THE LEGENDARY IMAN PARTNERS WITH M-NET’S FACE OF AFRICA

She was  the first, most prominent and most groundbreaking of the African supermodels…


Her name Iman, her story legendary, her fame undeniable, her face unforgettable.

Now M-Net has announced that it will partner with the company she founded for the new season of Face of Africa as IMAN Cosmetics becomes an official partner of the iconic search.

From her head office in New York, the Somali born superstar and CEO of IMAN Cosmetics endorsed the project in a TV promo to be screened across the continent on M-Net. In it she says, "Now is the time for you, the next generation of beautiful, talented African women to make your mark on the modeling industry and the world. IMAN Cosmetics is proud to be associated with M-Net’s Face of Africa.”

With the partnership announced, IMAN Cosmetics becomes the official make-up supplier of the newly launched 17 part series, which is set to culminate in a sparkling finale in Lagos, Nigeria in February 2010. The winner at that event, in addition to scooping a USD 50 000 cash prize from M-Net and a modeling contract from O Model Africa, will also receive another fairytale prize – a day in New York City with IMAN Cosmetics and the opportunity to start off and enhance her career with the guidance of one of the world’s most famous faces.

With a partnership that includes the provision of IMAN Cosmetic make-up artists, gift vouchers for the 25 semi-finalists, individual make-up sets for the Top 10 plus make-up and skin products for 12 months for the winner, IMAN Cosmetics becomes a key part of Face of Africa.

A philanthropist and highly accomplished businesswoman, Iman began her career with a modeling assignment at Vogue in 1976 and has since graced the pages of the world’s most prestigious and glamorous publications including Harpers Bazaar, Elle and Vanity Fair, inspiring designers such as Yves St. Laurent, Versace, Calvin Klein and Donna Karan. She has also authored two books, the autobiographical I am Iman and The Color of Beauty: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color.

Currently the host and executive producer of Project Runway Canada, she’s also an entrepreneur who founded IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrances in 1994. Iman launched her signature line in countries around the globe, including the United States, Canada, the UK, France, Brazil, Africa and the Caribbean, to bring a multicultural range of beauty products to women worldwide. IMAN’s motto is “Your beauty. Your terms”.

Commenting on the partnership with IMAN Cosmetics, M-Net Africa Director Biola Alabi says, “With her philanthropy, her inspiring vision and her continuing success, Iman represents an icon for African women, for what we can do, what we can offer and what we can be. I’m delighted that she, in her role as CEO of IMAN Cosmetics, has aligned her purpose with ours and will play a role in the new season of Face of Africa.”

DStv audiences can tune in to Face of Africa, starting Saturday October 31 on M-Net. For more information, log on to http://www.mnetafrica.com/.