Naomi Campbell's iconic career is celebrated at the V&A exhibition

Supermodel Naomi Campbell will be honored with a solo exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), a prestigious London institution known for showcasing the works and lives of influential figures. The exhibit, titled “Naomi: In Fashion,” offers an intimate look at Campbell's life and career, with hundreds of items including more than 100 dresses and accessories, photos, backstage fashion show passes and covers of his first photographs.

Campbell, who burst onto the fashion scene in the 1980s at just 16, has racked up a wealth of memorabilia throughout her career. She expressed excitement to share these pieces with her daughter and the public, reflecting on her journey with pride and a sense of accomplishment. Now a mother of two, Campbell stressed the importance of family and the joy her children bring her.

The exhibition does not gloss over the more difficult periods of Campbell's life, such as his court case in 2007 where he pleaded guilty to assault. Also shown is the Dolce & Gabbana dress she wore on her last day of community service. Campbell's involvement in curating the exhibition was an emotional process, especially as she recalled memories of lost friends such as designers Alexander McQueen and Azzedine Alaïa, and mentors such as Nelson Mandela.

The narrative of the exhibition highlights Campbell's pioneering career. As the first black woman to appear on the covers of Vogue and Time Magazine, and the first black British model to appear on the cover of British Vogue, she has consistently championed diversity in the fashion industry. The exhibition includes a selection of his photographs curated by close friend and former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful, and a video wall by award-winning film director Steve McQueen.

Campbell worked closely with V&A Senior Curator Sonnet Stanfill, who promises visitors a journey through Campbell's life journey and her supermodel moment. The exhibit also features iconic pieces like the Vivienne Westwood platforms that Campbell dropped during a runway show and her pink Valentino ensemble from the 2019 Met Gala.

Campbell dedicated the exhibition to her mother, her children and her “fashion family”, whose support and creativity have shaped her path. The exhibition will be on view at the V&A Museum in South Kensington from 22 June to April 2025.