by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

Iman Fandi on Music, Beauty & Overcoming Adversity

Iman Fandi is no stranger to the limelight. Born to Singapore’s football icon Fandi Ahmad and former South African model Wendy Jacobs, Iman is a model who advocates diversity while working on a singing career. Since her debut, she has modelled for brands like H&M, Cartier and Kenzo.

We dive deeper with the 20-year-old as she shares more about her passion for music, her everyday beauty routine and her definition of beauty.

When and how did you go into modelling and singing? 

My mother was my inspiration as she is a former model. I remember joining her in photoshoots when I was younger. Naturally, I started to pursue modelling independently when I was about 13.

Singing was always a hobby of mine, especially songwriting. What I love most about songwriting is that it’s almost therapeutic; it helps me to express and understand my feelings.

Last year, I recorded a song just for fun. Then Universal Music Group Singapore reached out to explore working together, so that’s how it pretty much began. I’m so excited to put out my first single after working on it for so long.

“My belief is that when we put our minds to do something, we have to give it our best; we never know where it could take us.”

Did you experience any challenges since modelling at such a young age?

I don’t have the ideal model height and size, which was a challenge for me. I have more of an athletic body type because I used to be in competitive track and field. But I’m thankful for my mother because she instilled in me lessons of self-confidence. She stressed that different clients look for different types of models, so there is something for everyone. It is more important to work hard. Being respectful and kind will go a long way. That is something I remember until today while entering the music industry.

I also needed to manage my time as I was still in school then. And being quite young, I felt like I didn’t really have a variety of poses compared to older girls but I’m still learning along the way.

What has been a career highlight for you so far?

I think it would have to be attending Women’s Fashion Week in Paris! It’s always been something I’ve wanted to experience, especially since I love fashion.

Let’s move on to beauty. What do beauty and diversity as a whole mean to you?

To me, it means being our authentic self, embracing our quirks. For me, it would be loving my stretch marks. It’s something not many people would think is beautiful but I do. They remind me of lightning-shaped lines on our bodies with their own stories. Whatever race you are, skin colour or hair type you have, we’re all equally beautiful.

What is a typical skincare routine for you?

It starts with washing my face in the morning with a gentle cleanser. Then I move on to toner, the Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, a water or gel-based moisturiser, and a light layer of sunscareen. I’m still getting used to putting on sunscreen because sometimes I forget or get a little lazy (laughs).

What are your go-to items for an effortless everyday beauty look?

My go-to items would be a little concealer (I’ve been using the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer for a while now), Benefit Cosmetics’ Brow Styler Multitasking Pencil, Tom Ford’s Soleil Shade And Illuminate Glow Stick, a light layer of any mascara and lastly, a nice light layer on the lips. I like the Marc Jacobs Beauty Re(cover) Hydrating Coconut Lip Oil and the Nars Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm. Recently, I’ve also been loving the Fenty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush.

What advice would you give women and girls who are insecure about the way they look?

Everyone has insecurities and it definitely took me a while to accept some of mine. I would say that with time and by learning more about ourselves, we will also learn to accept what we deem are our flaws.

I think being around others with a good influence will help—like being on social media and seeing accounts that help promote body positivity. I’ve started to be more accepting of my own body because of it. It is important for youths and women to stop comparing themselves to other people. We tend to judge ourselves a bit too harshly. I think doing our best to be healthy and to feel our best is important; it’ll boost our confidence and generally make us happier humans.

What are your goals in the future? What are you working towards?

I’ve always had a “go with the flow” mindset; it has not stopped me from trying out things that I want to, like sports, music or modelling. I’m always thinking if I don’t try, I’ll never know, and if I don’t know, will I then regret not trying?

I’m constantly pushing myself through new experiences and goals. For now, I am pursuing my music career while modelling. But something that grounds me is the foundation of a happy, adventurous, and fulfilling life.

I want to be the best version of myself and to become better, even if it’s learning to do the simplest things.

Iman’s Beauty Picks

Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, SGD46
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II Lunar New Year Edition (Limited Edition), SGD175
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, SGD11.99
Benefit Cosmetics’ Brow Styler Multitasking Pencil & Powder for Brows, SGD60
Tom Ford Soleil Shade And Illuminate Glow Stick, SGD88
Marc Jacobs Beauty Re(cover) Hydrating Coconut Lip Oil, SGD44
Nars Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm, SGD40
Fenty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush, SGD33
Lanthome 100% Pure Castor Oil, SGD1.95

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