Photography by Nadine Ijewere. Styling done by Kate Phelan. Makeup by Grace Ahn. Hairstyling by Jawara Wauchope. Nails by Jin Soon Choi.
Only a legend and fashion pioneer like Iman would bring me out of a five-month hiatus! (side note, I've finished the first semester of my Sophomore year of college on an incredible note. This was the reason for my break from posting on here; just really occupied with life & school but in a great way. I've finally found direction and purpose in being an Art Major because, for the longest I was clueless. I'm looking into curating, envisioning myself working at an art magazine or art museum, or even creative & brand consulting! But anyways, this was a great semester, and I'm going to be more active than I've been the past few months posting on here. I've put more effort into posting on my social media platforms; my Gabetecture Instagram page has been my alternative thus far. I am working on sharing more things on my main Instagram page, Gabemusings. But yes! Let's get into this Iman British Vogue shoot, though.)
Iman graced the cover story of British Vogue's January 2023 issue, and my draw dropped. This shoot felt somewhat nostalgic, giving the feeling of the '70s and '80s with the classic hooded styles worn by Grace Jones in that era and the use of Alaïa and Saint Laurent in the shoot. Very prominent high fashion houses in the '70s and '80s. One of the things I love about Iman is that she has never, ever changed her story. In her interview with Funmi Fetto, she discusses her encounter with Peter Beard, who without we would never know Iman for the supermodel she is today. Beard spotted Iman on a city street in Nairobi and asked to take her picture, which she reluctantly agreed to until he offered to pay her. Iman asked for $8,000 for her University fees, to which Beard happily agreed, which says a lot about Iman's regal presence. She says that when she first started modeling, publications would describe her as a "Somali tribeswoman" or a "cattle girl" when she'd never even visited a jungle, just the typical discriminatory remarks. Iman has been a global advocate for more Black people in all aspects of the fashion industry. Not just primarily on the runways but as designers, directors, editors, etc. Her advocacy does not go unnoticed; in her interview, she says, "So this idea that we are asking for a seat at the table… I'm done with the seat at the table. Let's dismantle the whole table."
Iman, who left the modeling side of fashion in 1989, has not walked a runway since shifting her focus to her family life and her phenomenal cosmetic line, Iman Cosmetics. Her cosmetic empire has been alive since 1994! Her brand dedicated to people of color, a great need in the 90s with huge makeup brands, unlike Iman's, which did not serve women of color when it came to matching shades, foundations, etc. Iman is a role model, a living legend, and a great inspiration. Thank you for being you, Iman.
A head-to-toe moment from the Alaïa Spring 2023 collection.
Hooded dress and earring from the Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Spring/ Summer 2023 collection.
Hooded dress by Alberta Ferretti. Gold-plated earrings by Misho. Molten Bangles by Alexis Bittar.
Silk coat by Richard Quinn. Satin gloves by Cornelia James. Helix earrings by Lynne MacLauchlan.
Maison Margiela Artisanal by John Galliano dress and leather gloves. Wood and glass bead earring by Saule Label.
Valentino red georgette gown. Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello bangle.
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