Imanknows just how much scent can trigger memory. That’s what led her to embark on one of her most personal projects yet.
The supermodel, activist andCARE global advocatejust launched her first perfume,Love Memoir, exclusively available at HSN andhsn.com, as a tribute to her “epic romance” and “everlasting love” with rock legendDavid Bowie, whodied in 2016from liver cancer.
Opening up for thefirst time since his death in this week’s PEOPLE cover story, Iman says that crafting the fragrance during the pandemic at the home they shared together in upstate New York, was not only cathartic for her, but helped her find true healing.
For more on PEOPLE’s cover story with Iman and other top stories, listen below toour daily podcast on PEOPLE Every Day.
“There is an alchemy and magic to it,” Iman tells PEOPLE. “I put in the woodsy vetiver that reminds me of David and the cologne he wore the night we met, and then the bergamot of Tuscany, where we were married.”
“It’s very romantic,” she says. “I think scent and memory are very attached to each other.”
While this is her first fragrance, Iman is no stranger to the beauty space. The trailblazing entrepreneur launched Iman Cosmetics in 1994, cementing herself as a disruptor in the beauty industry with one of the first ever diverse and inclusive makeup lines made for women of color. And Bowie was her steadfast supporter and sounding board throughout it all.
“He was so instrumental,” she tells PEOPLE. “As much as I find myself confident, I’m actually very apprehensive of starting things, especially businesses. If David was not in my life, I don’t know if I would have had the courage to start Iman Cosmetics — he’s fearless in that way. He gave me the courage.”
And Iman says she takes comfort in knowing that Love Memoir is definitely something her forever love would be proud of.
“Even now, when I’m starting something, I think, ‘Well, what would he say?,’ and he would say, ‘Go for it.’
For more from Iman and David’s love story, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribehere.
source: people.com
