Naomi Campbell: the supermodel brings catwalk magic to the Victoria and Albert Present

When the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) devotes a complete present to at least one individual, particularly one whose profession continues to be ongoing, it is often an indication that stardust is coming.

This time it is the flip of supermodel Naomi Campbell, the lady whose work and life have made headlines since she burst onto the style scene within the Nineteen Eighties when she was 16 years outdated.

The south London native is now following within the footsteps of the likes of David Bowie, Frida Kahlo and Kylie, who’ve additionally had solo exhibitions on the prestigious Museum of London.

After I spoke to Campbell in 2022, she mentioned with me the concept of ​​gathering all the massive moments of her life and profession in a single place.

“I’ve stored lots of issues in storage now as a result of I journey quite a bit. It isn’t simply garments, I’ve stored photographs, backstage tickets from style reveals going again 20 years. I can not wait to indicate them,” she mentioned. For my daughter someday.”

There was a way of Campbell’s need to cross this legacy on to her daughter and a pleasure mirrored in the way in which she spoke about it: “I do know I am the place I am purported to be. I really feel very fortunate. My daughter has taught me to cease and admire issues and to be affected person and let issues movement.” “

Two years later, right here we’re with Naomi: in style, gathering lots of of things that can give folks an perception into her world.

This contains over 100 costumes, equipment and a few of her first cowl photographs.

By the point we met up once more earlier this 12 months, Campbell was a mom of two, having welcomed her son in 2023: “They’re my full precedence and I like how a lot happiness they carry. Household is the whole lot.”

When discussing the feel and appear of what she needed the exhibition to appear like, she mentioned: “I labored alongside a improbable crew and it was superb to rediscover lots of these parts. A few of them had by no means been seen earlier than.”

“It is actually intimate to place it on the market for everybody to see; my Pandora’s field if you’ll.”

The present doesn’t shrink back from the tougher durations within the mannequin’s life, together with her courtroom case in 2007. She pleaded responsible to assault for throwing a cell phone at her maid and the exhibition will characteristic the Dolce & Gabbana costume she wore on her remaining day of group service.

Being concerned in organizing the exhibition was emotional for Campbell. She cried when she talked in regards to the recollections sparked by the lack of shut associates like designers Alexander McQueen and Azzedine Alaïa, and mentors like South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela.

The present makes good use of Campbell’s story to date, and the theme of Campbell as a pioneer is woven seamlessly all through the present.

As the primary black lady to look on the duvet of Vogue and Time journal, in addition to the primary black British mannequin to look on the duvet of British Vogue; She has all the time fought for variety within the style trade and continues to take action: “Why do I hold doing what I am doing? As a result of my work is not finished but. I really feel like I’ve to make use of my voice and my platform to maintain doing it.”

Edward Enninful, a detailed pal and former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, curated a collection of her pictures in addition to a video wall of Campbell’s award-winning movie director Steve McQueen.

Campbell was very aware of the method, having labored carefully with Sunette Stanfill, chief curator on the Victoria and Albert Museum: “Guests are in for a deal with, and can actually be capable to stroll by way of Naomi’s life’s journey and that ‘supermodel second’ when her picture was in all places. .

“It was nice to see Naomi’s response to all of this stuff coming collectively in a single place, she was actually trustworthy about how emotional it was.”

Favourite Stanfill exhibit from the present?

“Vivienne Westwood’s footwear and fall platform footwear have gone down in style historical past. We have showcased them alongside the unique outfit for the primary time because the occasion.”

Different highlights embody Campbell’s look from Sarah Burton’s latest Alexander McQueen present, a pink Valentino ensemble worn to the 2019 Met Gala.

When requested who she created the exhibition for, Campbell informed the BBC: “It’s devoted to the individuals who have been the driving pressure behind my dedication, my dedication and my driving motto.

“My mom, whose love, sacrifices and unwavering perception in me have all the time given me braveness; my kids, who encourage me to steer with my coronary heart and be my finest day-after-day; and my extremely proficient style household, whose limitless creativity, ardour and unwavering help have formed my path.”

“You’re the pressure behind my energy, and that is my appreciation for you.”

The exhibition will likely be held on the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, London, from June 22 to April 2025.