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{{short description|Somali model and actress}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{pp-move}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2016}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2016}}
{{Infobox model
{{Infobox model
| name = Iman Bowie
| name = Iman
| native_name = ايمان
| native_name = Iman Abdulmajid<br />
| image = Iman at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival.jpg
| image = Iman 1996.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Iman at the [[Tribeca Film Festival]], 2009
| birth_name = Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid
| caption = Iman in 1994
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1955|7|25|df=yes}}
| birth_name = Iman Abdulmajid
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1955|7|25|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Mogadishu]], [[Italian Somaliland]]
| birth_place = [[Mogadishu]], [[Trust Territory of Somaliland]]
| awards = Fashion Icon lifetime achievement award 2011
| nationality = Somali, American
| occupation = {{hlist|Model|actress|businesswoman}}
| ethnicity = Somali
| spouse = {{ubl|{{marriage|Hassan|1973|1975|end=div}}|{{marriage|[[Spencer Haywood]]|1977|February 1987|end=div}}|{{marriage|[[David Bowie]]|24 April 1992|10 January 2016|end=[[Death of David Bowie|died]]}}}}
| alma_mater = <!-- did not graduate -->
| children = 2
| religion = [[Islam]]<ref name="Marshall"/>
| height = {{height|m=1.76}}
| occupation = Model, actress, entrepreneur
| hair_color = Dark brown<ref name="Fmdiap">{{cite web |url=http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/models/iman_abdulmajid/ |title= Iman Abdulmajid – Profile |publisher= [[Fashion Model Directory]] |access-date= 9 May 2012}}</ref>
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Somali people|Somali]] man<br>|1973|1975|end=div}}<br>{{marriage|[[Spencer Haywood]]<br>|1977|1987|end=div}}<br>{{marriage|[[David Bowie]]<br>|1992|2016|end=died}}
| years_active = 1975–present
| children = 2
| agency = Tess Management (London)
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=10}}<ref name="Fmdiap">{{cite web |url=http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/models/iman_abdulmajid/ |title= Iman Abdulmajid – Profile |publisher= [[Fashion Model Directory]] |accessdate= 2012-05-09}}</ref>
| website = {{Official URL}}
| hair_color = Dark brown<ref name="Fmdiap"/>
| eye_color = Dark brown<ref name="Fmdiap"/>
| agency = [http://www.onemanagement.com/celebrity/?sid=85479/ One Management] [http://www.tessmanagement.com/results/talent/women/ Tess Management]
| website = {{URL|DestinationIman.com}}
}}
}}
'''Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid''' ({{lang-so|''Zara Maxamed Cabdulmajiid''}}, {{lang-ar|ايمان محمد عبد المجيد}}; born 25 July 1955<ref>Iman, Peter Hill Beard, David Bowie, ''I Am Iman'' (Universe Publishing, 2001), p. 15.</ref>), mononymously known as '''Iman''' ("faith" in Arabic), is a [[Somalis|Somali]] fashion model, actress and entrepreneur. A pioneer in the field of ethnic cosmetics,<ref name="Wwnnf">{{cite journal|journal=Working Woman|title=Iman Cosmetics|year=1995|volume=20|pages=67}}</ref> she is also noted for her philanthropic work. She is the [[widow]] of English rock musician [[David Bowie]], whom she married in 1992.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sandle|first1=Paul|last2=Faulconbridge|first2=Guy|title=David Bowie dies after 18-month battle with cancer|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-bowie-death-idUSKCN0UP0KD20160111|work=[[Reuters]]|date=11 January 2016|accessdate=11 January 2016}}</ref>
'''Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid''' ({{langx|so|Iimaan Maxamed Cabdulmajiid}}; born '''Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid''', 25 July 1955<ref>Iman, Peter Hill Beard, David Bowie, ''I Am Iman'' (Universe Publishing, 2001), p. 15.</ref>), known [[mononym]]ously as '''Iman''', is a Somali-American model and actress. A muse of the designers [[Gianni Versace]], [[Thierry Mugler]], [[Calvin Klein]], [[Donna Karan]], and [[Yves Saint Laurent (designer)|Yves Saint Laurent]], she is also noted for her philanthropic work. She was married to musician [[David Bowie]] from 1992 until [[Death of David Bowie|his death]] in 2016.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Iman was born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid in [[Mogadishu]], the capital of the [[Trust Territory of Somaliland]]. She was later renamed Iman at her grandfather's urging.<ref name=Hendrikse>{{cite book|last1=Hendrikse|first1=Wim|title=David Bowie - The Man Who Changed the World|date=2013|publisher=New Generation Publishing|isbn=0755250532|pages=410–411|url=https://www.google.com/books?id=gq9Vp45cGx4C&source=gbs_navlinks_s|accessdate=18 January 2016}}</ref> Iman is the daughter of Marian and Mohamed Abdulmajid.<ref>Iman, Peter Hill Beard, David Bowie, ''I Am Iman'', p. 11.</ref> Her father was a [[diplomat]] and a former Somali [[ambassador]] to [[Saudi Arabia]],<ref name="Ottawa">[http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/arts/story.html?id=3803eef5-0031-4181-9b48-96b091c39cab Supermodel Iman is Ottawa bound for TV show] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107144152/http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/arts/story.html?id=3803eef5-0031-4181-9b48-96b091c39cab |date=7 November 2012 }}. Canada.com (2008-06-25). Retrieved on 2012-05-09.</ref> and her late mother was a [[gynecologist]].<ref name="Woaima">[http://www.thelizlibrary.org/collections/woa/woa07-25.html Women of Achievement&nbsp;– Iman]. Thelizlibrary.org. Retrieved on 2012-05-09.</ref> She has four siblings: two brothers, Elias and Feisal, and two younger sisters, Idil and Nadia.<ref>Iman, Peter Hill Beard, David Bowie, ''I Am Iman'', p. 17.</ref>
Iman was born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid ({{langx|so|Zara Maxamed Cabdulmajiid}}) in [[Mogadishu]] and raised as a Muslim. She was later renamed Iman, meaning "faith" in [[Arabic]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 April 2021 |title=Iman |url=https://www.biography.com/performer/iman |access-date=2022-12-26 |website=Biography |language=en-us}}</ref> at her grandfather's urging, who believed she would "prosper" with a masculine name.<ref name=Hendrikse>{{cite book|last1=Hendrikse|first1=Wim|title=David Bowie The Man Who Changed the World|date=2013|publisher=New Generation Publishing|isbn=978-0755250530|pages=410–411|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gq9Vp45cGx4C|access-date=18 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author1=Marie Claire |date=2016-12-08 |title=Life stories: Iman |url=https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity-news/life-stories-iman-437161 |access-date=2022-12-26 |website=Marie Claire UK |language=en}}</ref> Iman is the daughter of Mariam and Mohamed Abdulmajid.<ref>Iman, Peter Hill Beard, David Bowie, ''I Am Iman'', p. 11.</ref> Her father, a diplomat, was the Somali ambassador to [[Saudi Arabia]],<ref name="Ottawa">[http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/arts/story.html?id=3803eef5-0031-4181-9b48-96b091c39cab Supermodel Iman is Ottawa bound for TV show] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107144152/http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/arts/story.html?id=3803eef5-0031-4181-9b48-96b091c39cab |date=7 November 2012 }}. Canada.com (25 June 2008). Retrieved 9 May 2012.</ref> and her mother was a [[gynecologist]].<ref name="Woaima">[http://www.thelizlibrary.org/collections/woa/woa07-25.html Women of Achievement&nbsp;– Iman]. Thelizlibrary.org. Retrieved 9 May 2012.</ref> She has four siblings: two brothers and two sisters, and was the first girl in her family in six generations of sons.<ref>Iman, Peter Hill Beard, David Bowie, ''I Am Iman'', p. 17.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-12 |title=Supermodel Iman wants widespread education and earnest activism |url=https://www.interviewmagazine.com/fashion/supermodel-iman-wants-widespread-education-earnest-activism |access-date=2022-12-26 |website=Interview Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>


Iman lived with her grandparents during her formative years. At the age of four, she was sent to boarding school in [[Egypt]], where she spent most of her childhood and adolescence.<ref name=Hendrikse/><ref name="NJAPF">{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/06/fashion/06IMAN.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=10 March 2010 |deadurl=unfit |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100607092303/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/06/fashion/06IMAN.html |archivedate=7 June 2010 }}. ''New York Times'' (2010-06-06)</ref> Following political unrest in Somalia, Iman's father moved the family back to the country. At his behest, she, her mother and siblings subsequently travelled
Iman lived with her grandparents during her formative years. At age four she was sent to boarding school in [[Egypt]], where she spent most of her childhood and adolescence.<ref name=Hendrikse/><ref name="NJAPF">{{cite web |last=Agins |first=Teri |date=4 June 2010 |title=Iman, Former Model, to Receive Award - NYTimes.com |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/06/fashion/06IMAN.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100607092303/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/06/fashion/06IMAN.html |archive-date=7 June 2010 |access-date=10 March 2010 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Following political unrest in Somalia, Iman's father moved the family back to the country. At his behest, she and her mother and siblings subsequently traveled to [[Kenya]] and were later joined by her father and younger sister.<ref name=Hendrikse/> She briefly studied [[political science]] at the [[University of Nairobi]] in 1975.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Leslie Halliwell, John Walker|title=Halliwell's Who's who in the Movies|date=2001|publisher=HarperCollinsEntertainment|isbn=0002572141|page=225|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZZgrAQAAMAAJ|access-date=18 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Mukhtar|first1=Mohamed Haji|title=Historical Dictionary of Somalia|date=2003|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=0810866048|page=113|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DPwOsOcNy5YC&pg=PA113|access-date=28 February 2018}}</ref>
to [[Kenya]] and were later joined by her father and younger sister.<ref name=Hendrikse/> There, she studied [[political science]] at the [[University of Nairobi]] for a brief period.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Leslie Halliwell, John Walker|title=Halliwell's Who's who in the Movies|date=2001|publisher=HarperCollinsEntertainment|isbn=0002572141|page=225|url=https://www.google.com/books?id=ZZgrAQAAMAAJ|accessdate=18 January 2016}}</ref>

Iman is [[Muslim]].<ref name="Marshall">{{cite book|author=Marshall Cavendish Reference|title=Illustrated Dictionary of the Muslim World|date=2011|publisher=Marshall Cavendish|isbn=0761479295|page=108|url=https://www.google.com/books?id=8Zp_5IydPGgC&pg=PA108#v=onepage&q&f=false|accessdate=27 June 2016}}</ref> She is fluent in five languages: [[Somali language|Somali]], [[Arabic language|Arabic]], [[Italian language|Italian]], [[French language|French]] and [[English language|English]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The World of Work|url=http://aabe.com.ua/Uploads/Files/BooksList/Headway/Elementary-theTHIRDedition/Unit_3_-_The_world_of_work_(pages_20-27).pdf|accessdate=10 February 2015}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==

===Modeling===
===Modeling===
While she was at university, Iman was discovered by American photographer [[Peter Beard]], and moved to the United States to begin a modeling career.<ref name="Ottawa"/><ref>[http://www.slice.ca/shows/projectrunwaycanada/profiles/ Iman – Profiles – Project Runway Canada] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527022924/http://www.slice.ca/Shows/ProjectRunwayCanada/Profiles/ |date=27 May 2010 }}. Slice.ca. Retrieved 9 May 2012.</ref> Her first modeling assignment was for ''[[Vogue magazine|Vogue]]'' a year later in 1976. She soon appeared on the cover of some of the world's most prestigious magazines, establishing herself as a supermodel.<ref name="Ottawa"/>
[[File:Iman (model).jpg|thumb|upright|Iman at the [[Metropolitan Opera]] opening night on 25 September 2006.]]
While still at university, Iman was discovered by American photographer [[Peter Beard]], and subsequently moved to the [[United States]] to begin a modeling career.<ref name="Ottawa"/><ref>[http://www.slice.ca/shows/projectrunwaycanada/profiles/ Iman – Profiles – Project Runway Canada] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527022924/http://www.slice.ca/Shows/ProjectRunwayCanada/Profiles/ |date=27 May 2010 }}. Slice.ca. Retrieved on 2012-05-09.</ref> Her first modeling assignment was for ''[[Vogue magazine|Vogue]]'' a year later in 1976. She soon landed some of the most prestigious magazine covers, establishing herself as a [[supermodel]].<ref name="Ottawa"/>


With her long neck, tall stature, slender figure, fine features, copper-toned skin, and exotic accent, Iman was an instant success in the fashion world, though she herself insists that her looks are merely or typically Somali. She became a [[muse]] for many prominent designers, including [[Halston]], [[Gianni Versace]], [[Calvin_Klein_(fashion_designer)|Calvin Klein]], [[Issey Miyake]] and [[Donna Karan]].<ref name="NJAPF"/><ref name="PRC">[http://www.insighttv.com/news_20070530.aspx?showID=10 INTERNATIONAL SUPERMODEL IMAN TO HOST PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713041338/http://www.insighttv.com/news_20070530.aspx?showID=10 |date=13 July 2011 }}</ref><ref name="NChap">[http://articles.latimes.com/2001/dec/24/news/lv-iman24 New Chapters for Iman]. Articles.latimes.com (2001-12-24). Retrieved on 2012-05-09.</ref> She was a favorite of [[Yves Saint Laurent (designer)|Yves Saint-Laurent]], who once described her as his "dream woman".<ref>[http://www.style.com/beauty/icon/040210_Iman/ Beauty Icon: Iman]. Style.com. Retrieved on 2012-05-09.</ref>
With her long neck, slender figure, fine features, and copper-toned skin, Iman was an instant success in the fashion world, though she herself insists that her looks are merely typically Somali. She became a [[muses|muse]] to many prominent designers, including [[Halston]], [[Gianni Versace]], [[Calvin Klein (fashion designer)|Calvin Klein]], [[Issey Miyake]] and [[Donna Karan]].<ref name="NJAPF"/><ref name="PRC">{{Cite web|url=http://www.insighttv.com/news_20070530.aspx?showID=10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713041338/http://www.insighttv.com/news_20070530.aspx?showID=10 |url-status=dead |title=INTERNATIONAL SUPERMODEL IMAN TO HOST PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA|archive-date=13 July 2011}}</ref><ref name="NChap">[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-dec-24-lv-iman24-story.html New Chapters for Iman]. ''Los Angeles Times''. (24 December 2001). Retrieved 9 May 2012.</ref> She was a favourite of [[Yves Saint Laurent (designer)|Yves Saint-Laurent]], who once described her as his "dream woman".<ref>[http://www.style.com/beauty/icon/040210_Iman/ Beauty Icon: Iman]. Style.com. Retrieved 9 May 2012.</ref> Iman has worked with photographers including [[Helmut Newton]], [[Richard Avedon]], [[Irving Penn]], and [[Annie Leibovitz]].<ref name="PRC" />


Iman credits the nurturing she received from various designers with having given her the confidence to succeed in an era when individuality was valued and model-muses were often an integral part of the creative process.<ref name="NJAPF" /> She is represented by TESS Management in London.<ref name="Tess">[http://www.tessmanagement.com/details.aspx?subid=2365&modelid=27486&mainsubid=2365 Iman Portfolio] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526015159/http://www.tessmanagement.com/details.aspx?modelID=27486&subid=2365&mainsubid=2365 |date=26 May 2010 }}. Tess Management. Retrieved 9 May 2012.</ref>
During her 14 years as a [[high fashion]] model, Iman also worked with many notable [[photographer]]s, including [[Helmut Newton]], [[Richard Avedon]], [[Irving Penn]] and [[Annie Leibovitz]].<ref name="PRC"/>

Iman credits the nurturing she received from various designers with having given her the confidence to succeed in an era when individuality was valued and model-muses were often an integral part of the creative process.<ref name="NJAPF"/>

She is signed to TESS Management in [[London]].<ref name="Tess">[http://www.tessmanagement.com/details.aspx?subid=2365&modelid=27486&mainsubid=2365 Iman Porfolio] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526015159/http://www.tessmanagement.com/details.aspx?modelID=27486&subid=2365&mainsubid=2365 |date=26 May 2010 }}. Tess Management. Retrieved on 2012-05-09.</ref>


===Business===
===Business===

====Iman Cosmetics====
====Iman Cosmetics====
After almost two decades of modeling, Iman started her own cosmetics firm in 1994, focusing on difficult-to-find shades for women.<ref name="Wwnnf">{{cite book|title=Working Woman, Volume 20, Issues 1–6|date=1995|publisher=MacDonald Communications Corporation|page=67|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EfwfAQAAIAAJ&q=%22Iman+is+outselling+Flori+Roberts+and+Fashion+Fair,+the+two+stalwarts+of+the+ethnic-+cosmetics+market.%22|access-date=18 April 2018}}</ref> Based on her years of experience mixing her own formulations for [[make-up artist]]s to use on her, she was closely involved with the final product and also acted as the commercial face of the company.<ref name="NJAPF"/> Iman Cosmetics was a $25-million-a-year business by 2010. It is centered on $14.99 [[Foundation (cosmetics)|foundations]] in four formulations and 14 shades, and is among the top-selling foundation brands on [[Walgreens]] website.<ref name="NJAPF" />
[[File:Mataano1.jpg|thumb|right|[[Mataano]] founders Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim at an event for Iman's cosmetic line (2013).]]
After almost two decades of modeling, Iman started her own cosmetics firm in 1994, focusing on difficult-to-find shades for women.<ref name="Wwnnf"/> Based on her years of experience mixing her own formulations for [[make-up artist]]s to use on her, she had a personal hand in the final product and also acted as the commercial face of the company.<ref name="NJAPF"/>

''Iman Cosmetics'' was a US$25-million-a-year business by 2010. It is centered on $14.99 USD [[Foundation (cosmetics)|foundations]] in 4 formulations and 14 shades, and is among the top-selling foundation brands on [[Walgreens]] website.<ref name="NJAPF"/>


In spring 2012, Iman signed fellow Somali designers Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim, founders of the [[Mataano]] fashion company, as brand ambassadors for her cosmetics line.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.papermag.com/designers-and-twins-ayaan-and-idyl-mohallim-find-fans-of-their-line-ma-1427002330.html|title=Designers and Twins Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim Find Fans of Their Line Mataano the World Over.|last=PAPERMAG|access-date=2016-08-04}}</ref>
In early 2012, Iman signed fellow Somali designers Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim, founders of the [[Mataano]] fashion company, as brand ambassadors for her cosmetics line.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.papermag.com/designers-and-twins-ayaan-and-idyl-mohallim-find-fans-of-their-line-ma-1427002330.html|title=Designers and Twins Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim Find Fans of Their Line Mataano the World Over.|last=PAPERMAG|date=26 July 2013|access-date=4 August 2016}}</ref> In late 2021, Iman released her signature fragrance, "Love Memoir". The color of the amber bottle is a nod to the sunsets she and her husband enjoyed. The shape of the bottle is a mimic of two stones, which references to a spiritual ritual where you place flat stones to guide people who come after you. The tradition is also connected to healing from grief. Iman has done this ritual around her and David's property.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk9cq3gRCP0|title=Inside Iman & David Bowie's Scenic Home Filled With Wonderful Objects &#124; Vogue|date=8 December 2021 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref>


====Global Chic====
====Global Chic====
Due to her marketability and high profile, Iman was approached in 2007 by the CEO of the [[Home Shopping Network]] (HSN) to create a clothing design line. Inspired by her childhood in Egypt and modeling time with Halston, Iman's first collection introduced embroidered, one-size-fits-all [[Kaftan|caftans]]. Today, her ''Global Chic'' collection is one of four best-selling items among more than 200 fashion and jewelry brands on HSN, having evolved into a line of affordable accessories.<ref name="NJAPF"/>
Due to her marketability and high profile, Iman was approached in 2007 by the CEO of the [[Home Shopping Network]] (HSN) to create a clothing design line. Inspired by her childhood in Egypt and modeling time with Halston, Iman's first collection introduced embroidered, one-size-fits-all [[Kaftan|caftans]]. Her collection on HSN is called ''Global Chic''.<ref name="NJAPF"/>


===Cinema===
<!-- Major films only - other significant appearances in Filmography -->
====Television====
====Television====
[[File:Iman (model).jpg|thumb|left|upright|Iman at the [[Metropolitan Opera]] opening night in 2006]]
Iman twice appeared in ''[[Miami Vice]]'', playing Dakotah in ''Back in the World'' (1985) and Lois Blyth in ''Love At First Sight'' (1988). She also had a guest role as Mrs. Montgomery on ''[[The Cosby Show]]'' (1985). In 1988, she appeared as Marie Babineaux on an episode of ''[[In the Heat of the Night (TV series)|In the Heat of the Night]]''.<ref name="Imdb">{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0408081/|title=Iman|website=IMDb|access-date=2016-08-04}}</ref>
Iman appeared in two episodes of ''[[Miami Vice]]'', playing Dakotah in ''Back in the World'' (1985) and Lois Blyth in ''Love at First Sight'' (1988). She also had a guest role as Mrs. Montgomery on ''[[The Cosby Show]]'' (1985). In 1988, she appeared as Marie Babineaux in an episode of ''[[In the Heat of the Night (TV series)|In the Heat of the Night]]''.<ref name="Imdb">{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0408081/|title=Iman|publisher=IMDb|access-date=4 August 2016}}</ref>


In the mid-2000s, Iman spent two years as the host of [[Bravo (US TV channel)|Bravo TV]]'s fashion-themed show, ''[[Project Runway Canada]]''. In November 2010, she along with friend and colleague, designer [[Isaac Mizrahi]], also began hosting the second season of ''[[The Fashion Show (U.S. TV series)|The Fashion Show]]''. Bravo started the series to replace its former hit ''Project Runway'' that has now moved to the [[Lifetime (TV network)|Lifetime]] network.<ref name="NJAPF"/><ref name="Sntfsuc">[http://denver.metromix.com/movies/photogallery/sneak-peek-the-fashion/2286827/content Sneak peek : 'The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection'] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723170529/http://denver.metromix.com/movies/photogallery/sneak-peek-the-fashion/2286827/content |date=23 July 2011 }}. Denver.metromix.com. Retrieved on 2012-05-09.</ref>
In the mid-2000s, Iman spent two years as the host of [[Bravo (American TV network)|Bravo TV]]'s fashion-themed show, ''[[Project Runway Canada]]''. In November 2010, along with her friend and colleague, designer [[Isaac Mizrahi]], Iman also began hosting the second season of ''[[The Fashion Show (American TV series)|The Fashion Show]]''. Bravo started the series to replace its former hit ''Project Runway'' that has now moved to the [[Lifetime (TV network)|Lifetime]] network.<ref name="NJAPF"/><ref name="Sntfsuc">[http://denver.metromix.com/movies/photogallery/sneak-peek-the-fashion/2286827/content Sneak peek : 'The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection'] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723170529/http://denver.metromix.com/movies/photogallery/sneak-peek-the-fashion/2286827/content |date=23 July 2011 }}. Denver.metromix.com. Retrieved 9 May 2012.</ref>


====Film====
====Film====
An occasional actress, Iman first featured in the 1979 British film ''[[The Human Factor (1979 film)|The Human Factor]]'', and had a bit part in the 1985 [[Academy Award|Oscar]]-winning film ''[[Out of Africa (film)|Out of Africa]]'' starring [[Robert Redford]] and [[Meryl Streep]]. She then portrayed Nina Beka in the 1987 thriller ''[[No Way Out (1987 film)|No Way Out]]'' with [[Kevin Costner]], Hedy in the [[Michael Caine]] comedy ''[[Surrender (1987 film)|Surrender]]'' the same year. During her first year in Hollywood in 1991, Iman worked on several successive film productions.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=John C. Brasfield Pub. Corp.|journal=Architectural Digest|date=1992|volume=49|issue=7-9|page=200|accessdate=18 January 2016}}</ref> Among these was the [[Tim Hunter (director)|Tim Hunter]]-directed ''[[Lies of the Twins]]'' and ''[[Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country]]'', where she played a [[shapeshifting]] [[Extraterrestrial life|alien]]. Iman also dabbled in some comedic roles, appearing in ''[[The Linguini Incident]]'' the same year opposite her then fiancé David Bowie. Additionally, she had smaller parts in the 1991 comedy ''[[House Party 2]]'' and the 1994 comedy/romance film ''[[Exit to Eden (film)|Exit to Eden]]''.<ref name="Imdb"/>
Iman first featured in the 1979 British film ''[[The Human Factor (1979 film)|The Human Factor]]'', and had a bit part in the 1985 [[Academy Awards|Oscar]]-winning film ''[[Out of Africa (film)|Out of Africa]]'' starring [[Robert Redford]] and [[Meryl Streep]]. She then portrayed Nina Beka in the 1987 thriller ''[[No Way Out (1987 film)|No Way Out]]'' with [[Kevin Costner]], and Hedy in the [[Michael Caine]] comedy ''[[Surrender (1987 American film)|Surrender]]'' the same year.
During her first year in Hollywood, in 1991, she worked on several film productions.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=John C. Brasfield Pub. Corp.|journal=Architectural Digest|year=1992|volume=49|issue=7–9|page=200}}</ref> Among them were the [[Tim Hunter (director)|Tim Hunter]]-directed ''[[Lies of the Twins]]'' and ''[[Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country]]'', where she played a [[shapeshifting]] [[Extraterrestrial life|alien]]. In 1991, she appeared in ''[[The Linguini Incident]]'' opposite her then-fiancé David Bowie. She had a smaller part in the 1991 comedy ''[[House Party 2]]'' and in the 1994 comedy/romance film ''[[Exit to Eden (film)|Exit to Eden]]''.<ref name="Imdb"/>


===Video games===
===Video games===
Iman made a cameo alongside her husband David Bowie in the 1999 [[Windows 9x]] and [[Dreamcast]] [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[adventure game]], ''[[Omikron: The Nomad Soul]]''. It was developed by the [[Video game developer|video game company]], [[Quantic Dream]]. In the game, she appears as one of the numerous Omikronian citizens the player can "reincarnate" into.<ref>{{cite web|title=Omikron: The Nomad Soul |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=11894&tab=credits |publisher=Allgames |accessdate=4 August 2016 |deadurl=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210190911/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=11894&tab=credits |archivedate=10 December 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Iman made a cameo appearance alongside her husband David Bowie in the 1999 [[Windows 9x]] and [[Dreamcast]] [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[adventure game]], ''[[Omikron: The Nomad Soul]]'', developed by the [[Video game developer|video game company]], [[Quantic Dream]]. In the game, she appears as one of the numerous Omikronian citizens the player can "reincarnate" into.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014 |title=Omikron: The Nomad Soul |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=11894&tab=credits |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115063801/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=11894&tab=credits |archive-date=15 November 2014 |access-date=4 August 2016 |website=Allgames}}</ref>


===Philanthropy===
===Philanthropy===
In addition to running her global beauty company, Iman is also actively involved in a number of [[Charitable organization|charitable]] endeavors. She is currently a spokesperson for the [[Keep a Child Alive]] program, and works closely with the [[Children's Defense Fund]].<ref name="PRC"/> She also serves as an Ambassador for [[Save the Children]], and has been active in raising awareness of their relief services in the greater [[East Africa]] region.<ref>{{cite news |title=Five Seeds of Hope for Somalia|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/iman/five-seeds-of-hope-for-somalia_b_926155.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009 | work=Huffington Post | date=13 October 2011}}</ref> Additionally, Iman works with the [[Enough Project]] to end the global trade in [[conflict minerals]]. She played a key part in the public campaign against [[blood diamonds]] through her termination of her contract with the diamonds conglomerate [[De Beers]] over a [[ethics of care|conflict of ethics]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Exclusive: An Intimate Interview with Supermodel and Activist Iman|url=http://www.enoughproject.org/category/celebrity/iman}}</ref><ref name="Icdblier">{{cite news|last=Meldrum|first=Andrew|title=Iman cuts De Beers links in ethics row|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/may/09/humanrights.andrewmeldrum|publisher=''The Guardian''|accessdate=15 August 2011|location=London|date=9 May 2004}}</ref>
In addition to running her global beauty company, Iman is also actively involved in a number of charitable endeavors. Since September 2019, Iman has held the role of [[Care International|CARE]]'s first-ever Global Advocate, where she works alongside CARE to support its mission to create a world where poverty has been overcome and all people live with dignity and security. She is also currently a spokesperson for the [[Keep a Child Alive]] program, and works closely with the [[Children's Defense Fund]].<ref name="PRC"/> She also serves as an Ambassador for [[Save the Children]], and has been active in raising awareness of their relief services in the greater East Africa region.<ref>{{cite news |title=Five Seeds of Hope for Somalia|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/iman/five-seeds-of-hope-for-somalia_b_926155.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009 | work=HuffPost | date=13 October 2011}}</ref> Additionally, Iman works with the [[Enough Project]] to end the global trade in [[conflict minerals]]. She played a key part in the public campaign against [[blood diamonds]] through her termination of her contract with the diamonds conglomerate [[De Beers]] over a [[ethics of care|conflict of ethics]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://enoughproject.org/upstanders/celebrity/iman|title=Iman}}</ref><ref name="Icdblier">{{cite news|last=Meldrum|first=Andrew|title=Iman cuts De Beers links in ethics row|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/may/09/humanrights.andrewmeldrum|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=15 August 2011|location=London|date=9 May 2004}}</ref>


==Awards==
==Awards==
Over the course of her long modeling and philanthropic career, Iman has received many awards. On 7 June 2010, she received a ''Fashion Icon'' lifetime achievement award from the [[Council of Fashion Designers of America|Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)]], a special prize reserved for "an individual whose signature style has had a profound influence on fashion." Iman selected her friend, actress and former model [[Isabella Rossellini]], to present the award.<ref name="NJAPF"/><ref name="KJI">Dodes, Rachel (2010-06-09). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703302604575294672624020514 Kors, Jacobs, Iman Take Home Fashion Awards]. Online.wsj.com. Retrieved on 2012-05-09.</ref> Wearing a gown designed by [[Giambattista Valli]] with four giant diamond bracelets on each arm, Iman thanked her parents "for giving me a neck longer than any other girl on any go-see anywhere in the world".<ref name="KJI"/>
Over the course of her long modeling and philanthropic career, Iman has received many awards. On 7 June 2010, she received a ''Fashion Icon'' lifetime achievement award from the [[Council of Fashion Designers of America]] (CFDA), a special prize reserved for "an individual whose signature style has had a profound influence on fashion". Iman selected her friend, actress and former model [[Isabella Rossellini]], to present the award.<ref name="NJAPF"/><ref name="KJI">Dodes, Rachel (9 June 2010). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703302604575294672624020514 Kors, Jacobs, Iman Take Home Fashion Awards]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved 9 May 2012.</ref> Wearing a gown designed by [[Giambattista Valli]] with four giant diamond bracelets on each arm, Iman thanked her parents "for giving me a neck longer than any other girl on any go-see anywhere in the world".<ref name="KJI"/>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
[[File:Iman and David Bowie at the premiere of Moon.jpg|thumb|right|Iman with her late husband [[David Bowie]] in 2009.]]
[[File:Iman and David Bowie at the premiere of Moon.jpg|thumb|right|Iman with her husband [[David Bowie]] in 2009]]
Iman first married at age 18 to a young [[Somalis|Somali]] entrepreneur, a [[Hilton Worldwide|Hilton]] executive.<ref name=Imbebo>{{cite book|last1=Iman, Peter Hill Beard, David Bowie|title=I Am Iman|date=2001|publisher=Universe Pub.|isbn=0789306336|page=54}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Newsweek, Volume 86|date=1975|publisher=Newsweek, Incorporated|page=46|url=https://www.google.com/books?id=uaoeAQAAMAAJ|accessdate=18 January 2016}}</ref> The marriage ended a few years later when she moved to the United States to pursue a modeling career.<ref name=Imbebo/>


Iman is a [[Muslims|Muslim]]. She has credited her faith with helping her through dark times.<ref name="Marshall">{{cite book|author=Marshall Cavendish Reference|title=Illustrated Dictionary of the Muslim World|date=2011|publisher=Marshall Cavendish|isbn=978-0761479291|page=[https://archive.org/details/illustrateddicti0000unse/page/108 108]|url=https://archive.org/details/illustrateddicti0000unse/page/108|access-date=27 June 2016}}</ref> She is fluent in five languages: Somali, Arabic, Italian, French, and English.<ref>{{cite web|title=The World of Work|url=http://aabe.com.ua/Uploads/Files/BooksList/Headway/Elementary-theTHIRDedition/Unit_3_-_The_world_of_work_(pages_20-27).pdf|access-date=10 February 2015|archive-date=10 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210043409/http://aabe.com.ua/Uploads/Files/BooksList/Headway/Elementary-theTHIRDedition/Unit_3_-_The_world_of_work_(pages_20-27).pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> She also obtained American citizenship when she was in her twenties.<ref>{{cite web |title=Iman Opens Up About Being a Refugee: "These Aren't Nameless, Faceless People" |first=Steph |last=Eckardt |date=24 September 2019 |url=https://www.wmagazine.com/story/iman-refugee-care-fashion-interview |access-date=4 March 2023 |website=W Magazine |language=en}}</ref>
In 1977, Iman dated American actor [[Warren Beatty]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Krivoshey|first1=Bethsabée|title=Tableau de chasse - Les célèbres conquêtes de Warren Beatty - Iman|url=http://www.vanityfair.fr/people/legendes/diaporama/les-celebres-conquetes-de-warren-beatty/23464#iman|accessdate=25 April 2016|agency=Vanity Fair|date=5 November 2015}}</ref> Later that year, she got engaged to American basketball player [[Spencer Haywood]]. Their daughter, Zulekha Haywood, was born in 1978. The two divorced in February 1987.<ref>{{cite news|title=Spenser Haywood timeline|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/spenser-haywood-timeline/|accessdate=24 April 2016|agency=Seattle Times|date=25 February 2007}}</ref>


Iman was first married at age 18 to Hassan, a young [[Somalia|Somali]] entrepreneur and [[Hilton Worldwide|Hilton]] hotel executive.<ref name=Imbebo>{{cite book|last1=Iman, Peter Hill Beard, David Bowie|title=I Am Iman|date=2001|publisher=Universe Pub.|isbn=0789306336|page=54}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Newsweek, Volume 86|date=1975|publisher=Newsweek, Incorporated|page=46|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uaoeAQAAMAAJ|access-date=18 January 2016}}</ref> The marriage ended a few years later when she moved to the United States to pursue a modeling career.<ref name=Imbebo/> In 1977, Iman dated the American actor [[Warren Beatty]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Krivoshey|first1=Bethsabée|title=Tableau de chasse Les célèbres conquêtes de Warren Beatty Iman|url=http://www.vanityfair.fr/people/legendes/diaporama/les-celebres-conquetes-de-warren-beatty/23464#iman|access-date=25 April 2016|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=5 November 2015|archive-date=17 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817235412/http://www.vanityfair.fr/people/legendes/diaporama/les-celebres-conquetes-de-warren-beatty/23464#iman|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later that year, she became engaged to the American basketball player [[Spencer Haywood]], and they married soon after. Their daughter, Zulekha Haywood (from whom she has a granddaughter), was born in 1978; in February 1987, the couple divorced.<ref>{{cite news|title=Spenser Haywood timeline|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/spenser-haywood-timeline/|access-date=24 April 2016|work=The Seattle Times|date=25 February 2007}}</ref>
On 24 April 1992, Iman married English rock musician [[David Bowie]] in a private ceremony in [[Lausanne]], [[Switzerland]]. The wedding was later [[solemnization|solemnized]] on 6 June in [[Florence]], [[Italy]].<ref name="Pegg">{{cite book|last=Pegg|first=Nicholas|title=The Complete David Bowie|year=2006|publisher=Reynolds & Hearn|isbn=1905287151|pages=238}}</ref> They have one daughter, Alexandria Zahra Jones, born 15 August 2000.<ref name="Fltnib">[http://ca.eonline.com/uberblog/b40304_first_look_news_in_brief_august_15_2000.html FIRST LOOK: The News in Brief, August 15, 2000]. Ca.eonline.com (2000-08-15). Retrieved on 2012-05-09.</ref> Iman is also a stepmother to Bowie's son from a previous marriage, [[Duncan Jones]]. Both children bear Bowie's legal surname. Iman and her family resided primarily in [[Manhattan]] and [[London]].<ref name="Fmdiman">{{cite web |url= http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/news/Model+News/still-ties-shoes-for-iman-reveals-how-david-bowie-makes-her-feel-special.htm |title= 'He still ties my shoes for me': Iman reveals how David Bowie makes her feel special |work= Fashion Model Directory |date= 2010-12-25 |accessdate= 2012-05-09}}</ref> When [[Death of David Bowie|Bowie died on 10 January 2016]], making her a widow, she wrote in tribute to him that "the struggle is real, but so is God."<ref>{{cite news|title='The struggle is real, but so is God': See Iman's poignant David Bowie tribute|url=http://www.today.com/popculture/struggle-real-so-god-see-iman-s-poignant-david-bowie-t66481|accessdate=15 January 2016|agency=Today|date=11 January 2016}}</ref>

In 1990, Iman met the English musician [[David Bowie]] on a surprise blind date set up by a friend in Los Angeles. The friend was hairdresser Teddy Antolin, who invited Iman to a party. When she arrived at the restaurant, there were only four attendees: Antolin, Antolin's boyfriend, Iman, and Bowie. At the end of the evening, Bowie offered to drive her home, and she said: "No, I'm going to drive my car." He invited her to tea the next day and Iman learned he did not drink tea. They went to a nearby coffee shop.<ref>{{Cite news|last=McNeil|first=Liz|date=21 November 2021|title=Iman & David Bowie|work=People Magazine}}</ref> Bowie named his 1991 instrumental piece "Abdulmajid" after her, which was later converted into a symphony by [[Philip Glass]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Pegg |first1=Nicholas |title=The Complete David Bowie |page=15}}</ref>

On 24 April 1992, Iman married Bowie in a private ceremony in [[Lausanne]], Switzerland. The wedding was [[solemnization|solemnized]] in [[Florence]], [[Italy]] on 6 June.<ref name="Pegg">{{cite book|last=Pegg|first=Nicholas|title=The Complete David Bowie|year=2006|publisher=Reynolds & Hearn|isbn=1905287151|pages=238}}</ref> Their daughter, Alexandria Zahra Jones, was born 15 August 2000 at [[Mount Sinai Hospital (Manhattan)|Mount Sinai Hospital]] in New York City.<ref name="Fltnib">[http://ca.eonline.com/uberblog/b40304_first_look_news_in_brief_august_15_2000.html FIRST LOOK: The News in Brief, 15 August 2000]. E!.com (15 August 2000). Retrieved 9 May 2012.</ref> Iman is also stepmother to Bowie's son from a previous marriage, [[Duncan Jones]]. Both children bear Bowie's legal surname. Iman and her family resided primarily in [[Manhattan]] and London.<ref name="Fmdiman">{{cite web |url=http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/news/Model+News/still-ties-shoes-for-iman-reveals-how-david-bowie-makes-her-feel-special.htm |title= 'He still ties my shoes for me': Iman reveals how David Bowie makes her feel special |work= Fashion Model Directory |date= 25 December 2010 |access-date= 9 May 2012}}</ref> When [[Death of David Bowie|Bowie died on 10 January 2016]], she wrote in tribute to him that "the struggle is real, but so is God".<ref>{{cite news|title='The struggle is real, but so is God': See Iman's poignant David Bowie tribute|url=http://www.today.com/popculture/struggle-real-so-god-see-iman-s-poignant-david-bowie-t66481|last=Serico|first=Chris|access-date=15 January 2016|work=Today|date=11 January 2016}}</ref>


==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
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| 1983
| 1983
| Model
| Model
|-
! scope="row" | "[[Do What You Do (Jermaine Jackson song)|Do What You Do]]" music video
| 1984
| [[Jermaine Jackson]]'s love interest
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Miami Vice]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Miami Vice]]''
Line 123: Line 118:
| Nina
| Nina
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Surrender (1987 film)|Surrender]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Surrender (1987 American film)|Surrender]]''
| 1987
| 1987
| Hedy
| Hedy
Line 130: Line 125:
| 1988
| 1988
| Marie Babineaux
| Marie Babineaux
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Miami Vice]]''
| 1988
| Lois Blyth
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[227 (TV series)|227]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[227 (TV series)|227]]''
Line 155: Line 154:
| Dali Guest
| Dali Guest
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Remember the Time]]''
! scope="row" | "[[Remember the Time]]" music video ([[Michael Jackson]])
| 1992
| 1992
| Queen
| Queen Nefertiti
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Heart of Darkness (1993 film)|Heart of Darkness]]''
| 1994
| Jungle bride<ref>{{cite book |title=Voyeurism: (fin de siecle), Volume 2, Issue 2 of Felix (New York, N.Y.) |date=2000 |publisher=The Standby Program |page=89 |isbn=9781570271021 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sX00AQAAIAAJ |access-date=8 June 2018}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Exit to Eden (film)|Exit to Eden]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Exit to Eden (film)|Exit to Eden]]''
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| self
| self
|}
|}

==See also==
* [[Mononymous person]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Iman (model)}}
{{commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://destinationiman.com/}}
* {{Official website|http://destinationiman.com|Iman}} – official site
* {{IMDb name|0408081|Iman}}
* {{IMDb name|0408081|Iman}}
* {{Tcmdb name}}
* {{Tcmdb name}}
Line 191: Line 191:
* {{NYmag model|<!--leave 1st blank-->|iman}}
* {{NYmag model|<!--leave 1st blank-->|iman}}
* [http://www.imancosmetics.com/ Iman Cosmetics]
* [http://www.imancosmetics.com/ Iman Cosmetics]
* {{NPG name|id=126967}}


{{David Bowie|state=collapsed}}
{{David Bowie|state=collapsed}}
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[[Category:Ethnic Somali people]]
[[Category:Ethnic Somali people]]
[[Category:American cosmetics businesspeople]]
[[Category:American cosmetics businesspeople]]
[[Category:New York (state) Democrats]]
[[Category:American fashion businesspeople]]
[[Category:American fashion businesspeople]]
[[Category:American film actresses]]
[[Category:American film actresses]]
[[Category:American people of Somali descent]]
[[Category:David Bowie]]
[[Category:Participants in American reality television series]]
[[Category:Participants in American reality television series]]
[[Category:People from Mogadishu]]
[[Category:People from Mogadishu]]
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[[Category:Somalian emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:Somalian emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:Somalian expatriates in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Somalian expatriates in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Somalian expatriates in the United States]]
[[Category:Somalian fashion designers]]
[[Category:Somalian fashion designers]]
[[Category:Somalian female models]]
[[Category:Somalian female models]]
[[Category:Somalian Muslims]]
[[Category:Muslim models]]
[[Category:American women fashion designers]]
[[Category:21st-century American philanthropists]]
[[Category:21st-century women philanthropists]]
[[Category:American women philanthropists]]
[[Category:21st-century American businesspeople]]
[[Category:21st-century American businesswomen]]
[[Category:Muslims from New York (state)]]
[[Category:African-American Muslims]]
[[Category:Jones (Bowie) family]]
[[Category:University of Nairobi alumni]]
[[Category:Philanthropists from New York (state)]]

Latest revision as of 21:28, 12 December 2024

Iman
Iman Abdulmajid
Iman in 1994
Born
Iman Abdulmajid

(1955-07-25) 25 July 1955 (age 69)
Occupations
  • Model
  • actress
  • businesswoman
Years active1975–present
Spouses
  • Hassan
    (m. 1973; div. 1975)
  • (m. 1977; div. 1987)
  • (m. 1992; died 2016)
Children2
AwardsFashion Icon lifetime achievement award 2011
Modeling information
Height1.76 m (5 ft 9+12 in)
Hair colorDark brown[1]
AgencyTess Management (London)
Websitedestinationiman.com Edit this at Wikidata

Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid (Somali: Iimaan Maxamed Cabdulmajiid; born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid, 25 July 1955[2]), known mononymously as Iman, is a Somali-American model and actress. A muse of the designers Gianni Versace, Thierry Mugler, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Yves Saint Laurent, she is also noted for her philanthropic work. She was married to musician David Bowie from 1992 until his death in 2016.

Early life

[edit]

Iman was born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid (Somali: Zara Maxamed Cabdulmajiid) in Mogadishu and raised as a Muslim. She was later renamed Iman, meaning "faith" in Arabic[3] at her grandfather's urging, who believed she would "prosper" with a masculine name.[4][5] Iman is the daughter of Mariam and Mohamed Abdulmajid.[6] Her father, a diplomat, was the Somali ambassador to Saudi Arabia,[7] and her mother was a gynecologist.[8] She has four siblings: two brothers and two sisters, and was the first girl in her family in six generations of sons.[9][10]

Iman lived with her grandparents during her formative years. At age four she was sent to boarding school in Egypt, where she spent most of her childhood and adolescence.[4][11] Following political unrest in Somalia, Iman's father moved the family back to the country. At his behest, she and her mother and siblings subsequently traveled to Kenya and were later joined by her father and younger sister.[4] She briefly studied political science at the University of Nairobi in 1975.[12][13]

Career

[edit]

Modeling

[edit]

While she was at university, Iman was discovered by American photographer Peter Beard, and moved to the United States to begin a modeling career.[7][14] Her first modeling assignment was for Vogue a year later in 1976. She soon appeared on the cover of some of the world's most prestigious magazines, establishing herself as a supermodel.[7]

With her long neck, slender figure, fine features, and copper-toned skin, Iman was an instant success in the fashion world, though she herself insists that her looks are merely typically Somali. She became a muse to many prominent designers, including Halston, Gianni Versace, Calvin Klein, Issey Miyake and Donna Karan.[11][15][16] She was a favourite of Yves Saint-Laurent, who once described her as his "dream woman".[17] Iman has worked with photographers including Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, and Annie Leibovitz.[15]

Iman credits the nurturing she received from various designers with having given her the confidence to succeed in an era when individuality was valued and model-muses were often an integral part of the creative process.[11] She is represented by TESS Management in London.[18]

Business

[edit]

Iman Cosmetics

[edit]

After almost two decades of modeling, Iman started her own cosmetics firm in 1994, focusing on difficult-to-find shades for women.[19] Based on her years of experience mixing her own formulations for make-up artists to use on her, she was closely involved with the final product and also acted as the commercial face of the company.[11] Iman Cosmetics was a $25-million-a-year business by 2010. It is centered on $14.99 foundations in four formulations and 14 shades, and is among the top-selling foundation brands on Walgreens website.[11]

In early 2012, Iman signed fellow Somali designers Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim, founders of the Mataano fashion company, as brand ambassadors for her cosmetics line.[20] In late 2021, Iman released her signature fragrance, "Love Memoir". The color of the amber bottle is a nod to the sunsets she and her husband enjoyed. The shape of the bottle is a mimic of two stones, which references to a spiritual ritual where you place flat stones to guide people who come after you. The tradition is also connected to healing from grief. Iman has done this ritual around her and David's property.[21]

Global Chic

[edit]

Due to her marketability and high profile, Iman was approached in 2007 by the CEO of the Home Shopping Network (HSN) to create a clothing design line. Inspired by her childhood in Egypt and modeling time with Halston, Iman's first collection introduced embroidered, one-size-fits-all caftans. Her collection on HSN is called Global Chic.[11]

Television

[edit]
Iman at the Metropolitan Opera opening night in 2006

Iman appeared in two episodes of Miami Vice, playing Dakotah in Back in the World (1985) and Lois Blyth in Love at First Sight (1988). She also had a guest role as Mrs. Montgomery on The Cosby Show (1985). In 1988, she appeared as Marie Babineaux in an episode of In the Heat of the Night.[22]

In the mid-2000s, Iman spent two years as the host of Bravo TV's fashion-themed show, Project Runway Canada. In November 2010, along with her friend and colleague, designer Isaac Mizrahi, Iman also began hosting the second season of The Fashion Show. Bravo started the series to replace its former hit Project Runway that has now moved to the Lifetime network.[11][23]

Film

[edit]

Iman first featured in the 1979 British film The Human Factor, and had a bit part in the 1985 Oscar-winning film Out of Africa starring Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. She then portrayed Nina Beka in the 1987 thriller No Way Out with Kevin Costner, and Hedy in the Michael Caine comedy Surrender the same year.

During her first year in Hollywood, in 1991, she worked on several film productions.[24] Among them were the Tim Hunter-directed Lies of the Twins and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, where she played a shapeshifting alien. In 1991, she appeared in The Linguini Incident opposite her then-fiancé David Bowie. She had a smaller part in the 1991 comedy House Party 2 and in the 1994 comedy/romance film Exit to Eden.[22]

Video games

[edit]

Iman made a cameo appearance alongside her husband David Bowie in the 1999 Windows 9x and Dreamcast 3D adventure game, Omikron: The Nomad Soul, developed by the video game company, Quantic Dream. In the game, she appears as one of the numerous Omikronian citizens the player can "reincarnate" into.[25]

Philanthropy

[edit]

In addition to running her global beauty company, Iman is also actively involved in a number of charitable endeavors. Since September 2019, Iman has held the role of CARE's first-ever Global Advocate, where she works alongside CARE to support its mission to create a world where poverty has been overcome and all people live with dignity and security. She is also currently a spokesperson for the Keep a Child Alive program, and works closely with the Children's Defense Fund.[15] She also serves as an Ambassador for Save the Children, and has been active in raising awareness of their relief services in the greater East Africa region.[26] Additionally, Iman works with the Enough Project to end the global trade in conflict minerals. She played a key part in the public campaign against blood diamonds through her termination of her contract with the diamonds conglomerate De Beers over a conflict of ethics.[27][28]

Awards

[edit]

Over the course of her long modeling and philanthropic career, Iman has received many awards. On 7 June 2010, she received a Fashion Icon lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), a special prize reserved for "an individual whose signature style has had a profound influence on fashion". Iman selected her friend, actress and former model Isabella Rossellini, to present the award.[11][29] Wearing a gown designed by Giambattista Valli with four giant diamond bracelets on each arm, Iman thanked her parents "for giving me a neck longer than any other girl on any go-see anywhere in the world".[29]

Personal life

[edit]
Iman with her husband David Bowie in 2009

Iman is a Muslim. She has credited her faith with helping her through dark times.[30] She is fluent in five languages: Somali, Arabic, Italian, French, and English.[31] She also obtained American citizenship when she was in her twenties.[32]

Iman was first married at age 18 to Hassan, a young Somali entrepreneur and Hilton hotel executive.[33][34] The marriage ended a few years later when she moved to the United States to pursue a modeling career.[33] In 1977, Iman dated the American actor Warren Beatty.[35] Later that year, she became engaged to the American basketball player Spencer Haywood, and they married soon after. Their daughter, Zulekha Haywood (from whom she has a granddaughter), was born in 1978; in February 1987, the couple divorced.[36]

In 1990, Iman met the English musician David Bowie on a surprise blind date set up by a friend in Los Angeles. The friend was hairdresser Teddy Antolin, who invited Iman to a party. When she arrived at the restaurant, there were only four attendees: Antolin, Antolin's boyfriend, Iman, and Bowie. At the end of the evening, Bowie offered to drive her home, and she said: "No, I'm going to drive my car." He invited her to tea the next day and Iman learned he did not drink tea. They went to a nearby coffee shop.[37] Bowie named his 1991 instrumental piece "Abdulmajid" after her, which was later converted into a symphony by Philip Glass.[38]

On 24 April 1992, Iman married Bowie in a private ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland. The wedding was solemnized in Florence, Italy on 6 June.[39] Their daughter, Alexandria Zahra Jones, was born 15 August 2000 at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.[40] Iman is also stepmother to Bowie's son from a previous marriage, Duncan Jones. Both children bear Bowie's legal surname. Iman and her family resided primarily in Manhattan and London.[41] When Bowie died on 10 January 2016, she wrote in tribute to him that "the struggle is real, but so is God".[42]

Bibliography

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  • I Am Iman (2001)
  • The Beauty of Color (2005)

Filmography

[edit]
List of acting performances in film and television
Title Year Role
The Human Factor 1979 Sarah
Exposed 1983 Model
"Do What You Do" music video 1984 Jermaine Jackson's love interest
Miami Vice 1985 Dakotah
The Cosby Show 1985 Mrs. Montgomery
Out of Africa 1985 Mariammo
No Way Out 1987 Nina
Surrender 1987 Hedy
In the Heat of the Night 1988 Marie Babineaux
Miami Vice 1988 Lois Blyth
227 1990 Eartha Kitten
House Party 2 1991 Sheila Landreaux
Lies of the Twins 1991 Cat/Elie
L.A. Story 1991 Cynthia
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country 1991 Martia
The Linguini Incident 1991 Dali Guest
"Remember the Time" music video (Michael Jackson) 1992 Queen Nefertiti
Heart of Darkness 1994 Jungle bride[43]
Exit to Eden 1994 Nina
Project Runway Canada 2007 self
Project Runway Canada 2009 self
The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection 2010 self

References

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  1. ^ "Iman Abdulmajid – Profile". Fashion Model Directory. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  2. ^ Iman, Peter Hill Beard, David Bowie, I Am Iman (Universe Publishing, 2001), p. 15.
  3. ^ "Iman". Biography. 9 April 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  4. ^ a b c Hendrikse, Wim (2013). David Bowie – The Man Who Changed the World. New Generation Publishing. pp. 410–411. ISBN 978-0755250530. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  5. ^ Marie Claire (8 December 2016). "Life stories: Iman". Marie Claire UK. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  6. ^ Iman, Peter Hill Beard, David Bowie, I Am Iman, p. 11.
  7. ^ a b c Supermodel Iman is Ottawa bound for TV show Archived 7 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Canada.com (25 June 2008). Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  8. ^ Women of Achievement – Iman. Thelizlibrary.org. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  9. ^ Iman, Peter Hill Beard, David Bowie, I Am Iman, p. 17.
  10. ^ "Supermodel Iman wants widespread education and earnest activism". Interview Magazine. 12 March 2018. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h Agins, Teri (4 June 2010). "Iman, Former Model, to Receive Award - NYTimes.com". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 7 June 2010. Retrieved 10 March 2010.
  12. ^ Leslie Halliwell, John Walker (2001). Halliwell's Who's who in the Movies. HarperCollinsEntertainment. p. 225. ISBN 0002572141. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  13. ^ Mukhtar, Mohamed Haji (2003). Historical Dictionary of Somalia. Scarecrow Press. p. 113. ISBN 0810866048. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  14. ^ Iman – Profiles – Project Runway Canada Archived 27 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Slice.ca. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  15. ^ a b c "INTERNATIONAL SUPERMODEL IMAN TO HOST PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA". Archived from the original on 13 July 2011.
  16. ^ New Chapters for Iman. Los Angeles Times. (24 December 2001). Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  17. ^ Beauty Icon: Iman. Style.com. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  18. ^ Iman Portfolio Archived 26 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Tess Management. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  19. ^ Working Woman, Volume 20, Issues 1–6. MacDonald Communications Corporation. 1995. p. 67. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  20. ^ PAPERMAG (26 July 2013). "Designers and Twins Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim Find Fans of Their Line Mataano the World Over". Retrieved 4 August 2016.
  21. ^ "Inside Iman & David Bowie's Scenic Home Filled With Wonderful Objects | Vogue". 8 December 2021 – via www.youtube.com.
  22. ^ a b "Iman". IMDb. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
  23. ^ Sneak peek : 'The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection' Archived 23 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Denver.metromix.com. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  24. ^ John C. Brasfield Pub. Corp. (1992). Architectural Digest. 49 (7–9): 200. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  25. ^ "Omikron: The Nomad Soul". Allgames. 2014. Archived from the original on 15 November 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
  26. ^ "Five Seeds of Hope for Somalia". HuffPost. 13 October 2011.
  27. ^ "Iman".
  28. ^ Meldrum, Andrew (9 May 2004). "Iman cuts De Beers links in ethics row". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 15 August 2011.
  29. ^ a b Dodes, Rachel (9 June 2010). Kors, Jacobs, Iman Take Home Fashion Awards. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  30. ^ Marshall Cavendish Reference (2011). Illustrated Dictionary of the Muslim World. Marshall Cavendish. p. 108. ISBN 978-0761479291. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  31. ^ "The World of Work" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 February 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
  32. ^ Eckardt, Steph (24 September 2019). "Iman Opens Up About Being a Refugee: "These Aren't Nameless, Faceless People"". W Magazine. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  33. ^ a b Iman, Peter Hill Beard, David Bowie (2001). I Am Iman. Universe Pub. p. 54. ISBN 0789306336.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  34. ^ Newsweek, Volume 86. Newsweek, Incorporated. 1975. p. 46. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  35. ^ Krivoshey, Bethsabée (5 November 2015). "Tableau de chasse – Les célèbres conquêtes de Warren Beatty – Iman". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on 17 August 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  36. ^ "Spenser Haywood timeline". The Seattle Times. 25 February 2007. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  37. ^ McNeil, Liz (21 November 2021). "Iman & David Bowie". People Magazine.
  38. ^ Pegg, Nicholas. The Complete David Bowie. p. 15.
  39. ^ Pegg, Nicholas (2006). The Complete David Bowie. Reynolds & Hearn. p. 238. ISBN 1905287151.
  40. ^ FIRST LOOK: The News in Brief, 15 August 2000. E!.com (15 August 2000). Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  41. ^ "'He still ties my shoes for me': Iman reveals how David Bowie makes her feel special". Fashion Model Directory. 25 December 2010. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  42. ^ Serico, Chris (11 January 2016). "'The struggle is real, but so is God': See Iman's poignant David Bowie tribute". Today. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  43. ^ Voyeurism: (fin de siecle), Volume 2, Issue 2 of Felix (New York, N.Y.). The Standby Program. 2000. p. 89. ISBN 9781570271021. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
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