Iman | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 16, 2025

Who is Iman?

Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid, known simply as Iman, is a distinguished Somali-born model and actress renowned for her transformative impact on the fashion industry. Born on July 25, 1955, in Mogadishu, Somalia, she was discovered in the 1970s while studying political science at the University of Nairobi. Photographer Peter Beard recognized her unique beauty, prompting a shift from her academic pursuits to a groundbreaking modeling career. Iman quickly became a favorite for major fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, earning accolades for her stunning looks and distinctive presence on runways, appealing to both designers and audiences alike.

Beyond modeling, Iman has established herself as a successful entrepreneur, launching a cosmetics line in the 1990s that catered to women of color. Frustrated by the lack of suitable beauty products, she created the Iman Collection, which found immediate success in retail. Her philanthropic work further highlights her character, as she has actively engaged in charity efforts in Somalia while advocating for various social causes. Iman's personal life also garnered attention; her marriage to iconic musician David Bowie in 1992 was a union celebrated for its depth and longevity, lasting until Bowie's passing in 2016. Today, Iman stands as a powerful symbol of beauty, resilience, and social responsibility.

Early Life and Education

Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid, known simply as Iman, was born on July 25, 1955, in Mogadishu, Somalia. Growing up, she was influenced by a progressive family; her mother was a gynecologist and her father served as a diplomat. They prioritized education for Iman and decided to send her to a private Catholic school, a rare opportunity for girls in Somalia during the 1960s. This educational environment allowed Iman to thrive, fostering her intellectual interests even as a child. She described herself as a “nerdy child” and focused on her studies, laying a solid foundation for her later pursuits.

By 1973, Iman was 18 years old and attending the University of Nairobi, where she studied political science. To support her education, she worked as a translator. It was during this time that photographer Peter Beard discovered her while she was walking on the street, drawn by her striking features and graceful demeanor. Although initially skeptical of the fashion industry, Iman's potential was undeniable. Beard’s persuasive efforts culminated in her moving to New York City, marking the beginning of her illustrious modeling career, which would span several decades.

Career Start: Discovery and Rise to Fame

Iman's journey to stardom began somewhat serendipitously in 1973 when renowned photographer Peter Beard discovered her while she was a political science student at the University of Nairobi. Captivated by her striking features and elegance, Beard convinced her to embark on a modeling career. Initially skeptical and unfamiliar with the fashion world, Iman negotiated a modeling contract, using the proceeds to pay her college tuition. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a remarkable ascent in the fashion industry, transforming her from a student into a sought-after model who would redefine beauty standards.

Following her move to New York, Iman quickly became a sensation in the fashion world, gracing the covers of prestigious magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. She was one of the first black models to achieve considerable success in both runway and print modeling, captivating audiences with her unique blend of exotic elegance and earthiness. Notably, French designer Yves Saint Laurent dedicated the "African Queen" collection to her, further solidifying Iman's status as a fashion icon. Her poise and grace on the catwalk set her apart and gained her admiration among designers, photographers, and editors alike, making her a favorite during the peak of the fashion industry’s golden age in the late 20th century.

Achievements: More than a Model

Iman's remarkable journey from a high-profile model to a successful entrepreneur showcases her versatility and determination beyond the catwalk. After establishing herself as one of the most sought-after fashion models in the 1970s and 1980s, Iman made a significant impact in the beauty industry by launching her own line of cosmetics tailored specifically for women of color in 1994. This groundbreaking initiative aimed to address the lack of suitable beauty products for darker skin tones, leading to the creation of the Iman Collection. Her entrepreneurial spirit quickly paid off, as the line grossed $12 million in its first year, highlighting Iman's ability to translate her experiences into successful business ventures.

Aside from her accomplishments in fashion and cosmetics, Iman has actively engaged in charity and activism, significantly contributing to humanitarian efforts in Somalia. Following her transformative documentary, "Somalia Diary," she leveraged her celebrity status to raise awareness and support for war-torn regions in her home country. Iman's dedication to social causes continued with various fundraising initiatives, such as her collaboration with rapper Missy Elliott to produce the "Misdemeanor" lipstick, with proceeds benefiting domestic violence organizations. This dual commitment to empowerment and philanthropy exemplifies Iman's profound influence, transcending the modeling industry and establishing her as an inspiration for women and aspiring entrepreneurs around the world.

Activism and Business Ventures

Iman has long used her platform to advocate for social change and humanitarian efforts, especially in her home country of Somalia. In 1992, she leveraged her status as a prominent model to film “Somalia Diary,” a documentary that aimed to raise awareness about the dire conditions facing her homeland due to war and famine. Through this endeavor, she focused on highlighting the resilience and culture of the Somali people, insisting that they should be portrayed as more than just victims in need of aid. Iman's commitment to activism extended to various causes, including fundraising for the Children's Defense Fund and collaborating with artists like Missy Elliott to support domestic violence awareness.

In addition to her philanthropic efforts, Iman has successfully ventured into the business world with her cosmetics line aimed at women of color. Launched in 1994, the Iman Collection aimed to provide quality products tailored to the diverse needs of women with various skin tones. Despite facing challenges in her first year, such as competition from major cosmetic brands and distribution issues, she persevered and grew her brand into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. By striking a deal with Ivax for distribution and expanding her line to include a more daring palette with "I-Iman," Iman solidified her reputation not only as a former supermodel but also as a savvy business mogul with a deep commitment to inclusivity in beauty.

Personal Life: Marriage to David Bowie and Children

Iman’s personal life took a loving turn when she met the iconic rock star David Bowie. Their paths crossed in 1990, and they quickly formed a deep connection, resulting in a marriage that many would describe as one of the most enduring relationships in rock and fashion history. The couple exchanged vows on April 24, 1992, in Lausanne, Switzerland, and celebrated their union in an Italian church shortly thereafter. Their love was not just a matter of celebrity; it showcased a genuine partnership that flourished for over two decades, with both sharing insights into their lives through interviews and public appearances.

In 2000, Iman and Bowie welcomed their daughter, Alexandria Zahra. Parenthood became an integral part of their lives, offering Iman the opportunity to experience motherhood once again, as she was already a mother to daughter Zulekha, from her first marriage to basketball player Spencer Haywood. Balancing her career with family life, Iman often spoke fondly of her aspirations for a nurturing home, envisioning a future filled with laughter, creativity, and cherished moments. Their family life was rooted in love and respect, underscoring the compassionate bond both Iman and Bowie shared, which remained steadfast until his passing in January 2016.

Net Worth and Earning: Success in Cosmetics

Iman’s remarkable journey from a celebrated model to a successful businesswoman has significantly impacted her net worth, estimated to be in the range of $100 million. After her illustrious modeling career, she shifted focus to the cosmetics industry, launching her line specifically catering to women of color in 1994. Frustrated by the lack of suitable products for diverse skin tones, Iman created the Iman Collection, which quickly gained popularity. In its first year alone, the line generated an impressive $12 million in sales, laying a solid foundation for her future business ventures.

Building on her early success, Iman expanded her cosmetics line through a partnership with Ivax in 1995, enhancing distribution and sales. This strategic move propelled her revenues to $30 million by the second year. Moreover, her cosmetics line was complemented by various philanthropic initiatives, reflecting her commitment to social causes. Iman also ventured into fashion accessories and home decor, further diversifying her business empire. Her achievements culminated in recognition from industry leaders, including the Fashion Icon Award from the Council of Fashion Designers in 2010, cementing her status as a multifaceted entrepreneur.