As Told to Zulekha Haywood at Essence.com
I am saddened by the passing of the legendary supermodel Naomi Sims, but I take comfort in knowing that she has left us a proud legacy that all of us Black supermodels have benefitted from. In 2000, when I was working on my book “I AM IMAN,” my husband, David Bowie, surprised me on my birthday with a pristine copy of her Life magazine cover story issue which served as a creative inspiration for the story I was trying to tell, and remains to be one of my most prized possessions.
Besides the fact that Naomi was aesthetically perfect in every way, what gave her that je ne sai quoi, that elusive certain somethingness, was her ability to be elegant and accessible at the same time. Her degree of elegance can be one of those qualities that looks effortless from an editorial sense, but you can’t imagine that translating into everyday life. But Naomi did it; she made it look easy, and most importantly, she made it look like something every woman innately possesses.
Contrary to the belief that I looked for inspiration on my iconic images to the White glamour models of the bygone era, it was Naomi Sims and her Life cover that I was channeling in the photo below…. she was truly an inspiration! Naomi will be missed for everything that she contributed to the female experience, not just the Black female experience. She was iconic in every way.
As Told to Zulekha Haywood at Essence.com
I am saddened by the passing of the legendary supermodel Naomi Sims, but I take comfort in knowing that she has left us a proud legacy that all of us Black supermodels have benefitted from. In 2000, when I was working on my book “I AM IMAN,” my husband, David Bowie, surprised me on my birthday with a pristine copy of her Life magazine cover story issue which served as a creative inspiration for the story I was trying to tell, and remains to be one of my most prized possessions.
Besides the fact that Naomi was aesthetically perfect in every way, what gave her that je ne sai quoi, that elusive certain somethingness, was her ability to be elegant and accessible at the same time. Her degree of elegance can be one of those qualities that looks effortless from an editorial sense, but you can’t imagine that translating into everyday life. But Naomi did it; she made it look easy, and most importantly, she made it look like something every woman innately possesses.
Contrary to the belief that I looked for inspiration on my iconic images to the White glamour models of the bygone era, it was Naomi Sims and her Life cover that I was channeling in the photo below…. she was truly an inspiration! Naomi will be missed for everything that she contributed to the female experience, not just the Black female experience. She was iconic in every way.
BEAUTY AND HSN
I shot in New York city the new ad and video campaign for HSN for IMAN Global Chic and of course the usual suspects of my glam team where with me… Sam Fine/makeup and Oscar James and a sleuth of Video Camera crew. Check the behind the scene video on the home page to give you a glimpse of the philosophy behind my line and don’t forget to watch me on HSN on Sept 27th.
BEAUTY AND HSN
I shot in New York city the new ad and video campaign for HSN for IMAN Global Chic and of course the usual suspects of my glam team where with me… Sam Fine/makeup and Oscar James and a sleuth of Video Camera crew. Check the behind the scene video on the home page to give you a glimpse of the philosophy behind my line and don’t forget to watch me on HSN on Sept 27th.
Wearing Herve Leger with Sam Fine
BEAUTY AND FAVE RESTAURANT
My fave restaurant in New York is Norwood. It is a private club/restaurant on 14th street. It is housed in a glorious brownstone that is so chic and private and the food is delicious. It is over 5 floors in a spectacular landmark townhouse. Beside the restaurant it has lounge bars, screening room, private dining room and to top it all a walled garden. Love It!!
At Norwood
BEAUTY AND THE WIGS
I have been loving these great wigs that I have been trying out the past 6 months and I am just loving them. It gives my hair a break and it can take me from drab to glam in an instant. They are light and easy to manage as you don’t need a hairdresser to groom your locks daily. No self respecting fashionista leaves the house with a hair extension or a wig these days so why should you… So, you are dying to know where can you get these wigs from? Stay Tuned!
