This New York City Fashion Shoot Is A Gorgeous Love Letter To Iman

When you think of international supermodel Iman, what words come to mind? For creative director Jennifer Nnamani, it’s the following: inspiring, maven, archetype and “Neo-African.”

“As a young Nigerian girl, I first encountered Iman in Michael Jackson’s Remember The Time music film,” Nnamani, founder of fashion agency Beau Monde Society, tells Okayafrica. “Her poise was magical and, since then, she has enamored me.”

Iman’s lasting spell over Nnamani couldn’t be more evident than her latest fashion shoot, aptly titled I.M.A.N. A visual love letter that’s been three years in the making, the stunning project includes reimagined stills of the Somali star’s earlier editorials shot in New York City.

According to Nnamani, who also styled the shoot, finding Gale, the perfect muse who embodied Iman’s “essence and likeness,” proved to be the most difficult task: “It took almost two years to find the right model.” Finally, in the summer of 2015, Nnamani and her team took to the streets of Soho to snap five distinguished looks.

“The I.M.A.N. editorial serves to pay homage to her contributions to the fashion industry, as well as my interpretation of Iman's elegant yet funky style,” she revealed.

Judging from the results, Iman’s impact on Nnamani’s artistry has only gotten stronger with time. Check out the gorgeous multicolored photographs above to reminisce on the celebrated fashion icon’s earlier days spent slaying throughout the Concrete Jungle.

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Beau Monde’s I.M.A.N. Credits

Photographer: Jubert Gilay

Makeup: Yu Qing of Makeup Pro Inc.

Hair: Shari Edwards

Model/Muse: Gale

Assistant to Photographer/Retoucher: Jimmy Cheung

Photo Edits: Osose Oboh

Videographer: Jean Paul Dia

Creative Direction/Fashion Story/Styling: Jennifer Nnamani of Beau Monde Society

Yellow Cape pantsuit: KAHKTI by Akuabata Nnamani

Blue Dress: DEMESTIKS New York by Reuben Reuel 

Black Dress by AIKO (Red Light PR New York)

Black Jumpsuit: Lumier by Bariano (Red Light PR New York)

Shoes: yellow strappy sandals by Nanette Lepore & Model’s own

Assorted jewelry from H&M