Imaan Hammam: The Afro-Arab Face of Modern Fashion

11 mai 2025

In the world of high fashion, few models embody the fusion of elegance, diversity, and cultural pride quite like Imaan Hammam. Born on October 5, 1996, in Amsterdam, this Dutch-Egyptian-Moroccan beauty has become one of the most prominent and in-demand models of her generation. With over 22 Vogue covers, including four U.S. editions, and prestigious contracts with brands like Victoria's Secret, Estée Lauder, and Jacquemus, Imaan is not just walking runways — she’s changing the face of fashion.

A Global Identity: Dutch, Egyptian, and Moroccan

Imaan Hammam proudly identifies as Afro-Arab, a heritage rooted in her Egyptian father and Moroccan mother, both immigrants to the Netherlands. Raised in a Muslim household that spoke Arabic at home, she grew up in a large, loving family with five siblings. After her parents' divorce when she was 11, she was raised by her mother, a seamstress and Dutch language teacher for immigrants, along with her sister and half-siblings.

Despite being categorized by some media as Middle Eastern, Imaan has openly asserted her African identity:

“Sometimes people call me Middle Eastern, and I’m like, ‘No, I’m Black.’ I’m proud of my culture, proud of who made me.”

Her identity is central to her mission — being a role model for young girls of color, particularly those from Arabic and African backgrounds.

Early Discovery and Meteoric Rise

Imaan’s journey began at Amsterdam Central Station, where she was discovered by an agent from CODE Management at just 13 years old. She signed her first modeling contract at 16 and debuted in 2013 for Jean Paul Gaultier Couture. That same year, she walked exclusively for Givenchy in Paris — an honor rarely afforded to newcomers.

From the start, she broke barriers. In 2014, Imaan graced the cover of Vogue U.S., followed by appearances on Teen Vogue, Vogue Netherlands, and multiple international editions. She won the Model of the Year title in 2016 from Couturesque Magazine, beating out names like Bella Hadid and Lucky Blue Smith.

An Icon of the Industry

Today, Imaan is listed as an “Industry Icon”, a “Supermodel”, and a top-earning model on Models.com — a testament to her global influence and consistent excellence.

She’s represented by top agencies including:

DNA Models (New York)
Viva Models (Paris, London, Barcelona)
Why Not Model Management (Milan)
Platform Agency (Amsterdam)

Fashion Campaigns and Editorial Highlights (2024–2025)

Imaan’s portfolio in 2024 and 2025 reads like a who’s who of fashion. She has worked with the industry’s most legendary photographers, such as Inez and Vinoodh, Mario Sorrenti, Tyler Mitchell, and Steven Meisel. Some of her most recent campaigns and editorials include:

2025 Highlights:

Vogue U.S. “Dandy Land” (May 2025) – by Tyler Mitchell
American Vogue “Dandyism” (May 2025)
Victoria’s Secret Summer Escape Campaign (April 2025) – by Lachlan Bailey
GAP Studio Campaign – by Mario Sorrenti
V Magazine #153 Spring Cover – by Inez and Vinoodh
Vogue Arabia March Cover – by Txema Yeste
Estée Lauder x Ladurée 2025 campaign

2024 Campaigns and Shows:

Bottega Veneta Winter 2024 – by Alec Soth
Donna Karan F/W 2024 – by Mikael Jansson
Victoria’s Secret S/S, VSX Fall, and Holiday Campaigns
Ralph Lauren Fall/Holiday Show
Versace F/W 24, Fendi, Max Mara – all in a single season
Schiaparelli Haute Couture, Jacquemus Capri Show, Vogue World 2024
Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal, Estée Lauder x Sabyasachi, Swarovski SS 2024 – by Steven Meisel
Pop Magazine #50, Document Journal, System Beauty, and more

Her continued presence in major fashion weeks, campaigns, and covers solidifies her dominance across New York, Paris, Milan, and London — the four major fashion capitals.

A Voice for Representation and Empowerment

More than just a model, Imaan Hammam is an activist and humanitarian. In 2019, she became the first global ambassador for the nonprofit She’s the First, supporting girls’ education worldwide. In 2021, she was honored as the “Powerhouse of the Year” by the organization, with the award presented by Anna Wintour.

Her activism includes:

Speaking openly about racism in fashion
Supporting Palestinian rights through social media
Volunteering at food kitchens in NYC
Advocating for more Afro-Arab representation in the industry

Her Look: The Essence of High Fashion

Imaan’s physical features perfectly align with the industry’s top standards:

Height: 5'10.5" (179 cm)
Bust: 33" | Waist: 24" | Hips: 35"
Hair: Brown | Eyes: Brown
Shoe Size: US 9

Her graceful walk, striking bone structure, and ability to move seamlessly between haute couture, editorials, and commercial campaigns make her a favorite among luxury houses and high street brands alike.

Legacy and Influence

From her first Givenchy show to becoming the face of Estée Lauder, Imaan Hammam has redefined what it means to be a global supermodel. She draws inspiration from icons like Naomi Campbell, Liya Kebede, and Iman, and now serves as that inspiration for a new generation of girls of color.

Her collaborations with brands like Victoria's Secret, Bottega Veneta, Donna Karan, and Jacquemus continue to push the fashion industry toward more inclusive and representative ideals.

Final Thoughts

Imaan Hammam is more than just a top model — she’s a cultural trailblazer. With her Afro-Arab identity, Muslim faith, and unwavering dedication to diversity and empowerment, she brings authenticity and depth to every campaign she touches. As we move into a more conscious era of fashion, Imaan stands at the forefront — a true icon of our time.