I Am Iman

by Iman, Peter H. Beard, David Bowie

Iman's emergence in 1975 sparked an upheavel in cultural identity that continues today, and her first book is a gloriously entertaining hybrid essay on the cultural-cum-political power of good looks.

A quarter century of the most famous photographs by Helmut Newton, Steven Meisel, Herb Ritts, Peter Lindbergh, Bruce Weber, Scavullo, David Bailey, Nick Knight, and many others are contextualized by well-known essayists, a chorus of celebrity contributions, and Iman's own take on her much-mythologized career. The book's outrageous pop design--by graphic designers Barnbrook Studios--makes it plain that this is not just one woman's success story. I Am Iman captures the funny, infuriating, and often absurd validation of black and ethnic looks in a beauty industry where billions of dollars--and the self-image of women everywhere--are on the line.

Peeks behind the curtain and scintillating interviews are courtesy of feminist critic bell hooks, Interview editor Ingrid Sischy, model and manager Bethann Hardison, and such celebrities as Cindy Crawford, Yves St. Laurent, Naomi Campbell, Bruce Weber, Tyra Banks, and many more. With graphic design featuring gatefolds, diecuts, and other interactive elements, as well as specially commissioned, never-before-seen images by Annie Leibowitz, Ellen Von Unwerth, Sante D'Orazio, and Michel Comte, this book is an assemblage worthy of any fashionista's dream.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Fashion

167 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2001

About the author

Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid (Somali: Iimaan Maxamed Cabdimajiid), professionally known as Iman, is a Somali-American supermodel. Iman is married to David Bowie.

Reviews

[Samantha Glasser · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, although brief, is a better than average book by a model. Iman adds more than just the basics; she provides her insights into what it means to her to be a black model as opposed to how society views it.

This is not an in-depth biography. Iman describes important events in her life: her early life, leaving her country, entering the modeling world. She does not tell many minor stories or go into excruciating details about her opinions or why specific people were chosen to add to her book.

This book is that of an artist. The comments from friends and colleagues add to the pages and they way they are displayed is artistic and grabbing. The photographs, many which are nude or "artistic nudes," are beautiful and abundant.

Overall, this is a book that people interested in models should read.

[Marianne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Weird format. Didn't finish.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting...and she signed it when I met her, which was cool.

[Sharifa · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far, the first chapter of this book is really interesting. I'm still on the first chapter of the book but I'll probably finish it by tonight.

[Jaleesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love iman. She's gorgeous. This review is bias.