California Apparel News

Iman (photo by Felix Salzman)

Iman—the single-named supermodel, beauty executive, philanthropist and fashion icon—was honored on Oct. 23 with the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style. She shared the honor with Missoni, the Italian fashion house with a style so singular it took down its capsule collection at Target sold out in minutes.

Guests at the awards ceremony got to see the real deal—at the Missoni store, as well as members of the Missoni family, including founder Octavio and daughters Angela and Magherita.

Magheria, Ottavio and Angela Missoni (photo by Felix Salzman)

Legendary music producer Quincy Jones presented the Missoni family with their award.

Quincy Jones (photo by Felix Salzman)

Founded in 1953, Missoni helped define Italian fashion in the ’60s with its signature chevron knits and masterful mix of color and patterns. Over the years, the company maintains it commitment to innovation in knitwear and style as it expanded to an international brand that includes the core upscale fashion collection, the diffusion line M Missoni, a fragrance and a newly launched chain of hotels, called Hotel Missoni. Firmly ensconced in fashion’s upper tier, Missoni’s mass market capsule collection for Target drew unprecedented demand and sold out in minutes at its September launch.

Stylist, designer and reality show star Rachel Zoe presented Iman with her Walk of Style award.

Rachel Zoe (photo by Felix Salzman)

The Somalia-born daughter of a diplomat, Iman was discovered by photographer Peter Beard in 1975 while she was studying political science at Nairobi University. Her first assignment was for Vogue in 1976. Last year, she received the Fashion Icon Award from the Council of Fashion Designers.

She is also the founder and chief executive of Iman Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrances. Actively involved in many charities, including The Children's Defense Fund, Action Against Hunger and the RAISE HOPE FOR CONGO campaign, she is also ambassador for Save the Children to raise funds and awareness for victims of the famine and drought in EastAfrica. The Walk of Style event also featured a silent auction to benefit Save the Children.

Both Iman and Missoni will receive permanent plaques marking the honor on Rodeo Drive. Past recipients include Fred Hayman, Princess Grace of Monaco and Cartier, Valentino Garavani, Manolo Blahnik, James Galanos, Gianni and Donatella Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, Edith Head, James Acheson and Milena Canonero, Herb Ritts and Mario Testino, Tom Ford and Giorgio Armani.

The City of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee launched the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style in 2003 by to honor style legends for their contributions to fashion and entertainment.

The Missoni store in Beverly Hills (photo by Felix Salzman)