Fashion and Culture: NAOMI: In Fashion - 22 June 2024 – 6 April 2025 at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London

Renowned as a global icon in the realm of fashion, Naomi Campbell gracing magazine covers and leading prestigious catwalk shows has become synonymous with her illustrious career. 

The NAOMI: In Fashion exhibition presents Naomi's expansive collection of haute couture and top-tier ready-to-wear outfits, complemented by contributions from designer archives and selections from the V&A's own collection. In the image above, Naomi models one of her favourite ensembles by Alexander McQueen, surrounded by other notable designs. From left to right, we see creations by Nigerian designer Kenneth Ize, showcased at Paris Fashion Week; an elegant Alexander McQueen gown, worn at the 2019 Fashion Icon Awards; a timeless piece by Azzedine Alaïa; a sophisticated grey pantsuit and matching coat from the BOSS 2023 campaign; and the iconic Vivienne Westwood platform shoes, immortalised by her infamous catwalk stumble.
Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for the Victoria & Albert Museum 

Now, poised to take center stage at the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in a major exhibition dedicated solely to her, the aura of her stardom is set to ascend to new heights. This week, the V&A has unveiled further details about NAOMI: In Fashion, supported by BOSS and slated to commence this summer, offering an immersive journey through Campbell's unparalleled four-decade-long journey as a fashion model and cultural luminary. 

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.”

Naomi Campbell said: “I’m honoured to be asked by the V&A to share my life in clothes with the world.
Photo (c) Steven Meisel

A pioneer in her field, Campbell's iconic prowess on the catwalk and her transformative collaborations with top fashion houses, publications, and renowned photographers have solidified her status as a perennial presence in the global fashion landscape. Beyond her runway feats, Campbell's influence extends into cultural leadership, activism, and advocacy for emerging creatives, transcending conventional boundaries of the fashion model role.

The V&A Museum stated that the "groundbreaking exhibition" had been crafted with the model's creative guidance and supervision. Campbell, now a mother of two and continuing to thrive, was among the pioneering individuals dubbed as a "supermodel" - a term reserved for models who have attained international fame - alongside her contemporaries Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Claudia Schiffer.
As the sponsor of the exhibition, BOSS proudly showcases Naomi Campbell in its storefront window on
Regent Street in London.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Developed in close collaboration with Campbell herself, NAOMI: In Fashion promises to be a groundbreaking exhibition, amplifying her voice and perspective. Drawing from Campbell's personal haute couture and ready-to-wear wardrobe spanning pivotal moments in her career, as well as contributions from designer archives and items from the V&A's collections, the exhibition will offer a comprehensive portrayal of her impact.

Courtesy Mugler Archives. Photo Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Among the highlights are a striking Thierry Mugler corset inspired by a car from 1989, a memorable ensemble from Sarah Burton's final Alexander McQueen show, a radiant Valentino outfit worn at the 2019 Met Gala, and the towering Vivienne Westwood platform shoes famously worn by Campbell during her iconic 1993 catwalk mishap. 

Courtesy Azzedine Alaïa Foundation. Photo Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Featuring approximately 100 looks and accessories representing the pinnacle of global haute couture, the exhibition will showcase designs by top designers and brands such as Alexander McQueen, Azzedine Alaïa, Burberry, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gianni and Donatella Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Ize, Torishéju Dumi, Valentino, Virgil Abloh, Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent, and many more.

This exhibition showcases Naomi's extensive wardrobe of haute couture and leading ready-to-wear ensembles, supplemented by loans from designer archives and items from the V&A collection.  It delves into the amazing 40-year career of British fashion model.  Regarded as a pioneer in her field, Campbell's renowned ability to dominate the catwalk, coupled with her unique collaborations with major fashion houses, publications, and top photographers, ensure her enduring presence in both the fashion industry and the British cultural milieu.

Beyond her modeling feats, she extends her influence through cultural leadership, activism, and advocacy for emerging talents, transcending the conventional confines of the fashion model role.

Naomi Campbell behind the scenes in the fashion and textile department of the V&A Museum.

In addition to showcasing exquisite garments and fashion accessories, the exhibition places a significant emphasis on fashion photography. A curated selection of captivating imagery by esteemed photographers including Campbell Addy, Nick Knight, Peter Lindbergh, and Steven Meisel will be featured, curated by the British editor and stylist Edward Enninful OBE who was the editor-in-chief of British Vogue and the European editorial director of Condé Nast. 

Furthermore, the exhibition will pay tribute to Campbell's mentors, among them notable figures such as Nelson Mandela, whose advocacy inspired her to utilize her platform for social change. Campbell's commitment to equity dates back to her involvement with the Black Girls Coalition in 1989 and her prominent role in fronting the groundbreaking 'black issue' of Vogue Italia in 2007. Alongside Bethann Hardison and Iman, she has been a steadfast advocate for The Diversity Coalition since 2013, advocating for increased diversity on the catwalk.

Additionally, the exhibition will shine a spotlight on Campbell's ongoing support of emerging creatives, demonstrated through initiatives such as Arise Fashion Week and her global venture, EMERGE, established in 2022.