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Iman

Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid, known professionally as Iman, is a Somali-American model, actress, and businesswoman born in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1955.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid (born 25 July 1955), known professionally as Iman, is a Somali-American model, actress, and businesswoman. She rose to international prominence as a fashion model in the 1970s and 1980s and later launched a cosmetics line focused on women of color. Iman has also been active in philanthropy and humanitarian advocacy.

Early life

Iman was born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 25 July 1955. She studied at the University of Nairobi before being discovered by photographer Peter Beard.

Modeling career

Iman became one of the defining fashion models of the late 20th century, appearing in leading magazines and on major runways. She was associated with designers including Gianni Versace, Thierry Mugler, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Business and philanthropy

After modeling, Iman founded a cosmetics brand aimed at women of color. She has also been publicly associated with charitable and humanitarian work, including advocacy connected to Somalia and other causes.

Personal life

Iman married athlete Spencer Haywood in 1977 and musician David Bowie in 1992. Bowie died in 2016.

Project Runway Canada

Iman hosted the Canadian television series Project Runway Canada for two seasons, making her a visible figure to Canadian fashion audiences.

Key facts

  • Iman was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, and later became a Somali-American public figure.
  • She rose to international prominence as a model in the 1970s and 1980s.
  • She launched a cosmetics line in the 1990s, noted for serving women of color.
  • She was married to basketball player Spencer Haywood and musician David Bowie.
  • Her work has included philanthropy and humanitarian advocacy.
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Canadian context

Iman hosted the Canadian television series Project Runway Canada for two seasons, which made her a visible figure to Canadian fashion audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Iman?
Iman is a Somali-American model, actress, and businesswoman known for her influence in fashion and beauty.
What is Iman's full name?
Her birth name is Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid; she is professionally known as Iman.
Where was Iman born?
She was born in Mogadishu, Somalia.
What is Iman best known for?
She is best known as a pioneering supermodel and for founding a cosmetics line for women of color.
Was Iman married to David Bowie?
Yes. Iman married David Bowie in 1992 and remained married to him until his death in 2016.
What other work has Iman done?
Beyond modeling, she has worked as an actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iman_(model)
    Supports: Birth name, nationality, occupations, spouse information, and career overview.
  2. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/celebrities/iman
    Supports: Birth details, discovery by Peter Beard, modeling fame, cosmetics line, and personal life.
  3. Carnegie Corporation of New York — https://www.carnegie.org/great-immigrants/iman/
    Supports: Discovery while studying at the University of Nairobi, modeling career, and cosmetics business.
  4. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/06/fashion/06IMAN.html
    Supports: Cosmetics line, philanthropy, and Canadian hosting role.