The Woman I Wanted to Be

Love is about relationships, yet the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself. Who else is with you at all times? Who else feels the pain when you are hurt? The shame when you are humiliated? Who can smile at your small satisfactions and laugh at your victories but you? Who understands your moments of fear and loneliness better? Who can console you better than you? You are the one who possesses the keys to your being. You carry the passport to your own happiness.

Confidence makes us beautiful, and it comes from accepting yourself. The moment you accept yourself, it makes everything bet

Passion and persistence are what matter. Dreams are achievable and you can make your fantasy come true, but there are no shortcuts. Nothing happens without hard work.”

Soon after I’d started shadowing him, he bought a new factory near Florence, which was making fine, slinky nightgowns.

Days went by, and slowly the rose began to fade. Even fading, it maintained its beauty. Some of the petals dried, curled, and had little brown spots on them, giving it a special beauty that was different from the beauty it had when it was fresh and new. I felt connected to that rose. Every time I see a new imperfection appear on my face, I think of that rose and how beautiful it was. I want to grow to be that rose

is no longer about looking beautiful, but about feeling beautiful and fulfilled.

You can’t tell my face is swollen when it’s lifted by a huge smile.

Now, in my sixties, I know I have less time ahead and want to enjoy, enjoy as much as possible.

The dignity of these women with their innate elegance is a true inspiration of beauty.

Like many of the models I used, Iman was, and is, a strong, intelligent woman. She speaks five languages and went on to found a successful cosmetics and fashion company, establishing her own global brand. After one daughter and a divorce, she met and married the rock star David Bowie, with whom she shares another daughter and her life in New York. Iman has never forgotten her roots. She does important work for Raise Hope for Congo, UNICEF, Save the Children, and the Dr. Hawa Abdi Foundation.