In Mogadiscio, Somalia, Iman is the daughter of the former Ambassador of Somalia in Saudi Arabia. She grew up in Egypt along with her sister and two brothers before moving to Kenya where her parents set up.
Iman is Founder and CEO of IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrances, a beauty company that created the first cosmetics and skincare collection designed for all women with skin of color. Launched in 1994, the IMAN brand philosophy holds that women with skin of color represent many races, cultures and ethnicities.
Iman Cosmetics, skincare and fragrances are designed for African American, Asian, Latina and multi-cultural women with skin tones in a myriad of shades. IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrances are sold throughout the world including the United States, Canada, France, Brazil, Africa, and the Caribbean.
In addition to running a global beauty company, Iman is actively involved in several charities, including the Childrens Defense Fund, For All Kids Foundation, and Action Against Hunger. In 2006 Iman became the Global Ambassador for KEEP A CHILD ALIVE: (www.keepachildalive .org). One dollar a day provides lifesaving ARV drugs for African children (and families); the same drugs that have turned AIDS in the west from certain death to a manageable chronic illness, when properly managed. She has conceived and is spearheading a national campaign called I AM AFRICAN to help awareness and raise funds for the AIDS pandemic that is ravaging her homeland.
Iman first book, entitled I AM IMAN (Universe, 2001), was an autobiographical sketchbook of her career that questions the unserious business of fashion and beauty and its serious affect on identity. Her second book, THE BEAUTY OF COLOR, THE Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Colors (Putman Penguin 2005) is the first beauty and makeup book that truly addresses skin tones across the spectrum: Latina, Black, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Native American, as well as multiple ethnicities. She has revolutionized the way women with skin of color think about beauty. Ever evolving, Iman’s latest accomplishment is Host/Executive Producer for the second season of PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA. Further broadening her horizon, gleaned from experience and a keen eye, she has designed IMAN GLOBAL CHIC, a line of handbags, jewellery, and fashion accessories sold exclusively on HSN.COM. Iman began her career in 1975 as a model and has challenged the prevailing notions of beauty ever since. The daughter of an African Diplomat, Iman was born in Somalia and grew up speaking five languages. She studied political science at Nairobi University where she was discovered by legendary photographer Peter Beard. IMAN , icône de la mode, muse des plus grands photographes et couturiers n’est pas uniquement un des mannequins les plus Glamour… Her first modelling assignment was Vogue in 1976; Iman was an instant success in the fashion world, and a muse for fashion designers including Yves St. Laurent, Versace, Calvin Klein and Donna Karan. During her 14 years as a model, she worked with top photographers Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn and Annie Liebovitz. A mother of two, Iman is married to David Bowie with whom she has a daughter, Alexandra Zahra. Imans eldest daughter is Zulekha Haywood.
