Imaan Hammam (born 5 October 1996) is a Dutch fashion model. As of 2024, she has appeared on the cover of Vogue 22 times, four times on the American edition.[3][4][5][6][7]
She currently ranks on models.com's "Industry Icons" and was ranked on its "Top Sexiest Models" lists.[8][9] As of 2021, she has appeared on The Big Four covers of Vogue. Hammam is one of the most in demand and one of the most highest paid models of her generation and currently ranks under ''Money'' and ''Supers'' on models.com. [10][11]
Early life
Imaan Hammam was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to an Egyptian father from Cairo[12] and a Moroccan mother from Zagora.[13][14][12] Her parents were both immigrants; her mother immigrated to the Netherlands at the age of 19.[15] Hammam's father worked in music, and her mother worked as a seamstress and a Dutch language teacher for new immigrants.[16] Hammam has five siblings—she has four older half-siblings, and one younger sister.[17] Hammam and her family spoke Arabic at home.[18]
When Hammam was 11 years old, her parents divorced.[15] Hammam and her sister, Aisha, lived with their mother and her four kids in the Netherlands after the divorce.[15] Hammam is a Muslim.[19]
Hammam was first discovered in Amsterdam's Central Station by an agent from CODE Management in 2010 at age 13 and signed her first contract when she was 16[21][22] Hammam made her debut walking for Jean Paul Gaultier Couture in 2013.[23][24] In 2013, her agency sent her to Paris with VIVA Model Management and she was given the special honor to open the Givenchy show as an exclusive. In 2014 Hammam appeared on the cover of the US Vogue,[25] and in 2015 she appeared on the cover of the Teen Vogue and Vogue Netherlands.[26] Hammam's inspirations were Raquel Zimmerman, Liya Kebede and Iman.[27] In April 2016, Hammam won Couturesque Magazine's Model of the Year competition, receiving more than half of the public vote against popular models Lucky Blue Smith and Bella Hadid.[28]
Rise to prominence 2017-present
In 2017, Hammam appeared in the cover of the British Vogue, 2 times in the cover of Vogue Japan, Vogue China, Vogue Espana, Vogue Arabia, Vogue Netherlands, 2 times on the cover of Vogue US along with the supermodels Liu Wen, Gigi Hadid and Vittoria Ceretti in March and along with Pharell Williams in December. [29] Hammam was chosen as the face of Chanel beauty, the first black-Arab model to do so.[30] The current editor of Vogue,Anna Wintour, is a supporter of Hammam and mentioned the model in her editor's letter the first time she appeared in the magazine.[20]
In 2018, Hammam started gaining recognition after her confident walk for Versace F/W 2018 show. [30] On March 2018, Hammam appeared on the cover of Vogue Arabia along with the supermodel Iman. In 2019, Hammam appeared on the cover of Vogue Italia, Vogue Russia, Vogue Japan and Vogue Netherlands. In 2020 Hammam partenered with the brand Frame, releasing a limited edition ready-to-wear collection.[30] In 2021, Hammam appeared on the cover of Forbes ''30 under 30- Europe- Art and Culture and appeared on the cover of Vogue Paris, obtaining the big 4.[23] In 2022 Hammam appeared on the advertising campaign for JPG Scandal perfume.[31]
For the H&M collaboration with Erdem, Hammam was one of the collection's ambassadors.[35] Hammam became a brand ambassador for Estée Lauder in 2023.[36]
Personal life
Hammam is a Muslim. Although she has been described as being "Middle Eastern", she does not see herself as such and identifies as Afro-Arab.[37]
"Sometimes people call me Middle Eastern, and I'm like, 'No, I'm black.' I am proud of my culture, proud of who made me, proud to be here."[38]
"I'm half Moroccan, half Egyptian, and I was born in Amsterdam. I'm Muslim, and I'm superproud of my heritage and of my roots. I want to be a role model for young girls who are struggling with racism or struggling with their looks or with their skin color. I had Naomi Campbell, who I looked up to as a black powerful woman. But there aren't many Arabic models, and being an African-Arabic model, I'm trying to open doors for more Arabic girls."[37]
In 2019, Imaan announced a partnership with nonprofit organization She's the First as the organization's first global ambassador.[15][39] On November 18, 2021, Imaan was honored by She's the First as the "Powerhouse of the Year" in a virtual awards ceremony, with the award presented by Anna Wintour.[40] On Instagram, Imaan shared her thoughts on the honor: "I am so honored to be receiving the first-ever Powerhouse of the Year Award, standing alongside girls who have been breaking barriers and advancing public health initiatives in their communities as we show the world what true power looks like. Unfortunately, as Covid-19 is still a threat – She's the First's services are especially needed as vaccine access in these girls' communities remains limited."
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