Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award
Iman—the single-named supermodel, beauty executive, philanthropist and fashion icon—was honored on Oct. 23 with the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style award. She shared the honor with Missoni, the Italian fashion house with a style so singular 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 Margherita.
Legendary music producer Quincy Jones presented the Missoni family with their award. 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 maintained its commitment to innovation in knitwear and style as it expanded to an international brand that includes the core upscale fashion collection; a 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.
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 in support of raising funds and awareness for victims of the famine and drought in east Africa. 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, Cartier, Valentino Garavani, Manolo Blahnik, James Galanos, Gianni and Donatella Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, Edith Head, James Acheson, Milena Canonero, Herb Ritts, 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 to honor style legends for their contributions to fashion and entertainment.Photos from the event can be found here.
