David Bowie, the legendary rock icon, is remembered for his groundbreaking music, unique fashion, and ever-evolving persona. However, behind the scenes of this pop culture revolution was a woman who not only shared his love but also played an integral role in his life. That woman was Iman, the stunning Somali-American supermodel, actress, and entrepreneur, who, for over two decades, was David Bowie’s wife. In this article, we will delve deep into her life, career, and marriage to Bowie, providing detailed insights that many fans are unaware of.
Table of Contents
- Who Is David Bowie’s Wife, Iman?
- Iman’s Early Life and Career
- How David Bowie Met Iman
- David Bowie’s Wife: A Look at Their Relationship
- Iman’s Career: Beyond Modeling
- Iman’s Personal Life: Family and Motherhood
- Iman’s Net Worth
- Iman’s Influence in Fashion and Beauty
- Iman’s Philanthropy and Advocacy
- Iman’s Life After Bowie’s Passing
- Conclusion
1. Who Is David Bowie’s Wife, Iman?
David Bowie’s wife, Iman, was born Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid in Mogadishu, Somalia, on July 25, 1965. She rose to prominence as one of the most recognized supermodels of the 1980s and 1990s, but she is much more than just a fashion icon. Iman is a savvy businesswoman, a philanthropist, and an advocate for diversity and equality, particularly in the fashion industry.
Iman’s impact transcended fashion, and she became a trailblazer for women of color in an industry that lacked diversity at the time. Her career has spanned decades, and she continues to be a leading figure in the world of beauty, fashion, and humanitarian work.
2. Iman’s Early Life and Career
Born to Somali parents, Iman had a unique upbringing. Growing up in Mogadishu, she initially studied political science at the University of Nairobi before pursuing a career in modeling. In 1975, Iman was discovered by photographer Peter Beard, who helped launch her career.
She became one of the most sought-after models in the 1980s, gracing the covers of fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle. Her striking looks, paired with her impeccable grace, earned her the status of an international icon. Her ability to break racial barriers in the fashion industry made her a pioneer for future generations of models from diverse backgrounds.
3. How David Bowie Met Iman
Iman and David Bowie’s story is as fascinating as their relationship. They met in 1990 in a chance encounter at a party in New York City. Iman had heard of Bowie but had never met him before, and the moment they locked eyes, there was an undeniable connection. Bowie was at the height of his fame, and Iman was already a household name in the fashion industry.
Their relationship developed quickly, and they soon became inseparable. Iman often spoke about how David Bowie was the first man she truly felt at ease with, and their mutual respect and understanding were evident in the way they interacted with one another.
4. David Bowie’s Wife: A Look at Their Relationship
Iman and Bowie’s relationship was one built on love, trust, and mutual admiration. Despite their fame and success, the couple was notoriously private. Their marriage in 1992 was intimate and low-key, away from the prying eyes of the media.
In 2000, they welcomed their daughter, Alexandria Zahra Jones, who has since followed in her father’s musical footsteps, showing an interest in the arts. Iman and Bowie’s relationship, full of shared experiences and respect, lasted until Bowie’s untimely death in 2016.
5. Iman’s Career: Beyond Modeling
Though Iman’s modeling career was her initial claim to fame, she eventually branched out into several other endeavors. Iman became an actress, starring in films like Out of Africa and The Fashion Show.
Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to create the Iman Cosmetics brand in 1994, a company designed to cater to women of color, offering a line of cosmetics that was not being offered by other brands at the time. The brand was revolutionary and remains successful today, a testament to Iman’s commitment to providing beauty products for all women, regardless of skin tone.

6. Iman’s Personal Life: Family and Motherhood
Iman’s family life has been equally rich and fulfilling. She married David Bowie in 1992, and their daughter Alexandria was born in 2000. Iman has often shared her experiences of motherhood and how David Bowie was a loving father who doted on their daughter.
Iman’s personal life also included her first marriage to the famous basketball player Spencer Haywood, though the couple divorced after several years. She raised her daughter with a sense of privacy and normalcy despite the fame of her parents.
7. Iman’s Net Worth
Iman’s career accomplishments have made her one of the wealthiest women in the fashion and entertainment industry. As of 2025, her estimated net worth stands at $200 million, thanks to her successful modeling career, cosmetics business, and various other investments. This fortune reflects her long-standing status as a fashion and beauty mogul, as well as her philanthropic endeavors.
8. Iman’s Influence in Fashion and Beauty
Iman’s influence on the fashion industry cannot be overstated. She broke through racial barriers, becoming one of the first models of color to have widespread success. Her distinctive look and poise set new standards for beauty. She inspired countless young women of color to pursue careers in fashion and modeling.
In addition to her work as a model, Iman is also an advocate for body positivity and diversity in fashion, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in an industry that has historically excluded marginalized groups.
9. Iman’s Philanthropy and Advocacy
Beyond her career in fashion and beauty, Iman is dedicated to philanthropy. She supports various causes, particularly those that aim to improve the lives of women and children. She is involved with organizations such as the Keep a Child Alive foundation, which helps children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Iman also advocates for diversity in the fashion industry and is an outspoken critic of the lack of representation for women of color. Her charitable work and advocacy continue to inspire future generations of women, and she uses her platform to speak out for the marginalized.
10. Iman’s Life After Bowie’s Passing
David Bowie’s death in January 2016 left a profound impact on Iman. She has publicly expressed her grief over losing her husband, but she continues to honor his memory through her work and her daughter. Iman has largely stayed out of the public eye, focusing on her family and her business ventures.
Despite the immense sadness she faced, Iman has remained strong, dedicating herself to maintaining a sense of normalcy for her daughter and supporting the causes that are important to her.
Iman’s Contributions to the Fashion Industry
Iman’s impact on the fashion industry goes beyond her years of modeling. In an era where diversity in fashion was almost non-existent, Iman was a trailblazer. She was one of the first Black models to be signed by high-profile agencies, breaking down racial barriers at a time when the industry was overwhelmingly dominated by white models.
Iman’s strong presence in the fashion world also helped redefine the notion of beauty. Her statuesque figure, striking facial features, and poised demeanor were not only captivating but also set a precedent for models from various ethnic backgrounds.
Her collaborations with fashion designers like Gianni Versace and designers from the “high fashion” industry also contributed to expanding diversity within the runways. By becoming a household name in the modeling world, Iman paved the way for future generations of models of color who would find opportunities in an industry that had previously been unwelcoming to non-white models.
The Legacy of Iman Cosmetics
Iman’s entrepreneurial journey began when she founded her cosmetics line in 1994, with the goal of creating products that would cater to women of color. Before Iman, beauty brands largely ignored women with deeper skin tones, offering limited shade ranges that did not suit their complexions. Through Iman Cosmetics, she not only broke new ground but also empowered women of color to embrace their natural beauty.
The Iman Cosmetics line offers foundations, concealers, blushes, eyeshadows, and lipsticks in shades tailored to a diverse array of skin tones, filling a significant gap in the beauty industry. Iman’s brand was revolutionary in its commitment to inclusivity and continues to thrive today, making her a trailblazer not only in fashion but in the cosmetics world.
Iman Cosmetics’ continued success is a testament to her keen business sense, as she not only saw the need for inclusivity in beauty products but also addressed it in a way that would make women of all ethnicities feel seen and represented.
Iman’s Advocacy and Philanthropic Work
Iman’s passion for philanthropy has been a significant part of her life. She has supported numerous charitable organizations over the years, particularly those that aim to improve the health and lives of children and women around the world. She was closely involved with the Keep a Child Alive initiative, which provides HIV/AIDS treatment, care, and support for children and families in Africa. Through this organization, Iman has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of HIV/AIDS treatment and the impact the disease has on vulnerable populations.
Beyond health advocacy, Iman has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. She has used her platform to bring attention to the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and to promote the empowerment of women in all areas of life. In particular, she has been vocal about the lack of diversity in the fashion industry and has pushed for greater inclusion, particularly for models of color.
Iman also supports initiatives aimed at raising awareness of global poverty and providing resources to marginalized communities. Her advocacy work has earned her recognition in the philanthropic world, as she has dedicated both time and resources to various causes.
Iman’s Relationship with David Bowie: A Deep Connection

Iman often spoke about Bowie’s influence on her life, noting that he had a transformative impact on her. His perspective on life, his creativity, and his artistry deeply affected her and shaped how she viewed the world. In interviews, she referred to Bowie as her “best friend,” and the two spent many years exploring life and the world together. Their shared interests in the arts, culture, and social justice united them and helped them form a unique bond that remained strong even as they dealt with the pressures of fame.
Their marriage remained strong despite the challenges that came with both of their fame and hectic work schedules. Together, they found balance, and Iman often spoke about how David Bowie provided a sense of stability and love in her life. Their daughter, Alexandria, was the central focus of their family life, and both parents played active roles in her upbringing.
Iman’s Post-Bowie Life: Keeping His Memory Alive
After David Bowie’s death in 2016, Iman was understandably devastated. Bowie’s passing was not only a personal loss but also a public one, as the world mourned the death of one of the most iconic musicians in history. However, Iman has honored her husband’s memory in numerous ways since his passing.
Iman has kept a relatively low profile in the media after his death, but she has continued to work on her business ventures and philanthropic efforts. She has occasionally shared personal tributes to Bowie on social media, showcasing her deep affection and gratitude for their time together. Iman has also supported Bowie’s legacy through the Bowie International Cultural Trust, which was established to help preserve his artistic and cultural contributions.
In interviews, Iman has emphasized the importance of continuing to live her life with purpose, while cherishing the memories she created with Bowie.
Iman has remained active in both the beauty and fashion industries, ensuring that her message of inclusivity, representation, and empowerment continues to be heard. Though she keeps her personal life private, her work and advocacy remain a powerful testament to the enduring influence she and Bowie had on the world.
Iman’s Continued Influence in the Fashion and Beauty World
Even after decades in the industry, Iman’s influence remains significant. She has continued to be a strong advocate for diversity and representation in both the fashion and beauty industries, which, at times, have struggled with inclusivity. Through Iman Cosmetics and her continued involvement in various fashion-related projects, she has been able to expand the conversation about beauty standards and what it means to be “beautiful.”
Iman’s longevity in both the fashion and beauty industries proves that she is not just a fleeting icon.
Her longevity and continued advocacy demonstrate her ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive world—one where all women can feel confident, regardless of their ethnicity, skin color, or background.
11. Conclusion
Iman’s life is a testament to resilience, beauty, and grace. From her humble beginnings in Somalia to her rise as a global icon, she has made an indelible mark on the world of fashion, beauty, and philanthropy. As David Bowie’s wife, she stood by him through thick and thin, providing love and support throughout their marriage.
While the world mourns David Bowie’s loss, Iman continues to live a fulfilling life, dedicated to her family, her work, and the causes she believes in. Through it all, she has remained a beacon of strength and elegance, making her an iconic figure in her own right.
Iman Bio, Net Worth, and Family Details
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid |
Date of Birth | July 25, 1965 |
Age | 59 years old (as of 2025) |
Husband | David Bowie (married 1992–2016) |
Children | Alexandria Zahra Jones (born 2000) |
Net Worth | $200 million (estimated) |
Nationality | Somali-American |
Occupation | Model, Actress, Entrepreneur |
Notable Work | Supermodel, Founder of Iman Cosmetics |
Philanthropy | Keep a Child Alive, advocacy for women and children |
This article aims to provide you with an informative, detailed look at Iman’s life, career, and legacy, as well as her life with David Bowie. From their love story to her groundbreaking achievements in the fashion industry and beyond, Iman is undoubtedly a remarkable woman who continues to inspire.
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