“Today, fashion is all about having a personality,” says Imaan Hammam. “And nothing is as inspiring as the power of being you.”
The Dutch Moroccan/Egyptian model and activist uses this fashion philosophy off the runway as well. She showcases her own vibrant personality in a recent collaboration with Frame Denim. This collaboration includes a 20-piece collection celebrating styles of all kinds.
“It’s all about diversity and freedom and women in power.” Hammam explains. Pieces reflect both youth and professionalism – including this vibrant, ’80s-inspired powersuit.
IMAAN Joins Together with FRAME
Frame Denim’s new collaboration with Hammam does double duty. As an an ambassador for She’s the First, a non-profit that sponsors education for young girls, Hammam wants her work in fashion to reflect her philanthropic efforts. Many of the new pieces include the words “Freedom”, “Diversity”, “Youth”, and “Empowerment.” The 20-piece collection includes everything from denim pants and jackets to a bright red-orange suit, shorts, sweatshirts, and more.
“Collaborating with Frame on this collection has been an exploration of my design aesthetic and desire to break barriers,” says Hammam. “Translating my trust and guiding words of freedom, diversity, youth and empowerment into a line of clothing that I really love.”
Hammam and Frame co-founders Erik Torstensson and Jens Grede met in Mexico. In an interview with Coveteur, the co-founders called the collaboration “no-brainer.” Hammam’s personal style inspired the collection. She describes her style as “cool, sexy, and smart.” The collection launched during New York Fashion Week, but Hammam says she felt “especially proud that it’s launching during Black History month,” as well.
Imaan Hammam Always Wanted to Be a Model
Hammam’s career began at the age of 14. Discovered by a talent agency, she moved to New York City at only 16 years old. Within a year, she debuted on the runway. Since then she has worked with a number of luxury brands, including Versace, Fendi, Alexander McQueen, Moschino, and more.
Only 23, Hammam has appeared on the cover of North American Vogue thrice already. Her glamorous life includes glamorous connections, including the likes of Canadian rapper Drake, who she was rumored to be dating.
“I always knew I wanted to become a model,” Hammam told Vogue Arabia. She mentioned how she would stage full runway shows after school at the age of 9. For this reason, she chose the word “youth” to be featured in the collection.
Hammam tells Vogue that, “I chose ‘youth’ because I started as a young girl and because I think it’s very important to bring a lot of knowledge to the kids and show them that they can actually think big and follow their dreams.”
Imaan Hammam on Celebrating and Promoting Diversity
In addition to an explosively successful modeling career, Hammam uses her position as an influencer to promote her values. As an ambassador for She’s the First, she hopes to spread her message through her modeling as well. In addition to her work in fashion, she recently visited Gambia to mentor students at Starfish International.
In her time there, she learned that what matters most to them is “having a voice in their own futures.”
Hammam, as an Egyptian-Moroccan Muslim woman, feels “superproud of her heritage and her roots.”
When she first started out modelling, Hammam recalls getting passed over for jobs because she appeared “too ‘ethnic looking’.” Now, with more diversity in the industry, Hammam describes the opportunity to collaborate with FRAME as “so exciting because [she] got to have an impact off the runway to inspire runway to inspire others to share their voice and what they stand for.”
Peruse or purchase the IMAAN x FRAME collection here on the official website.
