The Budget Fashionista

Iman has long been a style icon for those of us here at The Budget Fashionista, not only because she exudes elegant sophistication, but also because she’s consistently demonstrated a commitment to beauty and fashion for women of all colors and all ages. The icing on the cake? She’s all about making it available to women on a budget, too—from her IMAN cosmetics line for women of color at JCPenney to her current Global Chic line for HSN. Gearing up for a July 12 appearance on HSN to introduce some brand new items, Iman took a few moments to speak to TBF about beauty, fashion, and what’s to come:

TBF: We’ve previously featured some of your Global Chic items from HSN on The Budget Fashionista, because we found them to be super chic and reasonably priced. What inspired you to create this collection, and why did you decide to work with HSN?

Iman: With the Global Chic Collection, I will dress you, jewel you, and accessorize you from head to toe—giving you an extensive line of fashionable show “toppers��? and trendy looks to be instantly incorporated into your life, with zero effort. I always say that it is the “extras��? that add personality and unique touches to outfits – I am providing all women with those “extras!��?

TBF: You’ve long had a commitment to beauty/fashion products for the “average” woman—in fact, Kathryn Finney remembers one of her first makeup purchases to be from your line of cosmetics for women of color at JCPenney. What prompted you to start that cosmetics line, and what keeps you focused on affordable beauty and fashion for the fashionista masses?

Iman: When I first began modeling I used to be asked if I brought my own concealer by the makeup artist. I then began mixing my own shades as nothing exactly matched my tone. I thought – why not create a line specifically formulated for all women with skin of color. Beauty comes from the inside, but you also what to feel good about the outside! IMAN Cosmetics offers more than 17 shades in various products and are high-quality formulas without being too expensive.

TBF: Another issue you’ve spoken to is beauty for all ages, which a focus here at The Budget Fashionista as well. What’s your take on how the fashion/beauty industry is addressing this issue currently? And how does your HSN collection speak to this issue in particular?

Iman: My HSN collection provides chic, affordable, handbags, jewelry, and fashion accessories that are classic for all ages. It is how you mix and match and re-make the old. I would pair one of my favorite pieces – the Blue Python City Tote with crisp white jeans and a white tee, while a teenager could pull-off the same bag with trendy black gladiator sandals, skinny jeans, and a logo tee. It is about dressing for your personal style and feeling great!

TBF: Now to the fashion—any tips for sprucing up that tired summer wardrobe this season?

Iman: Yes, again it is all about the extras! Your summer staples, such as white jeans, colorful tees, and bright sundresses can be dressed up or down with the right accessories and hand bags. Add personality to basics with a vibrant ombre bag like my Global Chic Signature Tote, or dress up your favorite go-to skirt with a wrist full of jeweled bangles. It is all in remaking the old!

TBF: Looking ahead, we know you’ll be appearing live on HSN on July 12 to introduce new items for the Global Chic collection. Anything else on the fashion/beauty front we can look for from you in the near future?

Iman: I will be appearing live on HSN again this fall beginning in September through the holiday season with new items such as the Global Chic Doctor Satchel and Global Chic Bow Clutch that are perfect for all your winter festivities.

Tune in to HSN on July 12 to see Iman and her Global Chic line; to shop it now, go to HSN.com