Welcome to our 25th #womanoftheweek! Today, we will be discussing Iman Abdulmajid, a fashion model! Enjoy!
When we think of supermodels today, names like Gigi and Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber, or Cara Delevigne might come to your mind. However, before these names strutted the runways, Iman, a model of a Somali descent dominated the modeling industry with her ethnic features. Iman built a grand reputation by being the muse of famous designers, establishing a super star status on famous covers, and developing successful entrepreneurships through fashion/beauty.
Iman Abdulmajid (more commonly known as just Iman) was born as Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid in Mogadishu, Somalia on July 25th, 1955, but was later renamed as Iman which her grandfather insisted to change the name. Being born from a diplomat/ambassador father and a gynecologist mother, education was highly emphasized to Iman and her two brothers and sisters. Iman spent much of her childhood abroad at an Egyptian boarding school and attended the University of Nairobi to study Political Science in 1975. At university, Iman was discovered by an American photographer which led her to move to the United States (Iman - Husband, Model & Daughter - Biography biography.com).
Eventually, Iman was signed to Tess Management in London. Her slender height of 5’9 in addition to her sharp facial features and warm skin caught the attention of many famous designers like Halston, Yves Saint-Laurent, Gianni Versace, Calvin Klein, etc. At the start of her career in 1976, Iman modeled for Vogue, which helped build her reputation as a supermodel, gracing what she claimed were typically Somalian features on the covers of globally prestigious magazines. Iman’s modeling career enabled her to branch out to other pursuits such as “Iman Cosmetics,” which aimed to provide a wider range of shades, raking in 25 million dollars a year as of 2010 and as one of Walgreens’ top selling companies. Iman created one of HSN’s bestselling collections, called “Global Chic” which is inspired by her childhood in Egypt and her modeling career. Besides taking on smaller roles in television/film, Iman also engaged in philanthropy, specifically with the “Children’s Defense Fund,” along with being an ambassador for “Save the Children,” and a spokesperson for “Keep a Child Alive,” etc. (Iman (model)
Iman has immensely influenced the fashion industry, winning the “Fashion Icon” lifetime achievement from FCDA, along with her successful makeup/clothing brands. However, when it comes to modeling, which can be seen as undiverse back in the days, Iman paved a new path for the new models. In a world where eurocentric features are idolized, Iman shows that ethnic features belong in an industry where it still lacks representation. Young girls with darker, African features are able to look up to her, and feel beautiful and prideful of their roots.
This is a Woman of the Week article, a weekly deep dive into an amazing women of color. For more incredible stories like this one, check out our article on Grace Meng and Shin Saimdang! Also, if you’re interested in another type of article, read our article about 5 LGBTQ+ Activists. Make sure to follow us at@likeagirlglobalon Instagram for more updates and original content!
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