What Is Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid Jones’ Net Worth?
Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid Jones, widely known as Iman, a Somalian-American retired fashion model, actress, and entrepreneur, boasts a substantial net worth estimated at $200 million. This impressive financial standing is a culmination of her successful career in the fashion industry, entrepreneurial ventures, acting roles, and inheritance from her late husband, David Bowie.
Sources of Iman’s Wealth
Modeling Career: Iman’s journey to financial success began with her remarkable modeling career. Discovered by photographer Peter Beard while studying at the University of Nairobi, she quickly rose to prominence in the fashion world. Her association with renowned designers like Calvin Klein, Yves Saint Laurent, and Gianni Versace significantly contributed to her early earnings. While specific financial figures for her modeling contracts are not publicly available, her consistent presence on magazine covers, including Vogue (her first professional assignment in 1976), and collaborations with high-profile photographers such as Irving Penn, Annie Leibovitz, and Helmut Newton solidified her position as a top-earning model. Given the prominence of these campaigns and her status during that era, it’s reasonable to estimate her earnings in the millions over the course of her modeling career. This period was from about 1975 to 1994. She started her company in 1994, and at that time, ended her modeling career.
Iman Cosmetics: In 1994, Iman transitioned from modeling to entrepreneurship by launching Iman Cosmetics, a brand focused on providing makeup shades for women of color. The company quickly gained popularity, generating approximately $25 million in annual revenue. Iman’s hands-on approach, formulating her own makeup and serving as the face of the brand for many years, contributed to its success. The brand’s value stems from Iman’s formulations and an understanding of the marketplace as a top model. This also gave her a huge advantage when she started the line of makeup products, because she had insider knowledge about the marketplace and the needs of the consumers. While the specific profit margins of Iman Cosmetics are not publicly disclosed, the $25 million annual revenue figure indicates a substantial contribution to Iman’s overall net worth.
Global Chic (Home Shopping Network Clothing Line): In 2007, Iman expanded her entrepreneurial endeavors by launching Global Chic, a clothing line on the Home Shopping Network (HSN). Inspired by her modeling career and childhood in Egypt, the collection featured affordable accessories and clothing. The line quickly became one of the bestselling fashion and jewelry brands on HSN. Although specific sales figures for Global Chic are not publicly available, the success of the brand on HSN has undoubtedly added to Iman’s income. This contributed significantly to her net worth because it shows she understands a retail marketplace.
Acting Career: Iman also ventured into acting, appearing in films such as “The Human Factor” (1979), “Out of Africa” (1985), “No Way Out” (1987), “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” (1991), and “L.A. Story” (1991). She also had television roles in “Miami Vice” and “The Cosby Show.” While the exact salaries she earned from these roles are not known, her acting career contributed to her overall income. The 1980s and early 1990s were Iman’s most active period as an actress. Her most critically acclaimed movie was “Out of Africa.” The film starred Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. It received 11 Academy Award nominations and won seven, including Best Picture and Best Director. In 1987, she starred alongside Kevin Costner and Gene Hackman in “No Way Out.” This film was a success, and Iman received positive reviews for her performance. Iman’s acting endeavors spanned various genres and showcased her versatility as a performer.
Inheritance from David Bowie Estate: Following the death of her husband, David Bowie, in 2016, Iman inherited a significant portion of his $230 million estate. According to Bowie’s will, Iman received their dual-penthouse apartment in SoHo, New York City, as well as 50% of the remainder of his estate. Assuming the remaining estate was $200 million after subtracting any debts, fees, or taxes, Iman’s share would be $100 million. This substantial inheritance significantly boosted her net worth. In January 2022, David’s estate sold the rights to his publishing catalog for $250 million. Iman’s pre-tax stake resulted in a roughly $125 million windfall. This also includes the apartment in SoHo. The SoHo apartment is located in the building at 158 Mercer Street. It consists of two separate penthouse units that were combined into a single residence. The apartment features five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a private elevator, and multiple terraces with views of the city. The combined unit has a total of approximately 5,000 square feet. This real estate is worth millions.
Real Estate Assets
Iman’s real estate portfolio includes a dual-penthouse apartment in SoHo, New York City, which she inherited from David Bowie. While the exact address and purchase price are not publicly available, similar properties in the area command prices in the tens of millions of dollars. This property is a significant asset contributing to her overall net worth.
Philanthropic Activities
Iman’s philanthropic endeavors do not directly contribute to her net worth but reflect her commitment to social causes. As the first-ever Global Advocate for CARE, she works to eradicate global poverty. She also supports the Children’s Defense Fund, the Keep a Child Alive program, and Save the Children. Her involvement with the Enough Project demonstrates her commitment to ending crimes against humanity. These activities enhance her public image and demonstrate her values, aligning with her brand and potentially indirectly benefiting her businesses.
Summary of Iman’s Net Worth Components
Based on available information, Iman’s $200 million net worth can be attributed to the following sources:
- Modeling Career: Contributed significantly to her early earnings.
- Iman Cosmetics: A successful cosmetics brand generating $25 million annually.
- Global Chic: A bestselling clothing line on the Home Shopping Network (HSN).
- Acting Career: Income from various film and television roles.
- Inheritance from David Bowie Estate: A significant inheritance, including a dual-penthouse apartment in SoHo, New York City, and a share of Bowie’s estate, worth approximately $125 million.
Note: While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, net worth estimations are often based on publicly available data and may not reflect the exact financial situation.