When David Bowie's daughter with Iman was born, the legendary singer said, with his inimitable knack for words, that he had "stumbled into bliss". However, it was a struggle for the couple to have their child Alexandria, now 15, and they turned to a bit of superstition from the supermodel's native Somalia to help. In the wake of his unexpected death at the weekend, their friend Christie Brinkley has revealed that she had a hand in ending their fertility problems.
Sharing a picture of the couple, the American model wrote on Instagram: "Iman always told the story in such a charming way... 'It took two blondes to get me pregnant David Bowie and Christie Brinkley!'"
"You see..." Iman explained to me, "In Somalia they say if you are having trouble getting pregnant you must hold a baby all day" so I handed her my baby, Sailor, and she held her all day long ...and sure enough, it worked! After 7 years trying without luck... Iman got pregnant!
"So beyond her great beauty and business savvy, and beyond Bowie's music and art, I always felt a sweet connection to this stunningly gorgeous and creative couple. Today my heart aches for Iman, and Alexandria for their untimely and unbearable loss. My deepest sympathy @the_real_iman."
In August 2000, David and Iman introduced their little girl, known as Lexi, to the world through the pages of HELLO! for what he said would be her first and last interview.
She was a longed for second child for both. He was father to Duncan, the son of his first marriage, while the African beauty has a daughter named Zulekha from a previous relationship.
The arrival of Lexi, Iman told HELLO!, was "the happiest of times in my life".
About the effect their new bundle of joy was already having, Iman added: "We've always been very close, but if it's possible we've been drawn even closer. There's a joy or a contentment that's almost palpable to both of us. Overnight, our lives have been enriched beyond belief."
