Iman

Somalian supermodel Iman has developed several successful lines of beauty products. She is married to musician David Bowie.

Fast Facts

1. Born: July 25, 1955
2. Where: Mogadishu, Somalia
3. Full name: Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid
4. Iman: Arabic for faith
5. Husband: David Bowie
6. Daughters: Zulekha Haywood and Alexandria Zahra

Modeling

Photographer Peter Beard found the multilingual Iman when she was studying political science at Nairobi University. Iman moved to the United States, appearing first in Vogue. She became the first prominent African model, posing for nearly every high-profile designer and photographer. She has said her proudest moment was when she was the house model for Yves Saint-Laurent's African Queen collection.

TV and Movies

Iman attempted to parlay her beauty into acting in the 1980s and 1990s, with guest roles on several American television shows such as The Cosby Show, and small but notable roles in L.A. Story and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. She has since become the host of Project Runway Canada.

Business

In 1994, Iman decided to fill a gap in the cosmetics market with a line of makeup for women of color, IMAN Cosmetics. CEO Iman has turned the company into a worldwide brand. In 2000, she launched a second beauty company, I-Iman Cosmetics.

Charity

Iman is the spokesperson for Keep a Child Alive, a charitable organization working to save the lives of African children affected by the AIDS epidemic.

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