NAOMI IN FASHION

Open until April 6, 2025, this special exhibition offers a unique perspective on Naomi Campbell’s career. Fashion enthusiasts will have the chance to explore creations by legendary designers such as Alexander McQueen, Anna Sui, Azzedine Alaïa, and John Galliano, all interpreted through Campbell’s timeless presence. The exhibition also delves into how Naomi Campbell used her position in the industry to advocate for social change. Highlighting figures such as Nelson Mandela, who played a guiding role in her journey, this showcase both breaks new ground and celebrates a star who has driven the evolution of the fashion world.

A TRAILBLAZER IN THE FASHION WORLD

The exhibition chronicles Naomi Campbell’s career milestones. It begins with iconic video clips showcasing Campbell’s signature runway walk. The “Becoming Naomi” section then takes visitors back to the early days of her career, featuring the feathered cocktail dress she wore for Yves Saint Laurent’s Fall/Winter 1987 collection. This section also includes the August 1988 issue of Vogue Paris, photographed by Patrick Demarchelier, where Campbell became the first Black model to grace the magazine’s cover.

The “Supermodel” section revisits Campbell’s unforgettable 1993 runway moment, when she gracefully owned her fall while walking in Vivienne Westwood’s towering blue platform heels, turning it into an iconic memory.

AZZEDINE ALAÏA

Visitors can also explore the special bond between Naomi Campbell and Tunisian-born designer Azzedine Alaïa. With her mother’s permission, Campbell lived with Alaïa, his partner, and their dog, becoming the muse for many of his creations. This period is represented by a leopard-print knit jumpsuit from Alaïa’s Fall/Winter 1991 collection, paired with an unforgettable photograph by Herb Ritts for Interview Magazine.

AN ICON

The “Spotlight” section portrays Campbell as a figure representing the rise of Black women in the worlds of fashion and media. It features a scene from the 1990s when she completed court-mandated community service after throwing a phone at her housekeeper in a fit of anger. During the five days of service, Campbell was followed by paparazzi every day. However, on the final day, she turned the situation in her favor by wearing an extravagant Dolce & Gabbana dress, showcasing her style and grace. This act became an unforgettable moment that emphasized her iconic status and poise, making it one of the exhibition’s standout highlights.

Finally, the “Exemplar” and “Archetype” sections celebrate Naomi Campbell’s collaborations with iconic brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Vivienne Westwood, and Jean Paul Gaultier, while highlighting her contributions to the fashion industry. Featured pieces include selections from Virgil Abloh’s Off-White collection, Rizman Ruzaini’s gown adorned with 35,000 crystals, and Campbell’s pink Met Gala dress by Pierpaolo Piccioli.

“NAOMI: In Fashion” tells the story of a supermodel who has not only made her mark on the runway but has also shaped the evolution of the fashion industry as a whole.