
COMMANDOpera will remove intentionally form the art form to look at one of the greatest stars of another. The supermodel Iman has been reappearing with greater frequency over the past few years to resume her position as an untouchable celebrity of the very highest echelon. Iman, who arrives from Somalia, literally became an overnight sensation on the catwalk which she ruled until her retirement in 1994. The daughter of a career diplomat, Iman spoke seven languages and was already the toast of east African society, when she was ‘found’ by photographer Michael Beard in Nairobi. Upon her arrival to New York City, she was immediately engaged by the famed Wilhelmina modelling agency, and the story was spun by her handlers that Iman was the simple daughter of a goat herder (something which did not sit particularly well with this rather educated person). That wee fabrication quickly evaporated, and the rest is history. Iman never missed any opportunity she could turn into gold, and invariably became an extraordinarily wealthy woman within a few years (it is she who did not get out of bed for less than $50,000 each day). Both her fame and fortune somehow seemed as though predestined. On the Internet, COMMANDOpera found a 38 second clip which tells anyone who is curious, all they need to know to understand Iman.
From the moment Iman appears on the catwalk, there is no doubt as to who is the star in the room. And with good reason. The second she appears, the model who is currently sashaying towards the back must move to the right to avoid Iman who determines to take the centre of the runway. As Iman glides to the front of the catwalk in flats, she is focused, moving in perfect harmony to the beat of the music yet smiling here and there as a token to certain admirers (always maintaining the centre of the runway). The moment she arrives to the front, it is impossible to not read her mind that the second she turns around to head back, she knows another model will also be on the catwalk. She turns crisply to face her nemesis, hands quickly clasped behind her her back, then immediately removed as she returns 1/3 down the runway before undertaking a complete rotation. In doing so, her left hand moves to her hip, she then proceeds to face her prey and continues her return moving her right hand to her right hip in a fully aggressive, challenging mode. Iman maintains her position at the critical centre of the runway, obliging the other model to move to the other side as they meet, where they briefly stop. Iman looks straight ahead ignoring the other model, who is now glaring at her: pure theatre. The other model is obliged to move around Iman after this tiny interlude (Iman will remain still a split second longer before moving on).
Vincitrice.
COMMANDOpera has often expounded the merit of the rule ‘centre of attention’, and the history of the rule, however Iman takes the whole concept to an entirely new level. For those who are intent on being a success of huge proportion in the art form of their choice, it is always game on when your in the game. 24/7.

















Make It Out of Town With EVE
EVE is perhaps the most brilliant rapper of all time in the opinion of this venue, for no one rawks it out so consistently like this artist. Unlike other rappers, EVE has penned a number of socially conscious hits which have become mainstream simply because her message knows no borders. Recently EVE released Make it Out of This Town which has a strong anti bullying message of support for those who know abuse at high school.
Brava EVE!