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In the presence of an icon: Iman exclusive

Written by Irenosen Iseghohi-Okojie
Thursday, 07 May 2009 00:00

Icon, supermodel, entrepreneur, mother, actress, humanitarian. These are just a few of the roles that Iman has played during her magnificent life. Seven caught up with the ultimate supermodel to discuss what it's like to be a phenomenon.

Seven: You're an icon to so many women around the world. I know how much of an impact seeing your face in magazines has had, particularly on black women. How does that feel?

Iman: It is awesome; although I am not comfortable with the "role model" thing as I am human and I will err... it is a huge responsibility.

Seven: When you first burst onto the international stage, the media were beside themselves pretending you were a goat herder who had been plucked out of obscurity by photographer Peter Beard. When really, you were an intelligent young woman studying political science and your father had once been the Somali ambassador to Saudi Arabia. How frustrating was it at the start to bite your tongue when you had to be exotified and painted as the other to translate into the mainstream?

Iman: First I felt insulted as Peter Beard planted this story before my arrival, but I have to take some responsibility here and say I was an accomplice. Although I told the press the true story, they still published the fabricated one.

Seven: You were recently part of the watershed all black issue of Vogue. Do you think this was a fad? The fashion industry is so reluctant to use not just black women, but models of colour. Who do you think is to blame for this? Everybody at the helm of the industry seems to be passing the buck.

Iman: First I would like to give the credit to my dear friend Bethann Hardison who started the movement. I hope that black models do not become a category but true humans.

I think everybody is responsible, including the consumer. Remember the 60s when people used to boycott to be heard. I am happy to report that there has been some change; but for how long?

Seven: What has been your favourite fashion shoot?
 
Iman: It has to be when I did the YSL advertisement and I was the muse for the collection that was dubbed by Mr. Yves Saint Laurent as the African Queen. The photos were by David Bailey.

Seven: In the fashion industry, it seems so easy to go down that road of drugs, self-destruction and indulgence. How did you avoid that when it seems to be so heavily part of the scene?

Iman: I did my share of partying, but always knew when to leave the party. I think it was plain self-preservation.

Seven: You have set the trend for models to diversify into other areas. What prompted you to set up the IMAN Cosmetics line - now a multi-million dollar business that includes hair care and body care products?

Iman: The seed for IMAN Cosmetics was planted during my first photo shoot for Vogue. The makeup artist asked me if I had my own foundation because he didn't have a formula for African American skin. I had no idea what he was talking about. I never even wore makeup before.

Over the next two decades, even as I was on countless magazine covers and serving for fashion designers such as Yves St. Laurent and Versace, I always mixed and tested my own foundation. I couldn't stand to look grey!

Women frequently came up to me and asked which brand of foundation I wore as if I knew a secret recipe. So, when I started my cosmetics company, I wanted to be the black Estee Lauder. I wanted to be big. I knew that there was a potentially huge niche market in cosmetics and skincare for women of colour.

When I retired from modelling in 1992, I decided it was finally time to create a line of products targeted at this market. In 1994, IMAN Cosmetics and its accompanying skincare line were unveiled. Now, IMAN cosmetics is available across the country at IMANcosmetics.com, Drugstore.com, ULTA, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, select Target stores, as well as at department stores in England, France, and Canada.

In 2007, I leveraged my success even further and launched a complete line of handbags and accessories, IMAN Global Chic, on HSN and HSN.com.

Seven: Do you get a chance to go back to Somalia and are you involved in any projects there?

Iman: Unfortunately, I haven't been to Somalia since 1994. I did a BBC documentary on the famine there in 1992. The situation is not safe – no government and complete utter chaos.

Seven: Do you keep an eye on the political process there?
 
Iman: I do, but every time I think that finally something is going to be permanent and safe, something happens to bring the chaos back.

Seven: Tell us about yours and David's involvement in the Jena 6 case. It appears to have struck a chord with him; I know he donated $10,000 to their legal fund.
 
Iman: I have to say, it was surreal seeing what was going on and there was limited involvement from the African American celebrities.

David is very involved in a lot of issues; he just chooses to do it quietly. It was simply that this can't happen on our watch.

Seven: Which young models on the scene do you like at the moment?
 
Iman: Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, Coco Rocha and Raquel Zimmerman are great models.

Seven: You seem to be a renaissance woman. Tell us what new challenges you have set for yourself having achieved so much.

Iman: It actually happens organically. I have no plan, but something always reveals itself.

Seven:  How did becoming a mother affect your outlook on life?
 
Iman: Exhilarating and scary at the same time.

Seven: Tell us three unusual things about Iman that people don't know.

Iman: I wouldn't say unusual, but -- I am a great homemaker. I cook for my family almost every night. -- I still speak Somali fluently. A lot of Somalis, when they meet me, think I have forgotten my language. -- I like to needlepoint.

Seven: Fill in the blank: "I never go anywhere without..."

Iman: A photo of my daughters in my purse.

Seven: What is the mantra according to Iman?
 
Iman: Be at peace in the moment.

Seven: Who are your favourite designers?
 
Iman: Azzedine Alaia, Donna Karan, Balenciaga and Alexander Wang.

Seven: Tell us a book, film, person or single momentous occasion that changed your life and why.

Iman: 1972, when my family and I fled Somalia and entered the Kenyan border on foot with just the clothes on our back. I instantly went from a diplomat's daughter to a refugee.

I am the face of a refugee.

Seven: What's the best piece of advice you've been given?

Iman: Always know your worth – [from] my mom.