The daughter of a Somali diplomat, Iman attended high school in Egypt and Kenya. She studied political science at the University of Nairobi until she was recruited to model by American photographer Peter Beard in 1975. She was muse to legendary designer Yves St. Laurent, and was the face of several high-profile fashion campaigns. She started her own cosmetics and skincare line for women of color, and has been married to David Bowie since 1992.