Iman and the timeless elegance of ’90s fashion
The ’90s were defined by a rebellious youth culture, an experimental time with pop culture, and the rise of streetwear and minimalism. Think baggy denim and slip dresses, flannels layered over crop tops, and footwear that varied from platform sandals to heavily-branded sneakers, slip-ons, and chunky Doc Martens.
The tail end of the decade even heralded the rise of low-rise—with celebrities like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera wearing hip-hugging jeans, midriff-baring tops, and rhinestone-studded details that flirted with the coming Y2K era.
Meanwhile, Calvin Klein dominated the era with logo-branded waistbands peeking out of jeans that hung dangerously low, while minimalist logo placements paved the way for more brand-heavy looks in the 2000s. It was truly a period when the lines blurred between pop star glam and streetwear.
But true fashionistas know that the ’90s were more than that. Grunginess and logomania aside, there was a quieter faction that leaned more toward elevated pieces—sharp tailoring, luxe fabrics, and monochrome palettes, all while echoing the experimental culture of the times.
And style icon Iman embodied this effortlessly, with power suits and sculptural silhouettes that defined a decade.
A model for ’90s fashion
Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid, known mononymously as Iman, is a Somali American model and actress whose presence shaped the fashion landscape. With her statuesque frame, copper-toned skin, gracefully long neck, and delicate features—traits she herself insists are typical for a Somali—Iman graced the cover of many prestigious magazines during her career.
As the muse of iconic designers like Gianni Versace, Thierry Mugler, Donna Karan, Yves Saint Laurent, and yes, even Calvin Klein himself, Iman didn’t merely wear their clothes or follow trends—she defined them.
Stretching her repertoire far beyond a capsule wardrobe, each look she put on—whether on the runway, red carpet, or even off duty—she made fashion look effortless without being performative. Distinctive without following the crowd.
1. Sharp tailoring in power suits and structural glamour
Strong shoulders, long lines, and blazers that fit like a glove. In a time when loose flannels and midriff-hugging pants were hot picks, Iman channeled sophistication in power dressing and minimalism, radiating girl-boss energy instead of grunge-era indifference.
This power dressing shows up when she paired an all-white suit (think squared shoulders and pleated carrot trousers) with a body-hugging leopard print top during a film premiere in Los Angeles in 1992.
The runway, however, tells a different story, with sculptural, avant-garde pieces during the early ’90s on the runway for Thierry Mugler, for example. Iman graced the catwalk in structured bodices, metallic fabrics, and architectural shapes that transformed the supermodel’s lithe figure into a living sculpture.
2. Dressing up in dresses
Beyond structural shapes and dramatic silhouettes, Iman also embraced fluidity and softness in her fashion choices, gravitating toward flowy pieces—evidenced in her penchant for dresses, whether slip-cut, body-hugging, or even floor-length gowns.
Her iconic silky pink slip dress with green accents, which she wore to a Chanel opening, for example, is a case study of playful color contrasts. Pairing a dark bodycon dress with a structured blazer, on the other hand, is a masterclass in layered sophistication.
And her choice of wearing a silky, body-hugging yellow dress with floral print at the MTV Awards makes for some playful whimsy, while pulling off a lime green floor-length gown at the MTV AIDS Benefit Gala in 1995 is a look that is quintessentially Iman.
3. Monochrome palettes, minimalist elegance
Although the supermodel has been known to favor animal print and the occasional bold color for contrast, monochrome palettes anchor her aesthetic. When she accompanied her husband, David Bowie, who received the 2,083rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997, Iman chose an all-black ensemble—turtleneck, coat, pants, and all. During a mid-’90s gala, she paired a soft ivory dress with a matching coat and simple accessories.
Another fine example is what Iman describes as her go-to look—a monochrome brown slip dress she wore during a night out at New York’s Union Square Theater in 1996—which goes to show that tonal dressing can be both luxurious and timeless.
4. Timeless looks over pop glamour
Trends come and go, and while fashion can be cyclical, there’s no telling when a style from decades past will be making a comeback. That said, Iman’s choice of timeless looks has cemented her status as a fashion icon to this day.
Take, for example, the sparkly dark brown suit jacket and high-waisted trousers with subtle animal print—with a plunging chocolate top inside—that Iman wore at the opening night of the Broadway production, “Gypsy” in December 2024. This ensemble is a look one would expect from the ’90s, but it remains relevant today. And on her, no less.
Even the many floor-length gowns she wore to award shows and galas are telling of that. Shying away from overly ornate pieces or viral looks (which lately have been dresses that barely cover anything), Iman chose a timeless look—a plunging, vibrant red gown she wore to the 25th Anniversary of the CFDA Fashion Awards in 2007. Or the emerald green gown she wore to the Vanity Fair 2007 Tribeca Film Festival.
These are the kinds of gowns that can be worn again in a different era and still feel fresh, elegant, and relevant.
Building a legacy of fashion
One slip dress, one power suit at a time, Iman has built a legacy of fashion that stands the test of time. From editorial showstoppers to everyday staples, the common denominator in every look is the timelessness and the confidence to pull it off.
Because for the supermodel, dressing up isn’t about wearing what’s in. It’s about knowing what works, understanding her body, her style, what fits best—and about commanding attention without needing to shout.
“I believe in one gimmick,” she once told British Vogue. “There is power in a little bit of mystery. Keep a little bit to yourself. Let them want more.”
