Iman is known for being one of the first people to challenge and change prevailing notions of beauty from the beginning of her career in the 1970's. The daughter of an African diplomat, Iman was born in Somalia on July 25, 1955. She was raised speaking 5 languages, and was a co-ed at Nairobi University working toward her political science degree when well-known photographer Peter Beard spotted her walking across campus.

Her first modeling assignment was for American Vogue in 1976. Iman was an instant success in the fashion world, becoming a muse for several fashion designers including Yves St. Laurent, Versace, Calvin Klein, and Donna Karan. During her 14 years as a model, she also worked with many top photographers, including Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, and Annie Liebovitz.

When she introduced IMAN Cosmetics and Skincare Collection as an exclusive line for women of color in 1994, she was already considered an authority for this growing market. "I have a real sense of who the true woman of color is," Iman explains. "She is not merely one ethnic group...she's African-American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American".

In 2000, Iman successfully launched her second beauty company, I-IMAN Makeup, which addresses the needs of all women regardless of skintone. Known for an urban, sophisticated concept, I-IMAN Makeup has become popular in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain.

A U.S. citizen residing in New York, Iman is married to musician/actor David Bowie, and together they have a daughter, Alexandria Zahra, who was born August 2000. Her daughter from a previous marriage, Zulekha, is currently a college student in the United States.

In addition to running two successful beauty companies, Iman is actively involved in several charities, including Mother's Voices, Action Against Hunger, The Children's Defense Fund, and The All Children Foundation. She recently completed her first book, I AM IMAN (Universe, 2001), an autobiographical sketchbook of her working life that provokes questions about "the unserious business of fashion and beauty, and it's serious effect on identity". 

Credit: i-iman.com