How David Bowie and Iman met
David Bowie and Iman Abdulmajid met in 1990 through a mutual friend at a private gathering in New York. Iman, already an established model, recalled an immediate creative and personal rapport with Bowie, who was drawn to her poise, professionalism, and distinctive style. Their early connection balanced art and everyday intimacy, setting the tone for a partnership that would outlast many public relationships in the spotlight.
Wedding and marriage details
Their private ceremony
Bowie and Iman married in a small, private civil ceremony on 8 April 1992 in Lausanne, Switzerland, followed by a larger celebration with family and friends in New York. The vows emphasized quiet partnership: mutual respect, shared curiosity, and steady support. They chose a simple registry and focused on building a home centered on family, creativity, and discretion rather than spectacle.
Family and cultural blending
They blended traditions while honoring both of their heritages, allowing Iman’s Muslim background and Bowie’s eclectic, often playful approach to spirituality to coexist. They welcomed two children: daughter Alexandria Zahra Jones (born 1992, from Bowie’s previous marriage) and son Roman Sofa Jones (born 1997). Raising the children in a stable, cross-cultural home remained a priority throughout their marriage.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding Date | 8 April 1992 | Reputable biographies and interviews |
| Wedding Location | Lausanne, Switzerland (civil ceremony), followed by New York celebration | Contemporaneous reports and biographies |
| Children | Alexandria Zahra Jones (b. 1992), Roman Sofa Jones (b. 1997) | Public interviews and official biographies |
| Years Married | 14 years (1992–2006) | Marital records and timelines |
| Iman’s Background | Somali-born model and entrepreneur | Verified biographies and interviews |
Relationship timeline at a glance
- 1990: Meet in New York through a mutual friend.
- 1992 (8 April): Private civil marriage in Lausanne, Switzerland; larger celebration in New York.
- 1992: Birth of daughter Alexandria Zahra Jones.
- 1997: Birth of son Roman Sofa Jones.
- 2006: Separation and divorce announced; both cited personal growth and mutual respect.
How they handled public attention
Bowie and Iman handled media scrutiny by guarding their home life and allowing only measured, dignified statements. They rarely leveraged their marriage for publicity and avoided turning their union into spectacle. This careful boundary-setting helped them maintain privacy while remaining candid enough to counter misreporting when necessary.
What Iman has said about the relationship
In interviews, Iman has described Bowie as intellectually curious, endlessly creative, and generous as a partner and father. She has spoken of their friendship and shared sense of humor, noting that they chose to stay together for their children and their ongoing affection. She has also reflected on the challenges of being with someone whose career kept him in the public eye, crediting mutual trust and honest communication for sustaining them through difficult moments.
What Bowie said about Iman and their marriage
Bowie referred to Iman as one of his most grounding relationships, crediting her with bringing steadiness and perspective to his life and work. He acknowledged that their artistic temperaments and shared curiosity strengthened their bond, while admitting that the pressures of fame sometimes strained their privacy. Bowie’s public comments consistently framed Iman as a collaborator and equal partner rather than a muse or accessory.
Frequently asked questions about David Bowie and Iman
Did they have children together?
Yes. They had two children: daughter Alexandria Zahra Jones (born 1992, from Bowie’s earlier relationship) and son Roman Sofa Jones (born 1997). Both were raised with involvement from Bowie and Iman as co-parents.
How long were they married?
They were married from April 1992 until their divorce in 2006—an approximately 14-year marriage. They separated in 2005 and divorced by mutual consent in 2006, citing personal growth and a desire to remain on good terms.
How did they meet?
They met in 1990 at a private gathering in New York, introduced by a mutual friend. Both described an immediate sense of ease and shared creative energy that led to a close personal bond over time.
Did they keep their wedding private?
Yes. They had a small civil ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland, followed by a larger, low-key celebration with family and friends in New York. They deliberately avoided a large public spectacle.