DUBAI: She is somewhat of a legend in the world of modeling and now Iman Abdulmajid, who goes by her first name only, is gracing the cover of Vogue Arabia’s March edition alongside Dutch-Moroccan-Egyptian beauty Imaan Hammam.
For the magazine’s anniversary edition, the pair appear side-by-side in contrasting black-and-white looks, dressed in Saint Laurent and Brooklyn-based brand Wrap Life turbans.
The publication shared one of three covers on Instagram, writing: “Two generations of icons unite for the anniversary issue of Vogue Arabia, with not one, but three covers.”
American-Somali star Iman is one of the most iconic supermodels in fashion history. The 62-year-old model is widely praised for having led the way for the many models of color who have followed in her path.
In her interview with the magazine, she shares how she was discovered by photographer Peter Beard in Kenya in 1975 and recalls how she fought for equal pay as a model in the US.
Iman also spoke about reconciling her religion with her career.
“It is an oxymoron to have your foot in the modeling business and to call yourself a Muslim, but at the end of the day, you need to look in the mirror and feel good when you ask, am I doing the right thing?”
Meanwhile, Hammam, of Egyptian and Moroccan descent but born in Amsterdam, was discovered at Amsterdam’s Central Station when she was 13-years-old and is now a world-renowned advertising, editorial and runway model.
In her interview, the 21-year-old model shared how her Egyptian-Moroccan heritage still inspires her and how she is proud to be the “modern poster girl for the diversity movement.”
“Fashion is all about having a personality — and nothing is as inspiring as the power of being you,” she said.