AFP via Yahoo:
US First Lady Michelle Obama is not a "great beauty," but will "just get better with age," Iman, one of the first black supermodels, says in a magazine interview.
"Mrs Obama is not a great beauty," the Somali-born model and wife of rocker David Bowie tells Parade magazine's Sunday issue, reflecting on the first black US first lady, who is a lawyer by training and a former executive.
Want to reply to a comment? Hint: Click "Reply" at the bottom of the comment; after being approved your comment will appear directly underneath the comment you replied to
Must agree with Iman, Michelle Obama is "no beauty". What we're seeing as FLOTUS is no different from any woman that has benefitted from make-up, waxed eyebrows, straighten hair (or permed)--all "beauty enhancers". There was an HP article a couple of weeks ago that stated MO would NEVER BE CAUGHT IN A NATURAL HAIR STYLE, SUCH AS TWISTIES OR BRAIDS. The only purpose of such an article was to criticize black women that choose natural hairstyles. Well, MO does not have features that could wear "natural" hairstyles and be attractive. Her jawbone is protruding and makes her appear "angry", her eyebrows are bushy.-A look at her high school prom, college graduation or wedding picture that appear online does not protray a physically atrractive woman.
Watch out, personal opinions are not lightly tolerated.
she said not a "great beauty" she did not say Michelle was "no beauty" - please do try to read.
I actually think that Iman was sincerely trying to give Michelle a compliment.
Wording was terrible, yes.
But think about it. Michelle is not going to be one of those women who rely on their looks to get by. She doesn't have to subject herself to plastic surgery for a paycheck. She won't need breast implants to book more jobs. No, she no great, but she's still beautiful in her way and to many people around the world.
Iman should definitely watch the ego a bit though.
I undertand where she was coming from, but there are so many different and better ways to say it.
You don't look so hot yourself. Why is it the the plainest, most non-interesting people are always the most critical. Please tell us who do you consider a great beauty since you go home with these people and see them w/out their makeup. I've atleast seen pics of FLOTUS w/out her makeup so I can compare and say she's still gorgeous. I saw Maria Carey in her new movie w/out her makeup and I was horrified. Who do you consider a great beauty since FLOTUS is just beautiful. Work on your face and hair and leave a woman who looks 10 times better than you alone. Too many women are haters and are our worse enemies.
Iman actually thinks she gorgeous. I once heard her say that she considers her beauty a 'gift from God' lol. She's very conceited. I was once an admirer of hers, but she's become so boastful in recent years, she's turned me off. And now I'm totally offended. How dare she? Michelle Obama is a very attractive woman. But more importantly, she's brilliant. Iman's jealous, pure and simple.
why are you insulting this particular poster who said nothing wrong? I think you accidently responded to the wrong person.
Iman stood up for black women, when the only products available were for Caucasian women. Iman was the first to come up with make up for women of colour. Iman is a strong woman who stood up for what she believed in , just like Michelle Obama. Please stop the hating.
yeah well, Iman does her best to look very UN-Black woman doesn't she? The nearly blond, long, silky (Caucasian) hair, the cosmetic surgery, the very American-style clothing, etc. I'm not a Iman hater or anything, but let's at least TRY to stick to reality here.
Iman is a former "super-model" who would have never become a supermodel had she had common "black features". She became a super model because she converted to a causacian standard of "beauty" quite easily. So I don't buy the whole "Iman supports the black woman/culture" excuse at all...
I totally agree........ The whole house-N, Field-N reference was uncalled for. House-N is considered to be A black person that does their best to please white people even if it means disowning their own racial identity. I guess Iman was right about herself. I disagree with her about Michelle, she will never be considered as a field-N or a house-N.
ok, I think you said enough...
and your right! Thanks for saying it truthfully.
She became a supermodel because she is over 6ft tall, and strikingly beautiful. Her personal style is her personal style. Even michelle o doesn't wear her hair 'natural'.
she didnt convert anything. Lol. Her features and bone structure are not unuual for African women where she comes from and they are absolutely gorgeous.
It realy is sad how some here want to pull down somebody who played a role in expanding American views on beauty - that color is not a restriction. Boy, are they ignorant.
Who said that her support for black women and culture is why she insulted Michelle(supposedly)? What the hell are you talking about? And don't many black women wear weaves like that? Michelle's hair is not the natural kind either, it is relaxed. I don't understand why you would use that against Iman.
Not true. Iman's make up came well AFTER Fashion Fair makeup which was designed and promoted in black communities in 1973 by Eunice W. Johnson, publisher of Ebony and Jet Magazine and creator of the Ebony Fashion Fair Traveling Fashion Show. Iman can on the American fashion scene in 1975 when she was recruited as a model by Peter Beard and given her first modeling assignment with Vogue magazine. She introduced her IMAN cosmetics line in 1994.
Not true. Iman's make up came well AFTER Fashion Fair makeup which was designed and promoted in black communities in 1973 by Eunice W. Johnson, publisher of Ebony and Jet Magazine and creator of the Ebony Fashion Fair Traveling Fashion Show. Iman can on the American fashion scene in 1975 when she was recruited as a model by Peter Beard and given her first modeling assignment with Vogue magazine. She introduced her IMAN cosmetics line in 1994.
Sounds like a Hater in the house....MO is the "total" package by of a "classic" woman, she's attractive, smart, funny, educated, spiritual and glows natural beauty.....come on IM, you should be ashame of yourself and stick to what you know, selling products on HSN.....
Looks like Iman will not get one of those Wednesday night 100 bucks per pound steak dinners.
I am totally shocked by Iman's comments. I have always been inspired by what I thought was her intelligence and good heart. To say Michelle is no beauty sounds like a little bit of haterism to me. Yes, it is true that Michelle Obama is not a "classic" beauty like Iman, Tyra, and Naomi Campbell, but she is a very attractive woman all together, like Oprah.
Oprah has never been a classic hottie, especially for today's mainstream thin "more causcasin looking" standards, but no one can say that Oprah is not a very attractive women on all levels...from her hair, to her clothes, and her personality, the way Oprah and Michelle carry themseleves is totally what makes them even more attractive then the "beautiful supermodel types" like Iman, Tyra, and Naomi. All of who by the way wears fake long hair and sometimes contacts to enhance their hotness (not Tyra her eyes are real) . Michelle and Oprah are all natural and still more famous than all the supermodels combined. And guess what, even though neither of them are real models, they have both been on more actual front page covers of magazines than Iman or any other black model..Get over yourself you foolish old lady Iman!
Oprah is no Michelle. You have some nerve. Maybe Hillary and Oprah are comparable but Michelle is in a league of her own.
Are you insane? Iman is no demon, and michelle is no saint. You sound like a stage mother.
I agree sbrown80, Oprah is no Michelle. Michelle is adorable. I'm recalling her in London (in the yellow/black outfit )when she stepped off the plane arm & arm with POTUS. She's just stunning.
I don't get Parade magazine in my Sunday paper. That is where the article is. Would somebody who gets Parade in their Sunday paper please read it and tell us how the article turned out? I think what they had posted on their website was just a teaser. Today's article must be longer and have more context and detail.
Spoken like someone who has made her fortune from her face and body like a prostitute. Mrs. Bowie sounds a little bitter if you ask me.
nice - calling her a prostitute because she has been a model. I bet you are not a good looking, happy, secure person. Good looking happy secure people dont need to write such things.
Idiotic statement coming from Iman. Michelle Obama is probably one of 2 or 3 women in the past several decades that have truly inspired women of all races, and in different countries, to the level she does. Iman sells beauty products.....to women that need beauty products. Why would Iman go out of her way to put her customers' choice of inspiration down?
maybe cause she wasn't trying to put her down? Also, you can't assume that all of them use Michelle as a role model. I think some may like her just fine, but don't hero worship the way some in America do.
Of course there are those people who rely on "pretty" as the only 'beauty'. Yes, Michelle has an overbite, but that adds 'character' to her poise, inner confidence and personality.
I doubt that there are many models who can compare with Michelle in my definition of beauty.
a) Physical beauty - Michelle has marvelous bone structure, a vivacious smile, demeanor and wonderful poise.
b) Inner beauty - She is loving, inspiring, educated and confident; she is ready to build up others to give them confidence and she looks for the best in people.
I've probably left out other atributes but ask me which I think is more important - (a) or (b) - I will vote for (b) every time.
My question is…since when was beauty even a nominal factor in being the First Lady of the US. Not since Jackie has mainstream Media been fascinated with the physical appearance or appeal of the First Lady.
Why must her beauty be a factor at all? Her role as first lady isn’t predicated on her beauty, but other tangible factors like grace, moral and eloquence. The fact that her beauty is constantly being tossed by the media and these former b-l-a-c-k stars…begs the question…why?
I don't agree with Iman.
I feel that Michelle Obama is indeed a 'great beauty' by A-f-r-i-c-a-n people's looks,
but of course, Iman has become so jaded that she speaks from the white world's
point of view.
Would Iman ever discuss Sally Field or Celine Dion in these terms (their looks)?
Was Princess Diana really any better looking than Michelle Obama...h-e-l-l no,
and would someone like Iman point that out?
I just wish Iman had not been so shallow at that moment during an interview.
Every time I turn on the television, I am confronted with some White woman who
is not a great beauty...being paraded as one. From Sarah Jessica Parker to
virtually every other face I see, these women are celebrated...but lack flavor or
true uniqueness.
Iman would never dare discuss those biotches and their shortcomings, however.
I would.
So I disagree with Iman.
But of course the whites are going to use this for a cat-fight because Iman is saying what they themselves would like to say openly.
They don't think Michelle Obama is all that attractive--because she looks like a B-l-a-c-k person.
Gosh Daisy I really appreciate your comment. Said everything I'm thinking. To add, 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder.' I personally think Michelle is very attractive, pretty. Men usually think Michelle is hot. I think Iman is jealous because Michelle is gracing all of the fashion mags, while her time has come and gone.
I'm not doubting your sincerity in thinking she's pretty, but I do think there are alot of ppl who have conditioned themselves to believe she is when normally they probably wouldn't. That is what happens with someone you really admire who also happens to be famous. That said, the fact that men like Mich doesn't mean she's a beauty. Men are usually more drawn to sexyness than beauty, that is why you see some beauties with no man. They are a little too girl next doorish, and while they may get married and find true love, they're not usually the ones I see guys acting like pigs over and drooling over. I'm talking generally, I'm not saying girl next doors are never fawned over, before anyone jumps on me. Michelle is very girl next door ish, and very sexy too. She carries herself with confidence and wears clothes that fit her shape and show it off. That is sexy, and she's the FL, so of course guys would see that as a conquest.
oh, and Iman didn't say Michelle is unattractive. She said she isn't a great beauty, and used that point as a plus for Michelle, not a minus. Please reread the article. :)
Iman was asked if Michelle was a great beauty - she was not asked about any of those other peeople and my guess is she would say no...
oh, and Iman is an actual African.
no offense, but my African family are among the first to say Michelle is ugly. I don't agree, but you can't say by "African standards". No matter where you're from, your taste will be your taste. I think it was stupid for Iman to make those statements, just because of the way they'd be taken. No matter what she was asked, she should have avoided going there.
It sounds like Iman has the crab mentality. Michelle Obama is beautiful, intelligent, fit, highly educated and has compassion for the less fortunate. A woman who has made history by becoming the first African American First Lady in the United States. Instead of Iman applauding another Black woman (Michelle) and all her accomplishments she tries to knock her down. Michelle is more a natural beauty than Iman who has gotten breast implants, wears weaves and probably uses Botox. This amounts to self hatred on Iman's part and she is probably jealous that Michelle has an intelligent and handsome man as her husband who also happens to be the most powerful leader in the world. And who is Iman's husband?
I'm amazed by ppl who say Iman should embrace Michelle, and then make it difficult for her by knocking down her own looks. So, basically you want her to say she's ugly and Michelle is superior and bow down to the queen? Whatever dudes. Iman was a supermodel for a reason, and it is because she is beautiful. That doesn't change just cause she rubs you the wrong way. As for her having implants, you must be new to the whole idea of Hollywood, cause there are few who haven't had anything done. At least her work is minimal and she hasn't ruined her appearance with it. I'd like her doctor's phone number if I ever want work done, lol.
Darrrrrrrrrrn! You folks totally misunderstood Iman. She wasn't slighting Michelle, she was only saying that Michelle's brains, should be more celebrated. Iman was saying it was frivolous for people to start labelling Michelle as a beauty because those things diminish, unlike those other solid attributes like her knowledge and stuff. Sheeeeesh.
Her statement sounded like an insult, maybe Iman should learn communication skills. Maybe she looked at the picture that she took with Michelle and the other nations First Lady and seen how Michelle stood out from all the others including her. Iman is just trying to get in the spotlight off of Michelle's expense. I hate to use her terms but why in the world would she think she would be a house-N, she is the one that would have been working in the fields, Michelle is lighter then her and has her real hair.
You are absolutely correct! Iman's comments were extremely impolitic.
Not all dark skinned blacks were 'in the fields.' It was more about masters' favoring, which is exactly what iman is talking about.
Beauty is subjective.
Your interpretation of Iman's statements is hard to discern. If anything, her statements evidence her confusion about what constitutes beauty. One the one hand, Iman states that The First Lady is "no great beauty". On the other, she states that The First Lady is "so interesting looking". Perhaps her confusion stems from the fact that there is no universal standard of beauty.
Iman is where she is at today because the modeling industry marketed her as a beautiful woman. Michelle is where she is today because of her beauty, her work ethic, and intelligence. While Iman is entitled to her opinion, she is no authority on beauty. No one is!
iman is an accomplished woman. her company has revenue of $25 million per year in the US alone.
watch Video here
http://www.businessw eek.com/smallbiz/con tent/mar2009/sb20090 32_912291.htm
who cares about iman's accomplishments????? Michelle is the FIRST African American First Lady of the USA!!! Don't you realize there's NO comparison between the two. Was a very ignorant, idiotic statement of iman.
You are right, getting to be FL simply by being married to someone is not the same as earning it...nor is the same as running a company.
As important as that is, FL is not a personal accomplishment at all. She is that bc Barack won the election. I think better examples would be her work as a lawyer and vice prez of a company.
Loading comments…
Posted: 05-15-09 02:22 PM