He asked a woman out on a date after being enchanted by a shoelace. Twenty-three years later, she was still calling him "my husband" in the present tense.
David Bowie and Iman Mohamed met on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend in Los Angeles, in 1990. For him, it was immediate. "David said it was love at first sight," Iman recounted later. "It took me a few months, but I got there." The moment that convinced her came while walking down the street: his shoelace came untied, and he knelt down to tie it. That's when she thought: "It's him."
Before that, both had been married previously: Iman to basketball player Spencer Haywood, Bowie to model Angela Bowie. Iman clarified years later that she fell in love with "David Jones," not "Bowie": "Bowie is just a character. He's a singer, an artist. David Jones is the man I met."
They married civilly in Lausanne, Switzerland, on April 24, 1992, and held a larger wedding shortly afterward in Florence, Italy. They had a daughter, Alexandria Zahra Jones, in August 2000.
Their marriage lasted until Bowie's death from liver cancer on January 10, 2016, after an 18-month private battle they kept hidden from the public. On the secret to making it work: "David doesn't argue. He's English, so he stays quiet. I'm the one who yells. Then he always makes me laugh. It's like cabaret."
Years after his death, Iman still corrects anyone who calls him her "late husband." "I still feel married. Someone a few years ago referred to David as my late husband, and I said: 'No, he's not my late husband. He's my husband.'"
Reflecting on David Bowie and Iman's relationship, it's inspiring how a small, seemingly insignificant moment like tying a shoelace can mark the beginning of a lifelong bond. In today's fast-paced world, such simple acts often go unnoticed, but they hold the power to reveal genuine character and affection. Their story exemplifies how love develops not just through grand gestures but through everyday kindness and presence. Moreover, Iman's distinction between David Jones, the man she loved, and Bowie, the public persona, highlights a vital perspective often overlooked in celebrity relationships. It reminds us that behind the fame and artistic identity, there is a private individual deserving of love and respect. This duality can sometimes challenge relationships, yet they navigated it gracefully. Their secret to a lasting marriage—humor and understanding, with David’s quiet demeanor balancing Iman’s exuberance—provides a relatable lesson for couples. A relationship thrives on mutual respect, the ability to make each other smile, and accepting each other's differences. Finally, Iman's continued reference to Bowie as her husband rather than late husband shows how love transcends physical absence and death. It’s a poignant reminder of love’s enduring nature and the profound impact a partner can have on one's life, continuing even beyond physical presence. This enduring commitment enriches their story, offering a profound example of lifelong devotion and intimacy that many seek but few experience.
