Naomi Campbell Brings Glamour to V&A Exhibition
Naomi Campbell, the iconic supermodel, has once again captured the spotlight, this time at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London. The museum has dedicated an entire exhibition to her illustrious career, aptly titled “Naomi: In Fashion.” This exhibition is a testament to Campbell’s enduring influence in the fashion world, showcasing her journey from a young model to a global icon.
The V&A has a history of celebrating influential figures, and Campbell now joins the ranks of David Bowie, Frida Kahlo, and Kylie Minogue, who have all had solo exhibitions at this prestigious institution. Campbell’s career, which began in the 1980s when she was just 16, has been marked by groundbreaking achievements and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
In a conversation with Campbell in 2022, she expressed her excitement about the idea of bringing together the significant moments of her life and career in one place. “I have kept so many things that are now all in storage because I travel so much. It’s not just clothes, I have kept photos, backstage passes from fashion shows going back 20 years. I can’t wait to show it to my daughter one day,” she said. This exhibition is not just a showcase of her career but also a legacy she hopes to pass on to her children.
Fast forward to today, and “Naomi: In Fashion” is a reality. The exhibition features over 100 outfits and accessories, along with some of her earliest cover shoots. Campbell, now a mother of two, shared her joy about the exhibition: “They are my complete priority and I love how much joy they bring. Family is everything.”
Campbell has been deeply involved in the curation of the exhibition, working closely with the V&A’s senior curator, Sonnet Stanfill. “I’ve been working alongside a great team and it’s been amazing re-discovering a lot of these items. Some of them have never been seen,” she said. The exhibition is a deeply personal project for Campbell, who described it as her “Pandora’s box.”
The exhibition does not shy away from the more challenging periods of Campbell’s life. It includes the Dolce & Gabbana gown she wore on her final day of community service following her 2007 court case. Campbell pleaded guilty to assault for throwing a mobile phone at her maid. This candid inclusion adds depth to the exhibition, showing the multifaceted nature of her life and career.
The emotional journey of curating the exhibition has been significant for Campbell. She became tearful when recalling memories of close friends and mentors she has lost, such as designers Alexander McQueen and Azzedine Alaïa, and South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela, who called her his “honorary granddaughter.”
The exhibition cleverly weaves Campbell’s story as a trailblazer in the fashion industry. She was the first black woman to grace the covers of Vogue and Time Magazine and the first British black model on the cover of British Vogue. Campbell has always been a fierce advocate for diversity in the fashion industry. “Why do I stay doing what I do? Because my work is not done. I feel that I have to use my voice and platform to keep at them,” she said.
Close friend and former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful, has curated a selection of her photographs, and award-winning film director Steve McQueen has created a video wall featuring Campbell. The exhibition offers visitors a chance to walk through Campbell’s life journey and experience that “supermodel moment” when her image was ubiquitous.
One of the standout exhibits is the Vivienne Westwood platforms that Campbell famously fell in during a catwalk show in Paris in 1993. These shoes, displayed alongside the original outfit, are a piece of fashion history. Other highlights include Campbell’s look from Sarah Burton’s last Alexander McQueen show and a pink Valentino ensemble worn at the 2019 Met Gala.
When asked who she dedicated the exhibition to, Campbell said, “It’s dedicated to the people who have been the driving force behind my determination, dedication, and drive mantra. My mother, whose love, sacrifices, and unshakable belief in me have always given me courage; my children, who encourage me to lead with my heart and be my best self every day; and my incredibly talented fashion family, whose endless creativity, passion, and unwavering support have shaped my path. You are the force behind my force, and this is my tribute to you.”
“Naomi: In Fashion” runs at the V&A Museum in South Kensington from June 22 to April 2025. This exhibition is a celebration of Naomi Campbell’s remarkable career and her lasting impact on the fashion industry.
