Last year saw the resurgence of the legendary 90s supermodels, with the OGs gracing catwalks and front covers all across the globe. Naomi Campbell especially. And her momentum continues, as tickets for the V&A’s exhibition, honouring the super’s body of work in a landmark exhibition, titled Naomi, go on sale.
At a tearful press briefing, Campbell revealed that she feels ‘extra pressure, because everyone expects a great show from me,’ and not wanting to forget anyone she’s worked with in her 40 years in the fashion industry.
Set to open in June, the exhibition sponsored by Boss will unveil Campbell's extensive wardrobe of haute couture and ready-to-wear ensembles, offering a captivating journey through her remarkable four-decade career in the fashion industry. The exhibit will chronicle her trajectory from being scouted in Covent Garden at the age of 15 to making history at 18 as the first Black model to grace the cover of Paris Vogue in August 1988.
The collection will also feature never seen before paraphernalia, collected over the years, as the model hopes to ‘show an intimate side of myself people haven’t seen before.’
This is the first time that a model will be the focus of an exhibition at the V&A and the visual journey will be complemented by striking imagery captured by renowned photographers including Nick Knight, Steven Meisel, and Tim Walker, thoughtfully curated by Edward Enninful OBE - with Naomi's personal involvement of course.
The exhibition goes beyond fashion, acknowledging mentors like Nelson Mandela who influenced Naomi. It also celebrates her advocacy work, highlighting her pivotal role in joining the Black Girls Coalition in 1989 and championing increased diversity on the catwalk. ‘People wonder why I still do what I do,’ Campbell said at the press conference. ‘When I look at the catwalk collections now, I get nervous that we are sliding back. I stay doing what I do because my work is not done.’
Sonnet Stanfill, Senior Curator, Fashion, V&A, said, '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.'
When will the NAOMI exhibition open?
Tickets to NAOMI, scheduled to open on June 22, 2024, and run until April 6, 2025, are available for pre-sale now.