I am Iman

About this book

Imans emergence in 1975 sparked an upheavel in cultural identity that continues today and her first book is a gloriously entertaining hybrid essay on the cultural-cum-political power of good looks. A quarter century of the most famous photographs by Helmut Newton Steven Meisel Herb Ritts Peter Lindbergh Bruce Weber Scavullo David Bailey Nick Knight and many others are contextualized by well-known essayists a chorus of celebrity contributions and Imans own take on her much-mythologized career. The books outrageous pop design--by graphic designers Barnbrook Studios--makes it plain that this is not just one womans success story. I Am Iman captures the funny infuriating and often absurd validation of black and ethnic looks in a beauty industry where billions of dollars--and the self-image of women everywhere--are on the line. Peeks behind the curtain and scintillating interviews are courtesy of feminist critic bell hooks Interview editor Ingrid Sischy model and manager Bethann Hardison and such celebrities as Cindy Crawford Yves St. Laurent Naomi Campbell Bruce Weber Tyra Banks and many more. With graphic design featuring gatefolds diecuts and other interactive elements as well as specially commissioned never-before-seen images by Annie Leibowitz Ellen Von Unwerth Sante DOrazio and Michel Comte this book is an assemblage worthy of any fashionistas dream.