The V&A in South Kensington is currently hosting a groundbreaking exhibition, NAOMI, celebrating the extraordinary 40-year career of British supermodel and cultural icon Naomi Campbell. Running until April 6, 2025, the exhibition offers an in-depth exploration of Campbell’s trailblazing journey, from her early days as a 15-year-old discovered in Covent Garden, to becoming one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry today.

Naomi Campbell's rise to global fame is historic. In 1988, at just 18 years old, she became the first Black model to appear on the cover of Paris Vogue, an achievement that marked a pivotal moment in fashion history. Over the past four decades, Campbell has continued to break barriers, gracing the runways of prestigious designers and appearing in countless iconic campaigns and editorial spreads. Her unparalleled presence on the catwalk and her ability to connect with designers, photographers, and creatives have ensured her place as a timeless figure in the fashion world.

The exhibition features more than 100 looks from Campbell’s career, showcasing her iconic wardrobe that spans both haute couture and ready-to-wear designs. Visitors will encounter exquisite pieces from celebrated designers such as Alexander McQueen, Azzedine Alaïa, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gianni and Donatella Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, Karl Lagerfeld, Valentino, Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent, and many more. The garments will be complemented by striking fashion photography from renowned photographers like Nick Knight, Steven Meisel, and Tim Walker, curated by Edward Enninful OBE. These images, displayed as part of a dynamic installation, capture Campbell’s ability to transform any fashion shoot into a moment of iconic artistry.

In addition to the fashion and photography, NAOMI highlights Campbell’s immense influence beyond the catwalk. The exhibition delves into her cultural leadership and activism, spotlighting her efforts to challenge systemic inequalities in fashion. She has long been a champion of diversity, having advocated for greater representation for Black models since the early years of her career. Along with her fellow models Iman and Bethann Hardison, Campbell founded The Diversity Coalition in 2013 to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry. She has also been a vocal advocate for equity in fashion, famously fronting the 2007 ‘black issue’ of Vogue Italia and supporting causes related to social justice, including her mentorship from Nelson Mandela, who inspired her to use her platform for positive change.

A key feature of the exhibition is its collaboration with Naomi Campbell herself, offering an intimate perspective on her career through her personal voice. Visitors will also have the chance to explore NAOMI, a newly published book from V&A Publishing, which provides unique insights into Campbell’s career and iconic looks. The book features Campbell’s reflections on pivotal moments in her life and her fashion evolution, offering a deeper understanding of the woman behind the world-famous supermodel.

In addition to the fashion and photography, the exhibition also celebrates Campbell’s ongoing support for emerging creatives. Her global initiative, EMERGE, founded in 2022, offers a platform for young talents in fashion, while her involvement in events like Arise Fashion Week continues to promote and nurture new voices in the creative world.

NAOMI is more than just a fashion exhibition; it is a celebration of a woman who has not only shaped the fashion industry but has also used her success to fight for equity and inspire generations of artists and activists. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in fashion, cultural history, and the power of one individual’s impact on the world.

For more details, visit vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/naomi. The exhibition runs until April 6, 2025.