Iman Looking Fierce, Long Before David Bowie (PHOTO)

Apparently not.

Iman, the Somalian beauty known for her long, graceful neck and mile-long legs landed her first modeling gig in 1976 -- a spread in a Vogue. The muse to designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Thierry Mugler and Donna Karan challenged the accepted standard of beauty and broken many boundaries as a black model in an industry that continues to struggle with diversity even today. In 1978 she became one of the first models of color to sign an exclusive cosmetics contract with Revlon, and she posed for their "Polished Ambers" line for darker skin.

Iman retired from modeling in 1989 and tied the knot with fellow style icon, David Bowie, in 1992. But the fashion superstar didn't stop there -- she became a make-up mogul when she founded Iman Cosmetics and revolutionized the availability of make-up for women of color.

Iman is a daring fashionista who's not afraid to try new styles (or wear leather pants at any age), and she usually goes for looks that ooze sex appeal. In this 1989 photo she's seen sans Bowie (they hadn't met yet) at a benefit concert at the Brooklyn Academy of Music wearing a totally swoon-worthy fringe minidress. Now that's a dress you want to dance in! Will you try Iman's sultry nighttime look?

iman

Time&Life Pictures/Getty Images

Shop the look and check out more from our A Look Back archives:

iman

Art by Raydene Salinas

Muse Dress, Pinko Blazer, Fekkai Conditioner, Andis Curling Iron, Warren Tricomi Volumizing Spray, Nexxus Brush

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