Naomi Campbell, recognized as a pioneering supermodel, is celebrated in a new exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum titled “NAOMI In Fashion.” Exhibition highlights her significant influence on fashion and showcases the many looks that have defined her career.
Campbell, born in 1970, initially aspired to be a dancer, inspired by her mother. However, at the age of 15, she was discovered by an agent in London’s Covent Garden, and her modeling career quickly took off. By 17, she had already graced several fashion magazine covers and participated in major fashion shows in New York, Milan, and Paris.
In 1987, she made history by becoming the first black model to appear on the cover of British Vogue in 20 years. The following year, she became the first black cover star of French Vogue, thanks to the intervention of designer Yves Saint Laurent, who threatened to pull his advertisements from the magazine unless they featured Campbell on the cover.
Campbell’s career soared in the 1990s, placing her among the elite group of supermodels known by their first names, such as Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Linda Evangelista. Her legendary runway walk and photogenic chemistry contributed to her status as a fashion icon.
The V&A exhibition explores Campbell’s remarkable journey and features items from her personal collection, including clothes, accessories, photographs, and memorabilia like Concorde tickets between London and New York. It also pays tribute to influential designers like Azzedine Alaia, with whom Campbell shared a close personal and professional relationship, and Yves Saint Laurent, who played a pivotal role in her career.
Curator Sonnet Stanfill, who interviewed Campbell extensively for the exhibition, emphasizes that top fashion models like Campbell are much more than their looks; they are creative muses and collaborators. The exhibition showcases Campbell’s pioneering efforts to promote diversity in fashion and her campaign for equal pay for black models, which began in 1988.
Despite a reputation for a fiery temper and a few legal issues, Campbell’s enduring legacy in the fashion industry is undeniable. She continues to model and remains a powerful influence, as evidenced by her recent appearance on the Burberry catwalk at the age of 54.
The exhibition also includes interactive elements, such as a catwalk where visitors can learn to “walk like Naomi,” following her advice to “shoulders back…move with the music” and “focus your eyes on the camera.”
“NAOMI In Fashion” not only celebrates Campbell’s groundbreaking achievements but also inspires future generations of models and fashion enthusiasts.
