FashionIndie » iman

Patrick Kelly Had a Dream

Jessica Lapidos — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:26:14 +0000

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, too. I can tell you what that dream was not: copious tulle and synthetic salmon lamé. I tell you that with confidence. That glimmering dream, however, belonged to 80′s designer Patrick Kelly, another influential African-American, that made his change through fashion. Though Martin Luther King Jr. would not have worn anything by Patrick Kelly, they do share one thing in common: They both left this earth much too early and left a reverberating message.

Kelly was born a poor Mississippi lad who, at an early age, took to art and fashion thanks to his grandmother. Having later attended Parsons School of Design, he eventually moved to France after receiving an anonymous one-way plane ticket to Paris. There he scored a job as a costume designer and would sell fried chicken dinners on the side to make ends meet – It’s called W-E-R-Q, ladies.

Kelly’s designs were soon recognized and in high demand. His colorful and flirty clothes caught the attention of the Chambre Syndicale, an elite fashion group based out of Paris where only the most famous designers gain admission. Kelly earned a spot showing at the Louvre Palace in 1988 thanks to this sought-after and blew the crowd away with his fitted silhouettes, bold color choices and avant-garde fascinators.

Tragically, Kelly passed away in 1990 at the age of 40, leaving behind a most colorful memory. In primarily using African-American models, Kelly paved the way for such famous names as Naomi Campell, Grace Jones, Iman and Tyra Banks.

June 1987, Paris, France --- Paris-based American designer Patrick Kelly poses with his models in Paris. The models wear his women's fashions, including colorful dresses and skirts in a variety of fabrics. --- Image by © Julio Donoso/Sygma/Corbis

INDIE NEWSROOM: MOBama Joins the Twitter…Blue Ivy Carter Sets Billboard Record…Models Strip in French Museum

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:37:56 +0000

- The Twitterverse rejoiced after learning that Michelle Obama has joined the social media giant. And while the actual account will be run by the Fierce Lady’s team, her personal tweets will be lovingly signed, “MO.” With the hashtag: #HBIC [MOBama's Twitter]

- Speaking of the Obamas, the campaign’s Runway to Win e-commerce site went live today, featuring designs by Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander Wang and — for kicks — the House of Dereon. [Runway to Win]

- Will wonders never cease? A Top Model contestant actually becomes a top model. ANTM‘s Cycle 10 reject Fatima Siad — the second coming of Iman — landed Hervé Léger‘s spring 2012 campaign. [The Cut]

- Blue Ivy Carter is officially a hitmaker. The less than a week old diva-in-training is the youngest person to enter the Billboard charts, riding on the coattails of daddy Hov’s “Glory.” No one’s ready for this baby’s jelly. [People]

- Calvin Klein and his jailbait lothario Nick Gruber are apparently “on a break.” Guess Calvin finally put Nick down for his nap. [NYDN]

- Indie Music Style Star Azealia Banks is going Gaga, working with the Lady’s right-hand queen Nicola Formichetti on her latest video. [Fashionista]

- Nike‘s agreed to pay a group of nearly 4,500 Indonesian factory workers $1 million in overtime, which roughly comes out to the price of a pair of Air Jordans per worker. Congrats. [The Cut]

- Lingerie models stripped down to their skivvies in Paris’ Musee d’Orsay as part of a publicity stunt for panty purveyor Etam. Museum officials, however, were not amused. Mostly because they did it without getting permission to film in the museum first. [Huff Po]

Iman and Missoni See Stars on Rodeo Drive

Lester Brathwaite — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:13:26 +0000

Last night Missoni and Iman were honored as the 17th and 18th inductees, respectively, on Rodeo’s Walk of Style.

The couture clan — consisting of founders Ottavio and Rosita along with kids Angela, Vittorio and Luca and the grands, Margherita, Ottavio Jr. and Jennifer — stormed the famed Beverly Hills walkway to be presented the award by friend and eternal pimp, Quincy Jones.

Jones surprised at the popularity cum hysteria of the Missoni Target collaboration, expressed hopes of scoring one of those bikes for himself.

Meanwhile, Iman turned over the reins to Rachel Zoe for dress duties — “She does Seventies ease well, which was really my generation” – and piled on some Fred Leighton jewels for the occasion. Greeting Ottavio, in Italian no less, the icon remarked, “I modeled in a lot of Missoni shows back in the day, so we know each other well.” Of course they do.

When you’ve been turning, musing, modeling and more or less owning the world for as long as Iman, you tend to get to know everyone. [WWD]

INDIE REWIND: The Greatest Supermodels of the 70s

Lester Brathwaite — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 15:46:10 +0000

What the 60s set into motion, the 70s broke up on a glass table and snorted through several stacks of hundred dollar bills. Supermodels went from being muses of the fashion world to muses of rock stars, actors, athletes and the occasional congressman when the wife was out of town, while trying their hands in front of the camera and behind the microphone. This decade saw the birth of outsized personalities that continue to shake up the world whenever they deign to acknowledge it. Put on some Cheryl Lynn, we’re going to the 70s!

Lauren Hutton (Nov. 17, 1943) That signature gap has been captivating audiences for four decades. both on and off the runway. Hutton easily transitioned from model to actress with roles in American Gigolo and The Gambler, but never forgot where her roots lay. Lest we forget, our senior citizens can still turn it.

Photo: Life

MUSE OF THE WORLD: Kate Moss Wants You to Get Her London Look…Jessica White Gets Her Meditation On…Gaga’s Meat Dress Gets Jerk’d

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:03:08 +0000

- Kate Moss has stepped her game up at Rimmel London by designing her own line of make-up for the brand, which will include lipstick, eye shadow and a make-up bag that can double as ~~a coke tote~~ an evening clutch. [Modelina]

- Men are now spending good money on crotch powders. Meanwhile, just go to Duane Reade and get some baby powder and call it a goddamn day. [NYT]

- “Supermodel” and noted bitch-bruiser Jessica White‘s criminal charges following an assault on someone who would dare try to steal her cab have been dismissed, on the grounds that she performs three days of community service, two days of anger-management classes, and stays out of trouble for the next six months. Luckily, those mediation classes Russell Simmons gifted her will finally see some use. [The Cut]

- Legendary muse and Lady Stardust, Iman will be guest editing Essence.com. [Modelina]

- Snooki is drunkenly stumbling her way into fashion with her new line of flip flops and wedge sandals. Those will go great with my JWOWW tracksuit and The Situation fanny pack![Racked]

- Lady Gaga‘s infamous meat dress has been jerkied and painted for historical posterity for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “Women Who Rock” exhibit. [Styleite]

The 10 Worst-Dressed Designers

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 03 May 2011 20:28:53 +0000

You would expect a dentist to have healthy teeth, a math teacher to be able to do long division and a police officer to follow the law, wouldn’t you? So why are some designers so gosh darn sartorially-challenged? Though they may make beautiful clothing for a living, some of fashion’s greatest designers have some of the worst personal style. Just because they have a great eye for detail doesn’t mean they use that eye when getting ready in the morning, so here’s a spiteful list of 10 designers who could probably do well by rifling through their collections rather than their closets.

1. Isaac Mizrahi

Though I live by Unzipped and gave Bravo‘s The Fashion Show a shot (even before the inclusion of Iman), once the mandals came out I just couldn’t keep my silence any longer.

2. Christian Audigier

Audigier would land on this list just for creating Ed Hardy, but religiously wearing it only cements his inclusion.

3. Vivienne Westwood

You know Crazy Cat Lady from The Simpsons? Dye her hair Carrot Top orange, throw her in a combat boot and call her Vivienne Westwood.

4. John Galliano

I’m less offended by his ringing endorsement of Hitler than by his penchant for gay pirate dandyism.

5. Kate Mulleavy

Turns out you can go wrong with all black, whereas a pop of color and a show of effort are always in fashion.

6. Jeremy Scott

Scott’s look says to me “Club kid who kept partying long after the trash was swept up” only Scott then rummaged through said trash for this jacket.

7. Patricia Field

Though she practically single-handedly created the fashion icon known as Carrie Bradshaw, Pat Field can give off too a bit too much sex in the city. Though kudos for rocking that Jessica Rabbit red hair better and before Rihanna.

8. Anna Sui

I saw Anna Sui on the street the other day…though it could’ve been a bag lady. Either way her China Bang was stunning.

9 Karl Lagerfeld, Perhaps a controversial choice, but the gay vampire look sometimes leaves me…cold.

10. Betsey Johnson

There’s nothing I want more than to see Betsey Johnson doing cartwheels in a ballerina tutu at age 90. Just because it’s bad doesn’t mean it doesn’t feel good.

RED CARPET REPORT CARD: The Best, Worst & Most Boring at the Met Gala

Amanda Gabriele — Tue, 03 May 2011 13:09:14 +0000

Last night was the holy grail of red carpet fashion. The 2011 Met Ball honoring late and legendary designer Alexander McQueen brought out the best in, well, almost everyone. In this edition of Red Carpet Report Card, we’ll take a peek at the star-studded event and decide who was working, who was sleeping and who should have been turned away upon arrival.

*Andre Leon Talley wins the award for best purple tent. As always, his volumes are amazing.

Let’s take a look at the Best Dressed of the night. This category has quite a bit of people, as it should, for fashion’s biggest event. These were the As and high Bs, the working girls.

Shalom Harlow is my pick for BEST DRESSED in Marchesa. This is what the Met Ball is all about – she looks breathtaking in that gown.

I almost fell over when I saw Christina Ricci in Zac Posen. She never ages a day and looks super sexy in this sheer number.

I found Mary-Kate’s dress underwhelming, but Ashley Olsen looks ravishing in vintage Dior Haute Couture. The whole look is perfect.

Elle Fanning looks like a little couture doll in Valentino. She is so outshining her sister, it’s not even fair.

Rihanna has been looking haggard lately, so I was pleasantly surprised at how elegant she was in this striking Stella McCartney gown.

Iman, also in Stella McCartney, turned it out in a metallic gold jumpsuit. A little draggy, a lot amazing.

Karolina Kurkova in a spring 2011 Jean Paul Gaultier lace legging-dress creation. If the models can’t do it, who can?

I love this Prabal Gurung gown and funky jewelry on Ciara. White could be difficult to pull off at the ball, but she did it right.

Even though Crystal Renn is too skinny for my taste, she is an absolute vision in Alexander McQueen. I need my hair to look like this.

After getting ready in a Barneys window yesterday, Daphne Guiness showed up in McQueen. Perfect, amazing, stuns.

I loved Ginnifer Goodwin‘s look from the moment I saw it. Then I realized it was custom Topshop. Damn she makes it look good.

Naomi Campbell looks like the queen she is in custom McQueen. She wears the sedatives well too.

Hamish Bowles looks like a true gentleman in custom McQueen. Love it from head to toe.

I always wait with baited breath to see what Blake Lively is wearing. She obviously did not disappoint in a Chanel toga.

New York’s best couple showed up looking better than ever. Beyonce is working that Emilio Pucci gown like whoa.

Queen Bitch Anna Wintour gave her best smile to the camera and looks like a shiny grandiose statue in Chanel.

On to the Most Boring of the night. On any other occasion, these folks would have looked great (probably). Unfortunately, this also means they’re the Cs of the Met Ball.

I’m sleeping. Zoe Saldana is usually among the best dressed. Why did she choose this boring Calvin Klein for the biggest fashion night of the year?

Leighton Meester is amazing, but she has trouble getting it right. Different shoes and hair would have done this Louis Vuitton dress more justice.

I love this Michael Kors dress on Emma Roberts, but she has the body to wear something more over the top on a night like this.

Madonna, the Material Girl herself, definitely could have done better than this Stella McCartney dress. Pretty, but boring.

I’m actually quite obsessed with this Miu Miu dress Michelle Williams is wearing. But I would wear this to a nice dinner, not a gala.

And now ladies and gentleman, the Worst Dressed of the night. These are the Ds and Fs of the Met Ball, the creme de la creme of mistakes.

ARGH! Christina Hendricks used to dress so well! This Carolina Herrera gown is an unflattering fit and color on her.

Oh dear. Hate to say it Alicia Keys, but it looks like you’re wearing a giant turd instead of Givenchy. Brown jacket AND dress is NOT fly.

Jennifer Lopez looks like a halfway plucked bloody chicken. Matchy-matchy lipstick, bag and Gucci is a no go.

I thought Chloe Sevigny would make McQueen look good, but I was wrong. The hair is awful and the dress fits like she grabbed it off some rack.

Sorry to say it Kate Hudson, but this Stella McCartney is not a cute pregnant lady dress. And whatever is on your head isn’t working either.

Nooooo! In the rush of preparing for the gala, Lucy Liu forgot to get a wax! Oh wait, that’s just her looking blech in Vionnet.

I hope everyone enjoying looking at the red carpet photos from the 2011 Met Gala as much as I. Who was your best and worst dressed of the night?

attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City.

Model Crystal Renn poses on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit celebrating the opening of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, in New York, May 2, 2011. REUTERS/Mike Segar (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT FASHION)

attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City.

FASHION SCRAMBLE: Decarnin Says Bye Bye to Balmain + Westwood Does Not

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:34:46 +0000

- After five lucrative, statement-shouldered years, Balmain and creative director Christophe Decarnin are getting a divorce. What will happen to the sequined jackets?! No one ever thinks about the sequined jackets! Decarnin was notoriously absent from the Fall 2011 show in Paris under speculation of a mental break, but sources say the designer and Balmain’s chairman/CEO Alain Hivelin just didn’t see eye to eye. An internal hire is expected to be announced shortly. [WWD]

- Vivienne Westwood is opening up her first flagship store in the states and she’s doing it in Los Angeles. Why L.A.? ”I don’t actually like New York.” She explains. “New York people are a bit stuck up and self important, and think that just the fact that they live in New York makes them better than anybody else.” Not better than anybody else. Better than everybody else. So-what? Who-cares? Is it our fault our city kicks every other city’s ass? I don’t think so. Please don’t punish us for being the bestest, Viv. [W]

- As if there weren’t enough fashion reality shows hosted by supermodels, now NBC has thrown their chapeau into the ring with Fashion Star, hosted by Elle Macpherson. But don’t expect high concept challenges requiring yards of tulle and a metric ton of beading; this show will focus on everyday items, “like bathing suits or lingerie, or surf wear and jeans.” And the winner gets a multi-million dollar contract and the chance to have their line sold at a “massive retail store.” I don’t know about you, but I’ve all but given up on PJ Runway (Lifetime? Ew.) and The Fashion Show, despite Iman being the best person ever, just doesn’t make the cut. Will a show about designers making mass-retail jeans intrigue you? Especially on NBC? [Modelina]

Look Be a Lady

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:55:24 +0000

Lady Gaga winks, hunches and uncovers for an editorial in i-D, styled by none other than Nicola Formichetti and lensed by Mariano Vivanco. The trio continue to generally shut shit down, creating arresting images, buzzworthy collections (Gags is wearing Mugler of course) and colossal dance-pop anthems. Theirs is a partnership that harkens back to the days of Yves Saint Laurent and Iman, or Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick or Keith Haring and Grace Jones: artist and muse becoming inseparable in the public conscious and almost interchangeable in their roles. For Mariano, Nicola and Stephanie Germanotta, the whole is greater than sum of its parts.

Photos: Image Amplified

The 25 Greatest Supermodels of the Past 50 Years: The 70s

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:43:54 +0000

Photo: Life

Grace Jones (May 19, 1948) Part supermodel, part mental patient, part disco/New Wave/dancehall queen, Grace Jones is an enigma, wrapped in a question, wrapped in a kimono. Her distinctive style and personality are a constant source of inspiration, from musicians like Rihanna and Lady Gaga to magazine editorials, who find her a favorite subject in particular. And is it any wonder? That type of crazy comes along but once in an androgynous moon.

Beverly Johnson (Oct. 13, 1952) Bev Johnson’s name will go down in history as the first black woman on the cover of U.S. Vogue. The 1974 cover was groundbreaking as Vogue has and continues to be and probably will always be the definitive fashion bible. Johnson’s entree into the big leagues was a watershed moment for models of all diversities. Bev was only 22, so when you peak that early I guess the only way you can go is Def Jam’s How to Be a Player.

Photo: Racked

Janice Dickinson (Feb. 15, 1955) Our second Top Model judge (but first, in terms of service rendered), Janice Dickinson is all but unrecognizable today after the full facial transplant she’s had done over the years. But at her peak in the 70s, she was darkly exotic and really the definition of drop-dead gorgeous — looking at her older pictures I literally want to kill myself. In 1979, she claimed she coined the term “supermodel” (though the credit is often given to Andy Warhol a decade earlier) when her manager told her that she shouldn’t work so hard because she wasn’t Superman. Janice’s response: ”I am not Superman. I am a supermodel.” And then she threw a drink in his face and preceded to make out with him. Classic Dickinson.

Iman (July 25, 1955) With her long, graceful neck and statuesque beauty, Iman looks like she was actually plucked out of a Somalian village and thrown on a runway, but in reality she was discovered by photog Peter Beard while she was studying political science in Nairobi. Upon coming to New York in 1975, however, she happily played along with the myth that Beard had discovered her as “a teen tribeswoman tending 500 cattle and sheep in a Kenyan game preserve.” What followed is one of the greatest careers in modern fashion history: a muse for Yves Saint Laurent, Issey Miyake and Calvin Klein, an entrepreneur and the one woman (or man) to tame David Bowie.

Photo: Styliiista

Jerry Hall (July 2, 1956) After dropping some acid at a party, Jerry Hall was convinced she could make it as a model. Hailing from Texas, she was the All-American girl of the 70s, who just happened to do some very naughty things with some notable Europeans; chief among them Mick Jagger, from whose superstar loins was spawned their pillow-lipped progeny, supermodel-on-the-rise, Georgia May Jagger. It’s clear that in this case, she definitely gets it from her mama.

Photo: Life

Photo: Racked

Lost & Found Calling Patricia Field

Jessica Lapidos — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:16:34 +0000

ATTENTION PATRICIA FIELD! Check your makeup case. I believe you are missing a mismatched tube of Iman lipstick, shade: Jaguar. It is shimmery and brown and positively luscious, and you must want it back. I love you and your lipstick, and would be honored to reunite you. Here is how I found it…

So, I nearly died last night when I was sat at a restaurant within eyeshot of Patricia Field. My heart palpitated with every glance, distracting me from my delectable Restaurant Week prix fixe feast. I mean, screw SJP, she created Carrie Bradshaw! I tried not to stare, but the electric red hair, the table of fabulous gays, I watched longingly until they got up to leave. And then I spotted it… tucked into the deep fold of her chair. A lipstick.

I switched into stealth mode: re-con mission. I snatched it up and tried to chase her down to give it back. But seven inch heels slowed me down just enough to miss her. She was already in a cab, on her way, I’m sure to someplace more fabulous than I’ll ever know.

And here I am, in possession of Patricia Field’s lipstick. It’s by Iman Cosmetics, and only because it’s Ms. Field, the tube had undergone a costume change, and now has a MAC cap.

The shade is Jaguar. Rawr.

As my civic duty to the gods of fashion, I feel I must do all in my power to reunite Patricia Field with her lipstick. I’ll deliver it personally.

PS- If I do get to return it to Her Majesty, I’m totally buying this color. Now that I’ve tried it, I need it in my life.

PPS- I apologize if the image of my face superimposed onto Pat Field’s body haunts you in your sleep.

A Zombie Can’t Walk in 5-inch Stilettos

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:41:33 +0000

At least I don’t think they can. The differences between zombies and supermodels are few and far between since they’re both basically the walking dead. Luckily we have this chart to help discern the two.

This guide’s pretty spot-on, however, real supermodels lifespans are much longer.

Sure, the everyday, run-of-the-mill model has a lifespan of about 5 years, longer if they get in right after puberty.

But the Supermodel — the Giseles, Naomis, Lindas, Kates, Imans, Christys and Cindys of the world…they live FOREVER.

Hmm…maybe they are zombies after all.

Link Love: BuzzFeed

Nixon Inspired the Wrap Dress and Other Things Learned from DVF and Iman

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:32:25 +0000

On last night’s Watch What Happens Live, Andy Cohen invited fashion icons Iman and Diane von Furstenberg to shoot the shit, impart some wisdom and solve world hunger. According to DVF, the best snack that won’t make you gain weight are your nails. Problem. Solved.

Julie Nixon was the first “celebrity” DVF saw wearing her designs and subsequently inspired the wrap dress.

“She wore a little wrap top with a matching skirt and I thought that was really nice. That’s when I decided actually to attach it and turn it into a dress.”

Well, at least that presidency gave the nation something worth remembering. Speaking of remembering, Iman and DVF take us down memory lane to the first time they met. It was over 30 years ago at Lord & Taylor when DVF spotted that stunning giraffe glide into the room – “this extraordinary creature. You’v never seen anything so beautiful in your life.”

She approached the extraordinary creature and asked if she was a model – duh – then asked her for her number. Iman kneeled in an “extraordinary” way and they’ve been friends ever since.

According to Iman, however:

“I don’t kneel for anybody like that except David Bowie and Diane von Furstenberg.”

Andy tried to touch on their time at 54, but they both pleaded the 5th. I’ll just assume that means they can’t discuss it lest they face federal imprisonment and/or deportation.

Check out the Bravo website for some more iconic wisdom and the video below for an Iman-tage of the super’s greatest moments from The Fashion Show so far. One word: amazeballs.

LINK LOVE: Bravo TV

Iman Tells FashionIndie Her 3 Top Holiday Style Tips

Marissa Moshell, Student — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:02:56 +0000

Just in time for the holidays, Iman shares her biggest tips and tricks concerning those must-have wardrobe staples. With IMAN being one of the top 5 apparel brands out of HSN’s 100 fashion brands, it seemed only fitting to approach her about her three biggest holiday tips:

1. Never underestimate the power of sparkle! Pair an eye-catching piece with even the most casual of items to take any outfit into party mode.

2. Rely on the little black dress, but find one with a unique twist, like my Sexy Snake-Print LBD for $ 79.95

3. Choose one statement piece of jewelry to create conversation at any cocktail party

Sneak Peek: V Magazine Exclusive

Josh Linam — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:02:44 +0000

V‘s “The Who Cares About Age Issue” is bursting with hot, mature style icons.

Iman, Camilla Nickerson and Yoko Ono are a few names to grace the issue’s four sexy spreads.

V‘s new issue doesn’t hit stands ’til tomorrow. See the first looks here…

We’re Starting To Care About The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection

McArthur Joseph — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 19:57:23 +0000

Yes I even surprised myself by writing the title but I can honestly say that his song is certainly a good watch.

We all know there was an odd void when Project Runway was moved to Lifetime and Bravo was sans a fashion reality competition. Last year they tried to feed us The Fashion Show and I know that every self respecting fashion lover was not about it.

When the ads for this season of The Fashion Show came up first I was a little apprehensive but the more clips of Iman I saw, the better. I saw the first episode and was pretty pleased. I hate the stereotypes but all my favorites were included such as The Villian, Cute Straight Guy, Sassy Black Girl, and Boy Who Looks Like a Girl.

I was so moved by the first episode to check out the 2nd that aired last night. SHIT WENT DOWN! There was drama, quitings, sucess, and failures. Not to mention Iman saying the best line of the night: “That dress had more tricks than a hooker!”

Good job Bravo you have me hooked!

Iman Perhaps the Greatest Person Ever

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:39:11 +0000

Fashion icon. YSL-muse. Wife of David Bowie. Professional giraffe. Political science major. Kooky comedienne? Iman is all of the above.

Iman is ridiculous and she knows it. The supermodel will debut as a TV host tonight on the revamped The Fashion Show on Bravo. To commemorate the occasion, she shot with Mark Seliger for December’s Harper’s Bazaar and sat down with Barneys Creative Director, Simon Doonan for an interview that reads something like an old-school comedy routine between Paul Lynde and Phyllis Diller.

And if you know who those people are, who taught you to use one of these newfangled computer boxes?

Simon: How many times a day do you Google yourself?

Iman: Every five minutes. I simply can’t take my eyes off myself. Kidding! I would rather Google other people than Google myself.

Simon: Who takes more time to get ready?

Iman: David takes five minutes. Me? I don’t do anything by myself. I have a whole crew to get me ready every day.

Simon: You seem like an optimist and a positive force, but you must have done something appalling in your past.

Iman: I was once very rude to a young model. Just before I retired from modeling, I was at this shoot. The photographer said he was reading a biography of Marie Antoinette. The young model asked us, “What agency is she with?” [Shrieks of derisive laughter] We made fun of her, of course! When we were leaving, she said to me, “I hope I look as good as you when I’m your age,” and I said, “Don’t worry, darling, you won’t.” And then later I felt bad.

I feel like I’ve learned so much from Iman. My favorite tidbit, though, is perhaps the time that Oprah sat Iman with Michelle Obama because O thought that they would have “something to discuss” since Iman majored in political science before modeling.

My head just exploded writing that.

Naomi Campbell Will F* Your S* Up

Lester Brathwaite — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:36:06 +0000

As if further reason was needed to fear Naomi Campbell — a booming international blood diamond smuggling operation, a devestating throwing arm and the Russian mafia spring to mind — Mert and Marcus remind us that the supermodel is not even human.

On the cover of Interview, La Campbell harkens back to YSL-era Iman. But inside the claws come out.

Naomi Campbell: Succubus. Women, hide your men…and your hard drugs.

Iman Is ‘Forever Young’ In Victoria Beckham

The Fashion Web — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:45:06 +0000

The always ageless, Iman looked every inch of a supermodel as she celebrated the 40th anniversary of Essence magazine with an appearance at the New York Stock Exchange, last Thursday (August 5th). Wearing a red Victoria Beckham wool-crepe shift dress, Iman added a slinky gold belt and black Louboutin peep-toes to pull off her effortless and sophisticated look.

Image Source: Zimbio

LINK LOVE:Iman Is ‘Forever Young’ In Victoria Beckham

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VIDEO: Kelly Rowland Talks About Leaving Bravo

McArthur Joseph — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:53:08 +0000

MTV recently caught up with singer Kelly Rowland and she dished on her feeling about being replaced by Iman on The Fashion Show and maybe even starting her own accessories line. Keep reading for videos…

On Iman replacing her on The Fashion Show:

On wanting to do an accessories line:

You can check out her new music video with David Guetta here.

Barneys Bares All: Barneys had to rearrange its new…

The Fashion Web — Sun, 23 May 2010 17:46:06 +0000

Barneys had to rearrange its new windows honoring Iman after one turned out to include male nudity. Reports Page Six: “One window—a collage of images of Iman, including photos of her breasts—includes a shot of a fully exposed male model in plain sight of pedestrians and at eye level for young children.” At press time, the store had reassigned the offending organ a less prominent spot in the back of the display. NYP

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LINK LOVE:Barneys Bares All: Barneys had to rearrange its new…

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VIDEO INTERVIEW: FASHIONAIR Filmed Icon Iman

Rebecca Alexander — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:32:49 +0000

In an intimate interview, FASHIONAIR sat with Iman to discuss her childhood in Somalia and how she was ‘discovered’ when she was a refugee in Kenya by a photographer. From there she explains how modeling quickly changed her life through extensive traveling, meeting famous people and industry contacts.

She even reminisces how she felt with Monsieur Saint Laurent said “My dream woman is Iman.” Iman also talks extensively about her first experience with make-up at a shoot, how she recognized there was a hole in the market for products for women of color and why she left modeling and started Iman Cosmetics.

MOMENT OF GRANDEUR: Queen Iman

FashionIndie — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:20:37 +0000

You go girl!

LINK LOVE

attends the 2009 American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center on October 7, 2009 in New York City.

Rumor Has it Bowie Might be Planning a Comeback

Rebecca Alexander — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:51:38 +0000

Shea_Butter to Iman: Any chance of letting Mr. Bowie out of the house 4 another album? We miss the hell out of him!

Iman to Shea_Butter: haha he’s cooking something up I’m sure you will love.

SOURCE: Oh no they didnt

VINTAGE ADDICT: Iman For Yves Saint Laurent

Rebecca Alexander — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:30:39 +0000

Beautiful image of Iman for YSL…I miss ads like this, when it was all about the clothes/designer and the model, also love the black and white contrast, both in the garment and photo itself.

LINKAGE: Frillr

Vintage Ads: Iman for YSL

Lauren Garroni — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:14:02 +0000

Back in the 1980′s Iman was the black supermodel, back in the day when there was only one black supermodel. Here she is posing for a Yves Saint Laurent ad in all her 80′s glory.

[the fashion spot]

All Black Issue of Vogue Hits Newstands

Saynt — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:18:23 +0000

Find more photos like this on INDIES UNITED

We’re so addicted to the all black model issue of Vogue right now. We got some sneak peaks at the issue here for you so check it out. Jourdon, Chanel, Iman, and Naomi all get up close and personal to highlight an issue that has been going on too long in fashion, lack of diversity on the runway.

What do you think of the shots?

Iman: A Model, Not a Plaything

Lauren Garroni — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:44:24 +0000

Iman recently talked to NYMag about her upcoming Italian Vogue cover “I still don’t like us (black models) to be a caricature,” she told them at the American Image Awards this week. “They’ll think, ‘Okay, we did it.’ And then they’re done with it, and we’ll have to wait till next year.” She added that in 2007 black models were “nonexistent” and she felt the fashion and beauty industries are out of touch. “When you see commercials and movies and every other form of art in terms of entertainment, you never have this conversation,” she said. “So it is so outdated.” She continued, “I can only say that one of the reasons is that models have never had unions, so there is no one to say, ‘This isn’t right.’

Yeah that’s what models need a union. First order of business uniform model size -2.

Source

Iman to be the Face of Black Fashion

Saynt — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:44:53 +0000

Iman is the choice face for the cover of the all black model issue of Italian Vogue. She beat out every other young, fresh, not married to David Bowie face for the cover, which is great for the model who’s better know in Canada then the US lately. Heidi Klum tried securing the cover by hitting the shoot in black face, but even in her get up she couldn’t compete with the Imonster.

Remember indies, BUY THE BLACK ITALIAN VOGUE. Then, NEVER BUY ANOTHER ISSUE OF VOGUE EVER AGAIN.

That’s the only way you’re gonna affect change in fashion, so be sure to follow and spread the gospel like biscuits on a Thanksgiving dinner table.

Iman Plays Kriptonite to Heidi’s “Super” Status

Saynt — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:29:13 +0000

In the model world there are models and then there’s Iman, at least that’s the way it seems to the over-the-hill diva. The Project Runway Canada host went on the record stating her long resume and how compared to Heidi Klum, there is no contest as to who is more qualified to carry the crown of top model of the Project Runway world.

“Definitely Heidi and I come from two different places,” Iman tells the World Entertainment News Network. “I’m not belittling Heidi Klum, but I have been in fashion much more than she has. Not to toot my own horn (really than what else would you call it), but I have been one of the best runway girls.”She adds: “I know clothes, and I know about working hand in hand with designers — I mean, I’ve worked with Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, John Galliano. Yves St. Laurent — he created a whole collection for me. Tom Ford, Valentino. Versace. Jean Paul Gaultier. Thierry Mugler … I could go on and on.”

Can anyone say “catfight”? I can’t cause I’d feel like a sexist asshole if I did, but this whole attack on Heidi’s familiarity with the fashion world just seems a bit too much like a “behind-the-scenes look” at who’s making more dough in the Project Runway family.

Iman’s resume can’t really compete to Heidi’s place in our hearts as favorite Runway host. So enjoy the cannucks Imanie, Heidi’s here to stay.

Iman Heidi Klum

Photoshop Miracles

Saynt — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:52:14 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxDft1M7r2A&[/youtube]

Ugly Betty might have given us a fun little fact about the wicked world of fashion photoshopping. One minute a thick latina with braces and glasses, the next a pencil thin white model. No wonder they’re able to get rid of Fergie’s meth-marks and make her look like a half-way human being on the cover of Cosmo, or in Page Six Magazine’s case, make African model Iman look white and pasty.

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