Iman Story - Famous Model Who Pioneer In The Field Of Ethnic Cosmetics

Iman is a Somali-American supermodel, activist, actress and businesswoman. This black model started her modeling career when blonde, blue-eyes models were in high demand. In a way, she used her attitude, body and posture to set a successful career for herself. Her different looks made her a muse for a number of designers and photographers in the industry, and she continued excelling at both print modeling and runway fashion industry. In addition to modeling, she has appeared in a number of TV shows, music videos and Hollywood movies. After modeling, she has started focusing on charitable activities, and doing business in makeup products and cosmetics.

Childhood

Born in Somalia during the Italian ruling years, Iman was given a male name by her parents to make things easier for her in future. Her mother was a gynecologist and father was a Somali ambassador of Saudi Arabia. She has two brothers and two sisters as well. She is a Muslim by religion, and is fluent in English, Italian, French, Arabic and Somali languages. Peter Beard, an American photographer, discovered her in her college days, and asked her to move to US for modeling.

Early career

Iman moved to the US in 1975, and received her first assignment with Vogue in 1976. She was instantly welcomed in the industry for her different looks, and worked with a number of notable photographers, including Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz, Irving Penn and Helmut Newton. She was highly revered for her copper-toned skin, slender figure, tall stature, long neck and sharp features. She retired from the modeling industry in 1989, and started focusing on business and charity.