Discover Iman (Model): The Supermodel Who Changed Fashion And Beyond
It's quite something, you know, to think about Iman, a truly remarkable supermodel who has, in a way, stepped back from the fast-paced world of fashion. She comes from the beautiful country of Somalia, a place that, arguably, shaped her early experiences. Her story is one of grace, strength, and really, just a lot of influence, leaving a lasting mark on the industry and beyond.
She's not just a famous face, though that, is that, a very famous face indeed. Iman, the model, is also a mom, a nana, and a powerful advocate. She even holds a spot on the creative council for @RED, which, in some respects, shows her dedication to making a difference in the world. Her journey is a compelling mix of personal triumph and public impact, quite a life, actually.
From gracing runways to building a successful business and speaking out for what's right, Iman's life offers so many lessons. We'll explore her incredible path, her contributions to fashion, her personal joys and sorrows, and how she continues to inspire, even as she celebrates big milestones. She truly has, more or less, lived a life worth exploring.
Table of Contents
Personal Details and Bio
Here's a quick look at some key facts about Iman, the model, who has, you know, really made such a big impression.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid (Born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid) |
| Known As | Iman |
| Date of Birth | July 25, 1955 |
| Age (as of July 25, 2025) | 70 years old |
| Birthplace | Mogadishu, Somalia |
| Nationality | Somali-American |
| Profession | Retired Supermodel, Businesswoman, Actress, Philanthropist, Activist |
| Spouse | David Bowie (Late) |
| Notable Works | Iman Cosmetics, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991), L.A. Story (1991), No Way Out (1987) |
| Awards/Honors | Fashion Icon Award by the CFDA (2010) |
| Current Status | Retired from active modeling, continues business and advocacy work |
A Life of Influence and Impact
Early Beginnings in Somalia
Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid, originally named Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid, came into the world on July 25, 1955, in Mogadishu, Somalia. Her early life in Somalia, quite naturally, provided the foundation for the extraordinary journey that would follow. She is, in a way, a true global citizen, yet her roots remain firmly in her home country, which is, you know, really important to her story.
Shaping the Fashion World
Iman's impact on the fashion industry is, basically, undeniable. For over 35 years, she played an integral role, changing things for the better. She was, you know, a trailblazer in an era when Black models, very often, faced immense challenges. They rarely appeared in shows and, in fact, were paid less for runway and photoshoot work. Iman, a supermodel with a powerful voice, openly shared her story of overcoming racism, sexism, and even loss within the fashion world. She truly became a champion for Black women's rights in this space, and that, is that, a really big deal.
Her commitment to greater representation was, arguably, clear. In the early 2000s, for instance, Iman helped the renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz bring together sixteen Black models for a significant project. This effort, in some respects, aimed to highlight the beauty and presence of Black women in a way that had been missing. She has, you know, always been one to challenge the status quo, and her work here speaks volumes. She has inspired so many designers, actually, to think differently about who they feature.
Iman was, like, never one to shy away from bold statements, both in her opinions and her style. For the opening of Chanel's NYC flagship in 1996, the model, apparently, made quite the entrance in a striking neon ensemble. This shows her flair for fashion and, in a way, her willingness to stand out. Her presence on the runway and in campaigns helped to, you know, open doors for others, creating a path for more diverse faces in an industry that, still, needed a lot of change. She was, you know, truly a pioneer.
A Love Story with David Bowie
One of the most talked-about parts of Iman's life is her marriage to the late rocker David Bowie. Their love story was, basically, legendary, a true partnership that captured the hearts of many. After losing her husband David Bowie to cancer six years ago, Iman, you know, has stated that she has no plans to ever marry again. This decision, in a way, speaks to the depth of their bond and the enduring love she holds for him. She recently, for example, revisited a honeymoon destination she had previously traveled to with her late husband, sharing an Instagram post about it. This shows, arguably, how much he still means to her.
The Birth of Iman Cosmetics
Beyond the runway, Iman also proved herself to be a very astute businesswoman. She launched her own ethnic cosmetics brand, a venture that, in some respects, was groundbreaking. The famous model is known for her line of beauty products, 'Iman Cosmetics,' which she developed specifically for ethnic skin tones. She saw a gap in the market, you know, a real need for products that catered to women with darker skin, and she decided to fill it. She even wrote a book about her life, sharing her experiences and insights, which, you know, is pretty cool.
This business move was, actually, more than just about making money; it was about empowerment. It was about giving women of color access to beauty products that truly matched their complexions, something that, frankly, was hard to find at the time. Her brand, Iman Cosmetics, has, you know, inspired many and continues to be a testament to her vision and her understanding of what women truly need. She has, basically, created a legacy that extends far beyond just modeling.
A Voice for Change and Advocacy
Iman's influence goes, in a way, far beyond fashion and beauty. She is also a dedicated philanthropist and a member of various advocacy groups. As a mom, a nana, and an advocate, she is, you know, deeply involved in social causes. She has, for example, contributed as both a model and a writer, using her platform to shed light on important issues. She famously interviewed fellow Somali, Waris Dirie, about female genital mutilation, bringing awareness to a very sensitive topic. She also documented the famine in Somalia, showing her commitment to humanitarian efforts. Her work with @RED, too it's almost, shows her dedication to global health initiatives. She is, in short, a true champion for human rights.
Iman has, you know, always been outspoken, using her powerful voice to address systemic issues. She reflects on her career, her impact, and her legacy in conversations with other influential figures like Precious Lee, Aurora James, and Keke Palmer. She discusses why "diversity" extends far beyond just employing a few models of color, pointing out that, you know, it needs to be much deeper. This kind of frankness, in some respects, is what makes her such a respected figure. She is, essentially, a leader in these important discussions.
Aging with Grace and Wisdom
Iman celebrated her 70th birthday on July 25, a milestone marked with posts on Instagram, which, you know, is pretty neat. The model revealed that she plans on aging gratefully as she enters this new decade of her life. She has, in a way, always embodied a timeless elegance, and her approach to aging is no different. She’s not just a supermodel; she’s, basically, a guide for living a full and meaningful life. She passes along plenty of "life hacks" for the "mini Imans" of the world, sharing her wisdom with younger generations. This, arguably, makes her an even more inspiring figure.
Her recent appearance as the face of Pandora's latest campaign shows that her influence, still, remains strong. In this campaign, the supermodel Iman, like, opens up about her prized possessions, giving us a little glimpse into her personal world. This shows, in some respects, her continued relevance and her ability to connect with people on a deeper level. She is, quite simply, an icon who continues to evolve and inspire.
Her Prized Possessions and Personal Reflections
Iman's personal reflections often provide a rare glimpse into the heart of a public figure. When she speaks about her "prized possessions," it's not just about material things, you know. It's about memories, experiences, and the people who mean the most to her. Her decision to revisit her honeymoon destination with David Bowie, for instance, speaks volumes about her emotional depth and her commitment to cherishing those moments. She shared an Instagram post about it, which, you know, really touched many hearts. This shows, arguably, her very human side, beyond the glamour.
She has, basically, always been known for her unique style, never one to stray away from color. Her appearance in that neon ensemble at Chanel's NYC flagship opening in 1996, for example, proves her bold fashion choices. She has, in a way, a very distinct aesthetic that has influenced many. You can, like, discover more about her iconic fashion moments by looking at photos and news about her latest appearances. A well-known fashion archive often features her past and present looks, giving a good reference point for her style evolution.
Iman's voice, as a matter of fact, is just as powerful as her famous face. She reflects on her incredible life, sharing insights that are, frankly, invaluable. She has played an integral role in shaping the fashion industry, and in 2010, she was honored with the Fashion Icon Award by the CFDA. This recognition, in some respects, solidifies her place as a true legend. Her net worth, accumulated through her modeling, acting, and entrepreneurship, is, apparently, quite substantial, but her impact goes far beyond just financial success. She truly is, you know, a force to be reckoned with.
To learn more about Iman's early career and how she broke barriers, you can explore other parts of our site. We also have information about her continued advocacy work, and you can find out more about her philanthropic efforts here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iman (Model)
People often ask a few common questions about Iman, the model. Here are some of the most frequent ones, with answers drawn from her life and career.
How old is Iman?
Iman, born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid, came into the world on July 25, 1955. This means that, as of July 25, she celebrated her 70th birthday, a milestone she marked with posts on Instagram. She has, in a way, embraced this new decade of her life with grace and a plan to age gratefully.
What is Iman known for?
Iman is known for many things, actually. She is, first and foremost, a retired supermodel from Somalia, celebrated for her striking beauty and her pioneering work in the fashion industry, especially for Black models. She is also widely known for her marriage to the late rocker David Bowie, a love story that, in some respects, captivated the world. Beyond that, she's recognized as a successful businesswoman, having launched her own cosmetics line, Iman Cosmetics, which caters to ethnic skin tones. She's also an actress, a philanthropist, and a powerful advocate for human rights, particularly for Black women's rights.
Does Iman have a cosmetics line?
Yes, she absolutely does. Iman launched her own ethnic cosmetics brand, Iman Cosmetics, which has, you know, been very successful. She created this line specifically for women with darker skin tones, addressing a significant need in the beauty industry. This venture, in a way, shows her business acumen and her commitment to inclusivity in beauty products. It's one of her most notable achievements outside of modeling, actually.
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