moved from modeling to entrepreneurship and activism, proving one’s identity can grow and expand.

3. Build what the industry lacks. She created beauty products for underrepresented skin tones when mainstream brands ignored them.

4. Stand by your principles. Her decision to sever ties with a major diamond brand over ethics demonstrates moral agency in business.

5. Aging is dignity, not shame. By owning her age and appearance naturally, she challenges beauty standards that marginalize maturity.

6. Representation matters. Her presence opened doors, inspired others, and showed that diverse beauty is powerful and essential.

Conclusion

Iman’s life is more than glamour—it is a narrative of dignity, reinvention, and conviction. From Mogadishu to runways in Paris, from mixing her own foundation on photo shoots to founding a cosmetics brand, from model to philanthropist — she has shaped the world’s ideas of beauty, inclusion, and integrity.

Her story invites each of us: to define our own worth, to push for visibility where it’s denied, and to build legacies rooted in principle. If you like, I can also prepare a selection of her best fashion editorials or a closer look into the development of Iman Cosmetics. Would you like me to do that?