Naomi Campbell undoubtedly deserves every bit of fashion’s top recognition as she has stayed consistent for three decades and still counting. The 49-year-old South Londoner is following up her 2018 CFDA Fashion Icon award with another highest honor at the pending British Fashion awards, where she has been made recipient of the 2019 Fashion Icon award. The Council honors Naomi with the title for lending out her platform to effect positive change in the world.
“This is a very emotional award to me. I feel blessed and humble. I would say an icon is someone who has a special aura, but also a presence and wisdom. I have always strived to give people from all backgrounds, all color and cultures, courage through my words and my actions,” Naomi mused about her newly deserved accolade.
In the event of her many philanthropic endeavors through fashion and advocacy for equal representation in the fashion industry, Naomi is referred to as an “Incredible contributor to the fashion industry,” lauded Caroline Ruch, BFC chief executive. “Naomi has made an incredible contribution to the fashion industry throughout her career as a supermodel, as well as through her global philanthropic work with charities and incredible fundraising efforts for more diverse and equal future, especially in Africa,” Caroline said.
Being the first black model to cover French Vogue in 1988 and American Vogue in 1989, Naomi has lived up to the status quo of a supermodel with over 500 magazine covers, contributing editor to British Vogue and a chief advocate when it comes to African fashion. Caroline disclosed more about Campbell, “Naomi is an incredible ambassador for Africa, building bridges between nations and putting African designers at the forefront of the global fashion community through events such as ARISE Fashion Week in Lagos. She is an inspiration to many of us and has contributed through her career to change for the better.”
Her endless philanthropic works in the 90s fetched her the ‘honorary granddaughter’ title by Nelson Mandela in 1997. In 2005, Naomi launched the Fashion for Relief, which organizes fund-raising catwalk shows to aid victims of disasters worldwide. The model has disclosed that the fund-raising event will make a comeback at London Fashion Week in September this year. “It promises to be a special event,” said Naomi.
BY: Larry Adams
