Iman is both a legendary supermodel, muse and entrepreneur with a booming career that has spanned for over several decades. Her face has graced countless covers, editorials and major fashion campaigns since she first began modeling in 1976. 

On the cover of Italian Vogue

Iman was first discovered by famed photographer Peter Beard while studying at the University of Nairobi. With the aid of Beard, Iman soon moved to the United States to pursue her modeling career and landed her first Vogue editorial during the late seventies—from there her career continued to blossom as she quickly became the poster girl and muse for designers such as Halston, Calvin Klein, Gianni Versace, Issey Miyake, Donna Karan and Yves Saint Laurent. 

1975 Photographed by Peter Beard. 

Yves Saint Laurent Campaign 1980

Iman’s exotic beauty, tall slender body and breathtaking features made her a household name in the fashion industry. As a high-fashion model for fourteen years, Iman led the pack as the industry’s most in-demand supermodel and was photographed by the industry’s leading professionals including Richard Alvedon, Helmut Newton, Irving Penn and Annie Leibovitz. 

Cosmopolitan Cover March 1982

For nearly two decades, Iman reigned supreme as the leading muse and model and in 1994 she created her eponymous cosmetic line, called Iman Cosmetics geared towards women of darker skin tones—creating hard-to-find shades for women of color. Her venture into the beauty industry paid off as her cosmetic line was an instant hit; proving that Iman was now a successful entrepreneur. 

W Magazine Fashion Editorial

Today, Iman is married to musician David Bowie and continues to make an impact in all facets of the beauty, fashion and entertainment industries. She is a living legend and has proven to be a true icon. 

Photos courtesy of Getty Images, Italian Vogue, Saint Laurent, Peter Beard.