It's been generally known that lightning does not strike in the same place twice. Well, this premise may hold true in the scientific world, but not in the beauty world particularly where businesswoman extraordinaire Iman is involved.

While many cosmetic companies have seen only mediocre success or no success at all, Iman has seen the triumphant explosion of not one, but two of her cosmetic lines! The first, with her extremely successful launch of IMAN Cosmetics in 1994, and the second, in May of this year, with the introduction of her new line, I-IMAN Makeup. With the kudos that she is currently receiving to the new line from consumers and editors alike, "Diva I" is not only showing the beauty industry what hard work, years of experience and listening to consumers can do. She's letting everyone know that lightning does strike twice in the same place!

When we at Cool Girls Japan last spoke with Iman a few years ago, she told us that she would have plenty of surprises in store for us and was she ever correct! For in those few years she has not only launched a wildly successful web site, I-IMAN.Com, continued to oversee additions to IMAN Cosmetics, her original line and, of course, recently introduced I-IMAN Makeup, she is set to deliver her and hubby David Bowie's first child at any moment! This lady has been busy!

Needless to say, that while we thought time was of the essence when we spoke to the radiant mother-to-be, we quickly found out that "Diva I" is not slowing down just yet. She could hardly contain her excitement over all the wonderful things going on, and she (as always) graciously took the time to bring us up to speed with everything (well, almost everything --- a lady's got to have some secrets) going on.

We started by asking Iman to tell us a bit about the differences between the IMAN Cosmetics line and the I-IMAN Makeup line.


Says, Iman, "IMAN Cosmetics was created exclusively for women of color. I-IMAN Makeup is for all women of style who crave color, drama, and have lots of personal style." She continues, "The I-IMAN customer is the girl who struts to her own beat --- she is the girl who is not afraid to experiment with bold, audacious colors. It's for unapologetic urbanites that don't give a damn about looking natural." According to Iman, this girl is not afraid to wear sparkles on her cheeks and funky emerald eye shadow to a noon lunch. The I-IMAN customer defines fashion; fashion does not define her.

Forever chartering new ground, Iman embarked on creating I-IMAN Makeup because of her association in fashion for almost twenty years. "Although IMAN Cosmetics is very successful in the USA and internationally, I felt like now that I successfully created IMAN Cosmetics to cater to the needs of women of color, it was time to explore my love for couture fashion and colors." Approaching her cosmetic lines like a clothing designer, Iman views IMAN Cosmetics as her bridge line and I-IMAN Makeup as her couture collection.

I-IMAN Makeup line is all inclusive with plenty of "Urban Luxe", the hot term Iman uses to describe the line that will soon be on every lip. The only way a girl won't be able to find something from this line is if she is too timid to be dramatic and adventurous, not because she can't find the right shade or product. And, with products ranging from foundation sticks to powder shimmers to lip shines, there is plenty to choose from as a peek on Sephora.Com (www.sephora.com) will confirm. The only product you won't find in the line is nail color. Curious if Iman was starting a new trend, we asked her about this omission to the line. Says Iman, "The reason I did not create nail color is because you can find decent nail colors everywhere these days! I wanted to treat nails as accessories rather than color so we created adhesive metallic nails --- we started with silver and we are adding gold in the fall for our Gold Story!" (CGJ will be featuring I-IMAN Makeup's fall forecast in our September issue.)

With the products selling like hotcakes (her Eyebrow Stencil and Color Kit is such a favorite that they practically can't keep enough of it), we had to find out which products are Iman's personal favorites. "My favorite products in the line are the I Matte, I Shine, I Blush and I Stick Foundation."

About her web site, I-IMAN.Com, Iman says that she created it to entertain, inform, and educate her consumer and anyone who is interested in everything Iman. Sporting her naughty but nice alter ego "Miss I", an "extreme" electronic version of Iman which was created by her friend, artist Alvaro, the site is one of the coolest and best visual sites to appear in recent years. Containing sections like "Photo Gallery" (which includes professional photos and photos of her taken by her husband David Bowie), a section on charities that she's involved with and others that are of interest to her, both product lines, and Iman's favorite section on the site, "Emotion". An open format for discussion and dialogue on a variety of issues, "Emotion" is Iman's favorite section because she can propose a subject without taking sides. She allows the public to write and send in their thoughts. With doing this says Iman, "I feel like in that way I create a place where both sides of an issue can be discussed. There is no right or wrong side, but an open dialogue!"

For CGJ, our favorite section on the site is Iman's personal monthly "Diary" section. Even though she is a very private person, Iman has found the perfect balance of what to share (not too personal) and when, which gives the section a feeling that you're chatting with a good friend.

Knowing how private Iman is, we didn't want to pry too much into her personal life, but we also couldn't let her go without finding out a few things. Things like what beauty regimen she's been on since being pregnant, what her plans are after the baby comes, will she do a baby line, if she and her husband will be doing any business ventures together, and what input he has with the her business ventures (and vise versa).

Well, Iman is gracious, but no blabber mouth (that's why we love her so). Indulging us in our little "fact-finding" mission, she was kind enough to share the following information.

On the baby and any beauty regimens: She has not been on any beauty regimen during her pregnancy. "I walked a lot, did yoga, had massages, took afternoon naps and basically tried to feel everything that was happening inside of me and enjoy this most personal of times between mother and child."

On her plans after the baby's arrival: "With the arrival of my baby, I'm going to try to take a long break - and no, I am not working on a baby line!"

On she and husband David Bowie doing business together: "David and I like to keep business out of our personal lives. We support each other but we do not intend to work together except in raising our child." No wonder these two have such a wonderful marriage. Love, mutual respect and support, and, most importantly, staying out of each other's businesses!

Iman is a true visionary who still holds the public captive while many of her contemporaries have gone the wayside. In closing, we asked Iman what her secret to such longevity is and what her future plans are. "I'm flattered to hear that I'm considered visionary. My belief has always been that I'd rather have longevity than a hot couple of years (current new and hot celebrities are you listening?)! Reinventing oneself is important --- growing up and not holding on to youth is inspiring, but keeping current and ware of youth culture is revitalizing." As for her future plans, Iman shares that she doesn't plan, but that she does keep an eye and ear on the "Zeitgeist"! She reads everything, sees almost every movie and stays interested and curious about everything! She doesn't, however, rely on popular culture for nourishment. "I never, ever forget the importance of listening to my inner insights.

We at Cool Girls Japan want to thank Iman for taking the time from her busy schedule to share with us. We want to wish her, David, and Baby Bowie our sincere wishes. Hey, we forgot to ask Iman what name she and David have selected for the baby Oh, Iman!!!!! Only kidding.

Note: Congratulations are in order! As this article was going to press, Iman gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Little Miss Alexandria Zahra was born on August 15. We at Cool Girls Japan wish Iman, husband David Bowie, and the baby all the best.