In the streets of south London, a fashion legend was born on May 22nd, 1970—Naomi Campbell, destined to reshape the world of fashion and beyond. Born to Jamaican professional dancer Valerie Morris Campbell, Naomi was introduced to the world of arts early on. At the age of five, she attended Barbara Speake Stage School, and in her early teens, she enrolled in Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. She had come face-to-face with destiny, when she was approached by Beth Boldt at Synchro Agency, propelling her into a realm of revolution and prominence that would define her career. At the age of 15, she signed with Synchro Agency, marking the beginning of her modeling journey. By her 16th birthday, she graced the cover of British Elle, and shortly thereafter, she made history as the first Black model to appear on covers of both British and French Vogue.

As Naomi graced magazine covers and commanded runways with her grace and charisma, she epitomized a transformative era in fashion. Dominating an industry in which representation and diversity were scarce, her journey to supermodel status was not just a personal triumph, but also a catalyst for change. Her impact transcended the confines of fashion; she became a beacon of empowerment and inspiration for upcoming generations. Now, as she prepares to unveil her upcoming exhibit, “Naomi: In Fashion,” it serves as a testament to her extraordinary journey and the enduring impact she has on society. Through her undeniable resilience and commitment to inclusivity, Naomi Campbell continues to redefine standards and inspire the culture. Now, as a collective, we have an opportunity to witness her creative collaborations, activism, and cultural impact being showcased.

“Naomi: In Fashion” is the first-exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum dedicated to a model. Showcasing her unparalleled career, this groundbreaking exhibition celebrates her influence and contributions to fashion, culture, and activism. In true fashion of the iconic and trailblazing supermodel who has accomplished many firsts, this exhibition shows the barriers that she continues to break and inspires progress within the fashion world. Featuring a meticulously curated collection of more than 100 outfits and accessories worn by her, it showcases designs by high-fashion designers from around the globe. Among the iconic pieces are creations by Gianni and Donatella Versace, Chanel, Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and others. Notable highlights include the iconic 1989 Thierry Mugler corset, symbolizing automotive-inspired couture, Naomi’s striking attire from Sarah Burton’s final show for Alexander McQueen, and a breathtaking pink Valentino ensemble worn at the prestigious 2019 Met Gala. However, for many visitors, the highlight will be the famous high platform shoes by Vivienne Westwood she wore in 1993, immortalizing the unforgettable moment when she stumbled on the catwalk.

Amidst the array of iconic pieces featured in this exhibition, there is a captivating selection of images capturing the essence of her through the lenses of photographers such as Campbell Addy, Nick Knight, Peter Lindbergh, and Steven Miesel. These iconic photographers offer a glimpse into her most iconic imagery, spanning her illustrious career in the fashion industry. Visitors have the opportunity to witness her transformation and evolution as a model through captivating images. From early days as a rising star in fashion to her current status as a global icon, the photographs will provide a visual narrative of Naomi’s journey. Each photograph will offer a unique perspective on Naomi’s career, showcasing her in a variety of settings, styles, and moods. Whether she’s exuding confidence on the runway, channeling fierceness in an editorial, or showcasing her beauty during a portrait session.

Beyond her influence on the fashion industry, “Naomi: In Fashion” uncovers the layers of her activism and cultural impact. The exhibition pays homage to luminaries who shaped her path, notable figures such as Nelson Mandela, whose inspiration fueled her commitment to social change. From her early collaborations with the Black Girl Coalition to her editorial endeavors such as the 2007 “Black issue” for Vogue Italia. In addition to her support for The Diversity Coalition, to promote inclusivity on the runway since 2013, her efforts to nurture emerging talents, evident in initiatives like Arise Fashion Week and the launch of “EMERGE,” underscore her dedication to foster the next generation. Furthermore, her support for many emerging designers throughout the years has been instrumental in showcasing their talents, such as her wearing a striking ensemble from Virgil Abloh’s final Off-White collection, a gray wool ensemble from BOSS Autumn/Winter 2023 “BeYourOwnBoss” campaign, and a design by Sarah Burton worn at the British Fashion Award in 2019. Additionally, her philanthropic endeavors have had deep-rooted impacts on communities across the globe. Through her charitable work with organizations such as Fashion For Relief, she has raised millions of dollars for various causes, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief. This illustrates how her dedication and impact extends beyond the fashion industry.

“Naomi: In Fashion” is on display from June 22, 2024, to April 6, 2025. Admission tickets are priced at £16 for adults and £10 for those under 26 and students. V&A members will enjoy complimentary entry. For those unable to attend the exhibit or looking to gift a friend, the exhibition is accompanied by a book, set to be published in June.

Article by Shawna Small, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine

Naomi Campbell: From Runway to Exhibit