Naomi Campbell: A Trailblazer in Fashion
Naomi Campbell, the first dark-skinned supermodel of the UK, is being honored in a new exhibition in London. The exhibition showcases her groundbreaking contributions to the fashion industry, alongside other pioneers like Beverly Johnson, who was the first dark-skinned model to appear on the cover of American Vogue.
«Do you want to be a model?» Beth Boldt asked a group of schoolgirls in Covent Garden. Fifteen-year-old Naomi Campbell was taken aback, assuming the question was directed at her fair-skinned friends. To her surprise, Boldt was actually talking to her.
Recognized as a symbol of diversity on the catwalk, Campbell has been a vocal advocate for equal rights in an industry where dark-skinned individuals were often marginalized. The exhibition, titled «NAOMI: In Fashion,» opened at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to commemorate her impressive 40-year career. The display highlights the highs and lows of Campbell’s journey, showcasing iconic outfits such as the 30cm high Vivienne Westwood blue heels that she stumbled in during a runway show in 1993.
One of the featured pieces is a silver dress from Dolce & Gabbana, which Campbell wore on the final day of her five-day community service as a consequence of a highly publicized incident that garnered widespread attention. When questioned by Grazia Magazine about her outfit choice, she boldly responded, «Why do you expect me to look subdued?»
