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Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Naomi Campbell returns to London for ‘NAOMI-In Fashion’ exhibition

The installation captures her meteoric rise and the golden era of supermodeling

 

BY BETH MUNRO-MORRIS — arts@theaggie.org

 

A museum renowned for its emphasis on art and culture, London’s Victoria and Albert Museum is celebrating supermodel Naomi Campbell with a groundbreaking honorary exhibition. Running from June 22 to April 6,  ‘NAOMI- In Fashion’ is an interactive experience that takes visitors on a journey through Campbell’s lifelong career, delving into the story behind her meteoric rise while showcasing some of her most iconic looks.

Gracing the pages of Elle and the front covers of Vogue was never part of Naomi’s plan.  Growing up, she dreamed of performing on stage rather than on a catwalk. Although she performed in music videos for artists including Bob Marley and Culture Club, she quickly transitioned into a global fashion icon after a model agent scouted her in London’s Covent Garden at the age of 15. She, and the rest of the world, would come to realize that this move shaped both her career and the industry as a whole.

Foundational to Naomi’s success was her background in dance, which photographers drew upon to direct poses that we see in her catwalk strut. While many models specialized in either print or runway, Campbell excelled in both, appearing in editorials, advertisements, clothing catalogs and, of course, on some of the world’s most prestigious catwalks.

Landing her first cover on Vogue at the age of 17, Naomi Campbell immediately captured the attention of distinguished fashion houses including Versace, Vivienne Westwood, and Yves Saint Laurent — proving to be among their most lucrative endorsements. Catapulted into the spotlight, she jetted between London, Paris, New York and Milan, quickly gaining international acclaim. Having conquered fashion’s “Big Four,” Campbell solidified her place in the pantheon of iconic ‘90s supermodels, alongside the likes of Cindy Crawford, Tatjana Patitz and Linda Evangelista.

Campbell is the face of one of fashion’s most unforgettable moments — a theatrical fall during the 1993 Vivienne Westwood show. As she navigated the Paris runway in 12-inch heels, Naomi tumbled to the floor. It was her poised recovery that captured the public’s attention; With a laugh, she rose to her feet and continued walking as though nothing had happened.

Another memorable moment for Campbell came at the Azzedine Alaïa Spring 1998 show, where she spontaneously broke into an unchoreographed, tap-inspired dance routine mid-catwalk. Naomi’s ability to infuse the runway with her playful personality helped define the 1990s supermodel era — fashion shows were not just about clothes but also the aura that models brought to the stage.

Campbell’s resilient reputation became a part of her larger legacy as a trailblazer for Black models in the fashion industry. Although successful in challenging Eurocentric ideals of beauty within the modeling industry, Naomi’s influence extended far beyond the fashion world. She became a global advocate for social justice, using her fame to challenge inequalities and empower marginalized communities.

In the late 1990s, Naomi earned the title of “honorary granddaughter” from Nelson Mandela, joining him in his efforts to improve the lives of South Africa’s youth. Raising substantial funds for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, she participated in various charity galas, fundraising events and public initiatives related to education, healthcare and the fight against child poverty.

In addition to her philanthropic work, Campbell also leveraged her fame into entrepreneurship, launching her own perfume line. Her appearance in Michael Jackson’s “In the Closet” music video marked a full-circle moment as she reconnected with her roots in the entertainment world.

Under Naomi Campbell’s influence, fashion evolved into mass entertainment and supermodeling became a globally recognized industry. Despite decades of success, her reign is far from over. Naomi continues to model for top designers, showing that her influence on the fashion industry, now more enduring than ever, remains unparalleled.

Written by Beth Munro-Morris — arts@theaggie.org 

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