Iman Unveils the Intimate Details of Her Enduring Love Story with David Bowie on Naomi Campbell’s ‘No Filter’

Supermodel Iman, an icon of fashion and grace, recently offered a rare and deeply personal glimpse into her legendary romance with the late musical visionary, David Bowie. Appearing as a guest on fellow supermodel Naomi Campbell’s acclaimed YouTube series, No Filter with Naomi, on April 27th, Iman captivated audiences with never-before-heard anecdotes about their profound connection. This candid conversation provided a poignant reminder of one of the most celebrated and private love stories in contemporary culture, reaffirming the timeless bond shared between two extraordinary individuals.

At 65 years old, Iman seldom speaks publicly about her beloved husband, David Bowie, whose passing from liver cancer in 2016 left a profound void in her life and the world. However, during her heartfelt appearance on Naomi Campbell‘s popular YouTube show, she reminisced with a warmth and openness that truly touched viewers. The hour-long video interview became a conduit for Iman to share intimate revelations, including the charming and somewhat accidental beginning of their love affair: a fateful blind date that blossomed into an iconic marriage.

The journey that led Iman to meet David Bowie began with a significant personal decision. “I just moved to LA, because I just wanted to have a distance,” the founder of Iman Cosmetics shared with the 50-year-old catwalk queen. Her move to Los Angeles was not merely a change of scenery, but a deliberate effort to redefine her professional and personal trajectory. Having achieved unparalleled success and iconic status in the demanding world of modeling, Iman felt a pressing need for a hiatus, a space to reflect and determine her next significant venture. She articulated the common challenge many highly successful individuals face, noting, “I wanted really to divorce myself from modeling, because you know it is very lucrative, it’s easy to come in and out of it and I just wanted to really have a room to breathe and think, ‘Well, what is my next act, what do I want to do next’.” This period of introspection and self-discovery set the stage for one of the most romantic and unexpected encounters of her life.

It was during this transformative period in Los Angeles that destiny intervened. “And so, I moved to LA, and while I was in LA, I met David,” she continued, recounting the serendipitous moment. The tale of their first encounter is particularly enchanting, underscoring the magic of unexpected connections. “And it was a blind date, we were really set up.” The orchestrator of this pivotal meeting was a hairdresser whom Iman had met at a photographer’s dinner party one evening. This hairdresser extended an invitation to what Iman believed was his birthday celebration at a restaurant. Little did she know, this seemingly innocent gathering was a meticulously planned setup, designed to introduce her to the man who would become her soulmate. The dinner party consisted of just four people: David Bowie, the hairdresser, the hairdresser’s boyfriend, and Iman herself. The intimate setting, disguised under the guise of a birthday celebration, created a relaxed atmosphere where two legends could simply connect as individuals, free from the usual pressures of their public lives.

The delightful irony of the situation added an extra layer of charm to their origin story. “The hairdresser was David’s hairdresser, but David didn’t even know,” the esteemed supermodel revealed with a warm laugh, highlighting the cleverness of their mutual friend. Bowie, much like Iman, arrived at the dinner under the impression that he was attending a birthday celebration, completely unaware of the romantic machinations at play. “David was told also it was a birthday dinner. And that’s how I met him. And it was 29 years ago.” Iman’s reflection on this moment spoke volumes about the powerful pull of fate. “It’s literally when people say do you believe in destiny? Yup. Yeah, this could not have happened… I truly in my heart feel it was predestined.” This conviction, shared by Iman, encapsulates the almost mythical quality of their initial meeting, suggesting a connection so profound it transcended mere chance, pointing instead to a preordained union.

From that serendipitous blind date, Iman and Bowie embarked on a journey of love that would become one of the most iconic and enduring partnerships in celebrity history. They tied the knot in 1992, uniting two creative powerhouses in a marriage celebrated for its deep affection and mutual respect. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Alexandria “Lexi” Zahra Jones, now 20 years old, who inherited the striking beauty and artistic flair of both her parents. Beyond Lexi, their family was a beautifully blended tapestry of love and commitment. David had a son from a previous marriage, the acclaimed filmmaker Duncan Jones, 49, whom he shared with his first wife, Mary “Angie” Angela Barnett. Iman also brought a daughter to their family, Zulekha Haywood, 42, from her first marriage to retired NBA star Spencer Haywood. This arrangement showcased their unwavering dedication to family, creating a loving and supportive environment for all their children, fostering bonds that extended far beyond traditional definitions.

Theirs was a bond that withstood the relentless scrutiny of the public eye and the unique pressures of fame, remaining steadfast until David Bowie’s passing at the age of 69 in 2016, following a courageous battle with liver cancer. His death marked the end of an era, not just for the music world, but for Iman, who has consistently honored his memory with grace and unwavering devotion. In the years since his passing, Iman has not remarried, a testament to the profound and singular love she shared with Bowie. Her continued commitment to his memory speaks volumes about the depth of their connection and the indelible mark he left on her heart. While his absence is undoubtedly still felt deeply, the retired model has channeled her energy into new joys and responsibilities, finding solace and purpose in her role as a grandmother.

Iman revealed during her chat with Naomi Campbell that her eldest daughter, Zulekha, has a delightful 3-year-old daughter named Lavinia. The joy and fulfillment Iman derives from this new chapter in her life were palpable during the interview. She shared a heartwarming detail about her weekly routine with her granddaughter, describing their regular “Zoom dates” dedicated to painting. This charming ritual not only highlights the special bond they share but also showcases Iman’s adaptability and creativity in maintaining close family ties, even across distances. It’s a sweet, intimate glimpse into her life, demonstrating how she has found new ways to embrace love and connection while honoring the legacy of her extraordinary husband. Her story, from the unexpected beginning of her romance with Bowie to her resilient journey through grief and newfound joy, serves as an inspiring testament to enduring love, the power of destiny, and the beautiful evolution of life after loss.

Iman’s appearance on No Filter with Naomi provided an invaluable opportunity for fans to hear, directly from her, the magical narrative of her life with David Bowie. The interview transcended a mere recounting of events; it was an emotional journey through love, loss, and the enduring spirit of one of fashion’s true pioneers. Her ability to speak about Bowie with such warmth, affection, and a touch of humor, even years after his passing, underscores the timeless nature of their bond. It’s a story that continues to resonate with millions, embodying the ideal of a partnership built on mutual respect, admiration, and an undeniable, predestined connection. Iman’s candidness serves as a beautiful tribute to the man she loved, ensuring that their iconic love story remains etched in the hearts and minds of generations to come.