Biography
Who is Iman?
Early life and education
Iman was born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid in Mogadishu, Somalia. Her father served as the Somali ambassador to Saudi Arabia. She was raised in a Muslim household and has four siblings. She lived with her grandparents during her younger years. Later, she was sent to boarding school in Egypt at age four.
Following political unrest in Somalia, her family moved to Kenya. In 1975, she enrolled at the University of Nairobi to study political science. It was during this period that she was discovered by photographer Peter Beard, which led to her relocation to the United States to begin a professional modeling career. She was later renamed Iman, an Arabic word meaning faith, at her grandfather's suggestion.
Modeling and fashion career
Her modeling career began with a Vogue assignment in 1976. She quickly gained fame for her distinct features, including her long neck and copper skin. Throughout her career, she worked as a muse for famous designers such as Gianni Versace, Calvin Klein, and Yves Saint-Laurent.
In 1977, she appeared in a significant advertising campaign for Revlon, which was the first major brand effort centered on a Black woman. Her professional success was supported by various industry figures who valued individuality in the creative process. She was represented by TESS Management in London.
Acting and television career
Iman expanded her career into television and film. In 1985, she guest-starred on The Cosby Show and appeared in Miami Vice. Her filmography includes roles in the 1987 thriller No Way Out and the 1991 film Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, where she played a shapeshifting alien.
She also appeared in the Michael Jackson music video Remember the Time. Her first film role was in the 1979 British film The Human Factor. Later, she served as the host of Project Runway Canada for two years and co-hosted the second season of The Fashion Show on Bravo. She also had a part in the 1994 film Exit to Eden.
Business and philanthropy
In 1994, she launched her own cosmetics firm to provide makeup shades for women that were previously difficult to find. The business grew substantially, reaching 25 million dollars in annual revenue by 2010. She also released a fragrance titled Love Memoir in 2021. The amber bottle design references a spiritual ritual using flat stones to guide others.
Beyond business, she is dedicated to philanthropic work. She serves as a Global Advocate for CARE and supports the Children's Defense Fund. Her charitable efforts also include raising awareness for relief services in East Africa and working with the Enough Project to address the trade in conflict minerals. She previously ended a contract with De Beers due to ethical concerns regarding blood diamonds.
Birthday and age
Iman was born on July 25, 1955, which makes Iman 71 years old today. That birthday falls under the Leo sign. Iman shares the date with 27 other famous people.
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