The Queen of the Catwalk Honored
After four decades of reigning supreme in the fashion industry, Naomi Campbell, one of the most recognizable models and influential Black women in the world, is set to have her enduring career celebrated with a dedicated exhibition at the esteemed Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
“I’m honored to be asked by the V&A to share my life in clothes with the world,” Campbell, 53, said in a statement.
A Retrospective of Fashion Milestones
Titled “NAOMI: In Fashion,” the exhibition promises to take visitors on a journey through some of the most iconic moments in Campbell’s illustrious career.
On display will be an array of designer outfits and accessories from fashion’s biggest names, including Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, and Alexander McQueen.
Memorable Ensembles and Unforgettable Moments
Among the highlights of the exhibition are a 1989 Thierry Mugler car-inspired corset made from plastic and metal, the bubblegum pink Valentino gown and feather cape Campbell wore at the 2019 Met Gala, and the staggeringly high Vivienne Westwood platform shoes worn during her famous 1993 catwalk fall.
Tracing the Roots of a Fashion Superstar
Born in London, Campbell’s journey in the fashion world began at a young age when she attended stage school and started performing in music videos for Bob Marley and Culture Club.
At 15, she was discovered by a model agent, and within two years, she was strutting down catwalks in Paris and Milan, becoming the first Black model to grace the cover of Vogue France in 1988.
A Celebration of Advocacy and Mentorship
The exhibition will also shed light on Campbell’s personal and professional relationship with the late Tunisian-born designer Azzedine Alaïa, who opened his Parisian home and studio to the young model, fostering her talent and helping advance her career.
Furthermore, the show will recognize Campbell’s advocacy for equity in the fashion industry and her support for emerging creative talents.
“Naomi Campbell’s extraordinary career intersects with the best of high fashion. She is recognized worldwide as a supermodel, activist, philanthropist and creative collaborator, making her one of the most prolific and influential figures in contemporary culture,” Sonnet Stanfill, senior curator of fashion at the V&A, told WWD.
“NAOMI: In Fashion” will run from June 22, 2024, until April 6, 2025, at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, offering visitors a comprehensive and immersive look at the life and legacy of a true fashion icon.
