A new exhibition celebrates the unparalleled career of a cultural legend.
Synonymous with high-octane glamour and many a Bond Street luxury house, there's no one quite like supermodel extraordinaire, Naomi Campbell. Now, a new blockbuster show, currently running at the V&A South Kensington until 6 April 2025, tells the story of her unequalled 40-year career by way of 100, iconic designer dresses, accessories and photographs. Many of the items come from Campbell's private collection as well as loans from designer archives and the V&A's own collections.
Charting four decades in fashion and featuring early haute couture and ready-to-wear pieces, it's clear to see just how deeply rooted Campbell's life in clothes is to Bond Street. Indeed, her numerous collaborations and lifelong friendships with our global fashion brands and designers lie at the heart of this must-see show. On display are dresses from the early days of Alexander McQueen and more recently, the model's stunning silver corset dress designed by her friend Sarah Burton in her last show for the legacy fashion house.
Other esteemed Bond Street brands to feature in this stunning showcase include Valentino. The pink ensemble Campbell wore at the 2019 Met Gala is shown here, as is a feathered cocktail dress by Yves Saint Laurent for his Autumn/Winter 1987 collection. Another pivotal look from Bond Street includes Chanel's two-piece suit. Cut from lavender tweed, the matching dress and jacket bring yet another pop of colour to the proceedings.
There's even a recreation of Campbell's dressing room complete with Claridge's Hotel slippers, her favourite Diptyque candle and a classic Louis Vuitton travel case. Elsewhere, the airplane outfit consisting of a Burberry cape worn over a hazmat suit during Covid-times also takes centre stage. Equally as amusing, the silver Dolce & Gabbana gown complete with crystal embellishments that Campbell wore on the final day of community service in 1997, marks yet another iconic moment in her legendary fashion career.
“She is recognised worldwide as a supermodel, activist, philanthropist and creative collaborator, making her one of the most prolific and influential figures in contemporary culture”
Of the show's protagonist, Sonnet Stanfill, Senior Curator, Fashion, V&A says: “Naomi Campbell’s extraordinary career intersects with the best of high fashion. She is recognised worldwide as a supermodel, activist, philanthropist, and creative collaborator, making her one of the most prolific and influential figures in contemporary culture. We’re delighted to be working with Naomi Campbell on this project and to celebrate her career with our audiences.”
Born in South London in 1970, Campbell's love of movement and dance was expressed at stage school. She then went on to appear in music videos for artists including Bob Marley and Culture Club. Aged 15, whilst out shopping with school friends, she was spotted by the model agent Beth Boldt. Two years later, she had made it to the front cover of Vogue and was walking the catwalks of acclaimed designers in all the major fashion capitals. Speaking of fashion shows, who could forget the model's famous fall during the Vivienne Westwood London Fashion Week presentation in 1993? The nine-inch platforms that caused her to stumble right in front of the world's press, take pride of place in the V&A exhibition.
Fashion photography from some of the best in the business - Steven Meisel, Nick Knight and Patrick Demarchelier also features prominently throughout the show. This stunning selection of images is curated by Edward Enninful OBE who says of the supermodel: "As anyone who has worked with her knows, when Naomi arrives at a shoot, she is there to work."
Finally, recognition is given to Campbell’s mentors including Nelson Mandela, who inspired her to use her platform for social change. As one of the first prominent black models of her generation, Campbell has advocated for equity from an early age, joining the Black Girls Coalition in 1989 and fronting the 2008 ‘black issue’ of Vogue Italia. She has also campaigned for The Diversity Coalition since 2013 to champion diversity on the catwalk. The exhibition also shines a light on her continued support of new designers, through events such as Arise Fashion Week and her global initiative EMERGE, founded in 2022.
The V&A, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL