Iman turns 70! Celebrate the legendary supermodel’s birthday with iconic images that showcase her timeless beauty and powerful legacy in fashion and beyond.
A Timeless Icon Turns 70
Iman, Somali-born supermodel, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and fashion icon, turns 70 on July 25th, 2025—and she has never looked finer. Born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid in Mogadishu, Iman has been breaking beauty barriers and opening doors for women of color in fashion for five decades.
From walking the runways in Paris and New York to humanitarian efforts and high-stakes businesses, Iman’s legacy is a masterclass in style, grit, and intention. In this post, we’ll share many of the iconic images that illustrate not just Iman’s timeless beauty but also her transformative influence on fashion and representation.
The Ascendance of a Pioneer: Iman’s Early Career
In 1975, famed photographer Peter Beard encountered Iman in Nairobi and asked, “Have you ever been photographed?”. The rest is history.
Shattering Glass Ceilings in the late ’70s and ’80s
Iman’s high cheekbones, long neck, and regal stature engulfed her in a hurricane of attention from top designers.
Iman became a muse for Yves Saint Laurent, who called her his “dream woman.”
She became one of the first Black supermodels to gain global recognition, getting magazine covers on Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and walking for designers like Versace, Calvin Klein, and Dior.
Photographs that Created Icons of Iman’s Beauty:
1. The Studio 54-esque Glamour Shot (1977)
With her glossy skin and bold metallic eyeshadow, this shot captured Iman as not only a regular at Studio 54 but also ’70s glam. She is donning a sequined halter gown, and you can feel the disco beam lights screaming at you!
2. The Yves Saint Laurent Fashion Campaign – “African Queen” (1980).
Styled with elaborate gold headpieces and flowing gowns, the imagery was more than just a fashion statement. It was Black beauty, power, and royalty.
3. David Bowie Wedding Portrait (1992)
In a silk white dress, with flowing waves and glowing skin, her wedding portrait with her late husband David Bowie is one of the most otherworldly and intimate images of her life.
4. The Harper’s Bazaar 50 Over 50 Cover (2020)
Taken in black and white, this photograph focused on Iman’s natural face, shiny silver hair, and bright smile – a celebration of age and wisdom rather than superficial youth.
5. Her Recent Instagram Photoshoots (2024)
At 69, Iman still steals the show with little makeup, natural light, and an Afrocentric look. With over 1.2 million followers on Instagram, Iman’s feed is a collage of elegance and empowerment.
More Than a Model: Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
Iman Cosmetics: Beauty for All Skin Tones
Iman was frustrated with the lack of makeup options available to all skin tones, and she started Iman Cosmetics in 1994. It was one of the first brands for women of color, offering foundation in every undertone.
Global Humanitarian Work
Iman is also a global ambassador for Save the Children. She advocates for refugees’ rights and education for African girls.
In 2010, she received the CFDA Fashion Icon Award, not just for her modeling, but also for using her advantage of fame to make social changes.
The Timelessness of Iman’s Beauty
Iman’s beauty is beyond the tides of fashion. Here’s why:
1. She Showcases Confidence as Her Signature Look
Iman’s natural confidence gives her an invisible charm that may far transcend any makeup.
2. She is Aging Gracefully
At the age of 70, Iman is proud to wear her silver streaks and cleanse herself of the burden of youth.
3. She Celebrates Her Culture
Iman always remains true to her Somali culture—in turbans, wonderful bold prints, and natural makeup.
4. Less is More
Iman’s bare skincare and makeup routine (hydration, sun protection, clean products that are safe) gives her glow authenticity, as opposed to people who like to mask their insecurities.
Conclusion: Celebrate the Iman Legacy
As Iman celebrates turning 70, we are reminded that her legacy illustrates that, despite the changing tides of beauty, mind you, beauty is not based on age; beauty thrives in identity, strength, purpose, and authenticity. And as Iman has shown through multiple and both temporal and cultural shifts occurring in shift degrees of fashion, she has always remained a true original.
FAQs
Q1: What is Iman’s real name?
A: Her birth name is Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid.
Q2: How did Iman get into modeling?
A: She was discovered by photographer Peter Beard in Nairobi, Kenya in 1975.
Q3: What else is Iman known for?
A: She is also known for being the founder of Iman Cosmetics, being a philanthropist, and advocate for refugees and education.
Q4: Was Iman married to David Bowie?
A: Yes, they were married in 1992 and remained together until Bowie died in 2016.
Q5: What is Iman’s skincare routine?
A: She emphasizes hydration, protecting her skin from the sun, and that she uses natural products—and never sleeps in makeup!
Q6: What was Iman’s contribution to diversity within fashion?
A: Iman broke racial boundaries in the fashion industry, becoming one of the first significant supermodels of African descent.
