Iman (model)
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Iman | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Iman, September 25, 2006. | |
| Born | Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid (Somali: Iimaan Maxamed Cabdimajiid) |
| Spouse(s) | Spencer Haywood (1977-1987) David Bowie (1992-present) |
| Modeling information | |
| Height | 5 ft 8.5 in (1.74 m) |
| Hair color | Black |
| Eye color | Dark brown |
| Website | http://www.i-iman.com/ |
Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid (Somali: Iimaan Maxamed Cabdimajiid; born July 25, 1955), professionally known as Iman, is a Somali-American supermodel. She is married to David Bowie.
Early life
Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, Iman is the daughter of Marion and Mohamed Abdulmajid, a former Somali ambassador to Saudi Arabia. She is a Muslim and has two brothers, Elias and Feisal, and a sister, Nadia. Her cousin is Waris Dirie, a Somali supermodel and UN advocate. Iman attended high school in Egypt and later lived in Kenya, where her parents still reside. Fluent in five languages (Arabic, English, French, Italian, and Somali), she studied political science at the University of Nairobi.
Career
In 1975, Iman was recruited as a model by American photographer Peter Beard and relocated to the United States. Her first modeling assignment was for Vogue in 1976.
Yves Saint-Laurent famously said "My dream woman is Iman." She recalls her experience as a house model for Yves Saint Laurent's African Queen couture collection as the most memorable moment of her modeling career. [1]
An occasional actress, Iman played a shapeshifter named Martia in the 1991 hit film Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and appeared in the Oscar-winning film Out of Africa alongside Robert Redford and Meryl Streep.
Iman guest-starred in an episode of Bravo's hit TV show Project Runway, where she wore contestant Daniel Vosovic's dress to a publicity shoot, and a Cycle 5 episode of America's Next Top Model as one of the weekly mentors. Iman is currently the host of Project Runway Canada on the Slice network.
In May 2007 Iman launched her signature line, IMAN Global Chic, on HSN. She is CEO of IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare & Fragrances, a line she launched to market a selection of products towards women of color.
Iman is a spokesperson for the Keep A Child Alive program, which provides drugs to HIV/AIDS children and families in Africa and the rest of the developing world.
She is signed to 1/One Management in New York City, and Independent Models in London.
She also made a guest star appearance in the hit video: Remember The Time by Michael Jackson.
Personal life
In 1977, Iman married American basketball player Spencer Haywood. Their daughter, Zulekha Haywood, was born in 1978; the couple divorced in February 1987. On April 24, 1992, she married iconic British musician David Bowie. They have one daughter, Alexandria Zahra "Lexi" Jones, born August 15, 2000. 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 reside primarily in Manhattan and London.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | The Human Factor | Sarah |
| 1983 | Exposed | Model |
| 1985 | Out of Africa | Mariammo |
| 1987 | No Way Out | Nina Beka |
| Surrender | Hedy | |
| 1991 | L.A. Story | Cynthia |
| Lies of the Twins (TV) | Cat | |
| House Party 2 | Sheila Landreaux | |
| The Linguini Incident | Dali Guest | |
| Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country | Martia | |
| 1994 | Heart of Darkness (TV) | Black Beauty |
| Exit to Eden | Nina Blackstone | |
| 1997 | The Deli | Avocado Lady |
| 2007 | Project Runway Canada |
See also
References
^ IQONS.com Iman interview for IQONS.com