Naomi Campbell, an icon of the fashion world for over four decades, is set to be celebrated in a groundbreaking exhibition at London’s prestigious Victoria & Albert Museum. Titled “Naomi: In Fashion,” the exhibition promises an immersive journey through Campbell’s life, career, and enduring influence on the fashion industry.
Combining Campbell’s own extensive wardrobe with loans from designer archives and objects from the V&A’s collections, the exhibition will showcase over 100 looks and accessories that highlight key moments in her illustrious career. From haute couture masterpieces to ready-to-wear ensembles, the exhibit will feature iconic pieces such as her 1989 Thierry Mugler car-inspired corset and the infamous Vivienne Westwood platform shoes from her notorious 1993 catwalk fall.
But “Naomi: In Fashion” is more than just a display of sartorial splendor. It will also shine a light on Campbell’s activism and mentorship, including her global initiative Emerge. The exhibition will explore her close relationship with designer Azzedine Alaïa, her formative years as a model in New York City, and her collaborations with renowned photographers and fashion houses.
Edward Enninful, former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, has contributed to the exhibition with an installation featuring photographs by industry heavyweights like Tim Walker, Nick Knight, and Steven Meisel. These images capture Campbell’s monumental career milestones, from meeting Nelson Mandela to championing diversity in the fashion industry alongside icons like Iman and Bethann Hardison.
Divided into thematic sections such as “Becoming Naomi,” “Supermodel,” “Azzedine Alaïa,” and “New York,” the exhibition will offer visitors a comprehensive overview of Campbell’s life and legacy. It will delve into her role as not just a supermodel, but also as an activist, philanthropist, and creative collaborator who has left an indelible mark on contemporary culture.
Campbell herself expressed her gratitude for being chosen by the V&A to share her story with the world. Her recent appearance in the Apple TV+ docuseries “The Super Models” provided a glimpse into the illustrious careers of Campbell and her peers Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington, further cementing their status as fashion legends.
“Naomi: In Fashion” is scheduled to open on June 22, 2024, and will run until April 6, 2025. Tickets are now available for what promises to be a mesmerizing tribute to one of the most influential figures in the history of fashion.