This story originally appeared in i-D’s Out Of The Blue issue, no. 366, Winter 2021. With thanks to Tiffany & Co. Order your copy here.
Imaan Hammam needs no introduction. It would be easier to list the magazines she hasn’t been on the cover of, the advertising campaigns she hasn’t done, and the catwalks she hasn’t graced. She is easily one of the most talented and famous models in the world, and has been since she made her debut for Givenchy in 2013. Growing up in the Netherlands, and of Egyptian and Moroccan descent, Imaan has over the course of her career paved the way for Afro-Arab representation in fashion.
What’s your Uber rating?
Let me check. It’s probably a five. It should definitely be a five. Let me check… a 4.7? Not too bad.
That’s pretty good. So what is the most glam you’ve ever felt?
The most glam I’ve ever felt was definitely when I attended the Met Gala this year. I felt so beautiful. I wore an Atelier Versace piece from 2002 and, of course, I wore my Tiffany and Co. jewellery. And yeah! I feel like that was such a special moment for me, because I went there by myself and it was just so empowering, and I felt very confident to show up there by myself as me. Imaan.
What advice would you give to anyone trying to navigate the fashion world?
I don’t know. I feel like, honestly, just surrounding yourself with people that make you feel good. I mean, I’ve kind of learned that. I’m very sensitive and I feel like the best way is to just be with people that give you good energy and confidence. I think that’s important to have.
How would you describe your own energy?
I would say calm. Peaceful. I feel like I hear that a lot when people are around me, they’re always like, ‘you’re so chill’.
What’s a piece of advice you remember being given and still use today?
I think it is something that my mum told me when I had just started out modelling. My mum believed in me so much and always supported me and she gave me two pieces of advice; keep my head up and never change for anybody. Always be true to yourself. That’s something I always keep in the back of my mind. Fame changes people and I don’t want to change. I want to be myself.
What is the meaning of life to you?
Oh my God. The meaning of life! That’s a really good question because honestly, I think we’re all trying to figure it out. But I would say, something I always live by is to just be kind and do good and help people always and I think that’s the key of life, just to come together.
What advice would you give to somebody who is aspiring to one day be in your shoes?
I would just say just trust yourself and be yourself.
What’s your phone background?
It says “what’s yours will always find you”. It’s just a little reminder. Always.
What about the unlock screen?
It’s cute. It’s a photo of my family; my mum, my grandma and my dad. I love this photo.
Credits
With thanks to Tiffany & Co.
Photography Mario Sorrenti
Fashion Alastair McKimm
Hair Bob Recine
Make-up Frank B at The Wall Group
Nail technician Honey at Exposure NY using CHANEL
Photography assistance Kotaro Kawashima and Javier Villegas
Digital technician Chad Meyer
Fashion assistance Madison Matusich, Milton Dixon III, Jermaine Daley and Casey Conrad
Tailor Martin Keehn
Hair assistance Kazuhide Katahira
Make-up assistance Elle Haein Kim
Production Katie Fash, Layla Néméjanki and Steve Sutton
Production assistance William Cipos
Casting director Samuel Ellis for DMCASTING
All jewellery (worn throughout) Tiffany & Co.