In BOSS' latest campaign, titans of the modelling, acting, sporting and music worlds appear next to their adorable baby photos (Naomi Campbell, Maluma, Gigi Hadid, Lee Minho and Matteo Berrettini, in case you were wondering). It's a sweet concept with a surprisingly powerful message. 'Bosses aren't born. They're made.' The first boss is Naomi Campbell, the supermodel whose career has spanned four decades, included countless 'firsts' and, to date, more than 60 appearances on the cover of Vogue. So what does being a boss mean to her?
'Being your own boss means being dedicated, determined, and having drive! I call those the Three Ds,' she tells us over email. You could also add 'decisive' to that list. In answer to the question about her daily uniform, she says: 'I don’t have a daily uniform. I can wear a look from today or a look from 20 years ago, but it all depends on my mood and how I wake up feeling that day. The only uniform I really have are my high-top sneakers, I love my high-tops.' For the person, living or dead, who respects true style she simply says Bob Marley. You see? Decisive.
Her first brush with fashion was seeing her mother, Valerie Morris, appearing on a catwalk in Switzerland. Considering the longevity of her own career - and the fact that she's walking as many runways now as she did in the '90s, when she, Linda, Christy and Cindy (the so-called 'Supers') were walking for Gianni Versace - what has been her favourite brand to collaborate with during her time? 'I loved working with Azzedine Alaïa. He worked in such a unique way. It’s hard for me to narrow down my favorite brands as each designer has had me at a different stage in my life. However, I love the challenge that each designer brings. They allow me to transform into the vision that the brand has for me.' The two had a very special relationship - there are some fabulous photographs of them together, one where her right leg is outstretched and resting on his shoulder, for example - and one of his creations is also her most memorable outfit. 'There are so many great looks to choose from but if I had to choose one, it would be the black leopard catsuit that I wore in the 1991 AW Azzedine Alaïa show.'
Naomi has had a storied career, but she's also lifting while she climbs with her initiative EMERGE. 'My advice to anyone trying to break into the fashion industry is to always follow your dreams and stay true to yourself. Through my initiative, we work to shine a light on the next generation of talent. In doing so, we create internships, university programs and provide mentorship in industries that focus on business, fashion, and technology.' She, meanwhile, has a secret superpower that not everyone knows about: 'I am very organised and like everything to be in place.' If that isn't true boss behaviour, what is?