Before Alek, before Tyra, before Naomi, there was Iman. Discovered 25 years ago, Iman wasn't just the first black supermodel - she was arguably the first supermodel, full stop. Without doubt, she has made the biggest impact in terms of the visibility of black women in the fashion world.

Despite how fickle that industry is, Iman has never shied away from commenting on the institutional racism within it. In 1994, frustrated by the lack of cosmetics for black women, she did the smart thing and simply launched her own range, Iman Cosmetics. It was enough that people were heralding a black woman as the most beautiful of the day, but when she responded by actually doing something for the rest of us, it was downright amazing - after all, if a supermodel couldn't get the right shade of foundation, how could we mere mortals be expected to?

And now, this weekend, she's launching I-Iman in the UK, an up-market range initially available only in Harrods (and from www.i-iman.com). Unlike the previous line, I-Iman is not just for black women, either: "I-Iman is for all women, not exclusive but inclusive," says Iman. "Iman Cosmetics is exclusively for women of colour and their specific needs. I-Iman make-up is for all women." With sleek, grey packaging, it feels much more luxurious than the existing range. "It is a prestige line," explains Iman, "consisting of audacious, flirty and flaunty make-up. Lots of colour, style and attitude. It's flashy, trashy and glamorous."

The colour palette is, indeed, varied, with shades to suit the lightest and darkest of complexions. The shades all have a very high pigment level, which means they won't look ashen on dark skins or make white skins look washed out. If there is one outstanding theme, it's be bold. "Colour is beauty's new buzz word," says Iman. "There are no rules and any colour goes."

So, does Iman think the beauty industry has pulled up its socks when it comes to catering for black women? "Definitely now more so than when I was a model. There are more options, and I'd like to think Iman Cosmetics had an influence in this makeover of the beauty industry."