Iman, the iconic supermodel, has confirmed that she has no intention of making a comeback to the runway, nearly four decades after her retirement in 1989. Speaking with PEOPLE during an event marking the 20th anniversary of Bono and Bobby Shriver’s AIDS charity, (RED), the 71-year-old star expressed her contentment with her decision to step away from modelling.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/iman-1-091026-d0912c07ed32475eb1f97dd9e8841d49.jpg)
“I haven’t done any shows since I retired,” Iman remarked. “And I have no intention of returning.” Her statements come amid the bustling atmosphere of New York Fashion Week, a time when many of her peers are actively involved in the fashion scene.
Throughout her illustrious career, Iman worked alongside many of the most revered designers of her time. Reflecting on her experiences, she said, “I worked with literally every designer. Amazing ones.” Now, she finds herself in the unique position of having to turn down invitations without offending anyone. “Who do you go to and say no to?” she mused, recalling the polite conversations she has had when declining offers to walk in shows.
The supermodel also noted how Fashion Week has evolved, particularly with the advent of streaming services that allow fans and industry insiders to experience the shows from the comfort of their own homes. “Everyone’s got kids now, and now they’re streaming everything. Why go? I can see it all in my pajamas,” she commented with a light-hearted chuckle.
Although Iman has largely stayed away from Fashion Week events, she does make occasional exceptions for close friends. Just recently, she attended the Cult Gaia Spring 2027 show out of solidarity for a friend working with the label. “I said, ‘I can give you a check. And I don’t go,’” she recalled. “She said, ‘No, I want your presence.’ So I had to go.”
Iman reminisced about her past experiences, specifically when she was invited to celebrate Carolina Herrera’s 45th anniversary. While she acknowledged her history with the brand—having walked in Herrera’s inaugural show—she still chose to decline the invitation. “I’m like, ‘Great for you guys, but I don’t think I wanna come to a show,’” she explained.
Since retiring from the fashion world, Iman has successfully transitioned into other ventures, most notably launching Iman Cosmetics in 1994. Her foray into the beauty industry has been a significant part of her post-modelling career, allowing her to continue her influence in a different capacity.
In a 2018 interview with Porter, Iman delved into her decision to retire from modelling, describing it as both philosophical and practical. “I knew that there was no more that I could do, and I needed to walk away in order to start something new,” she shared. She further elaborated that the rise of other supermodels, such as Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista, made her realise it was time to exit gracefully.
Reflecting on her time in the industry, she recounted a conversation with Campbell, where she jokingly remarked, “You b—–s were coming right behind me! It was time for me to exit gracefully.” Her candid approach to discussing her retirement underscores her strength and confidence in making such a significant life choice.
As Iman remains rooted in her decision to forgo the runway, she continues to be celebrated not just for her previous modelling achievements, but also for her contributions to the fashion and beauty industries. Even as she observes Fashion Week from her home, she remains a significant figure in discussions surrounding representation and beauty standards, influencing generations of fans and aspiring models alike.