Is fashion art? Does it belong in museums? It’s a long-held debate that, per Naomi Campbell, can be settled with a simple yes. Earlier this year, she expanded her impressive resume by taking on the role of curator with the launch of the “Naomi In Fashion” exhibition, created in partnership with Sam Gainsbury and Desiree Ejoh at the Victoria & Albert Museum. This exhibition showcases significant pieces highlighting key moments in her career, featuring contributions from renowned designers, photographers, and friends.
One of Campbell’s favorite homes away from home in the heart of Mayfair, Claridge’s was the landmark setting for the evening. Friends for over 30 years, the exceptional evening was hosted by World of Interiors and Vogue’s Hamish Bowles and Campbell. The duo gathered an array of glamorous attendees from the realms of film, dance, fashion, and art. Fresh from the Paris Olympic Games, even British track and field star Annie Tageo made a striking appearance in a stunning black gown.
Guests were greeted with glasses of bubbly in the French Drawing Room, elegantly adorned with a profusion of white roses and delphiniums. The cocktail hour kicked off London Fashion Week, which will showcase the spring 2025 collections from a lineup of designers.
As everyone settled into their seats for the main event, Campbell rose to say a few words about her namesake exhibition. “The show honors unique and talented designers like Vivienne Westwood, where my shoes had actually been in the museum way before me,” Campbell laughed. “Thank you to all the photographers who have immortalized the looks. I feel so fortunate to have worked with some incredible and iconic photographers like Steven Meisel, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, and David Bailey, as well as new talents like Campbell Addy, Tyler Mitchell, and Oliver Hadlee Pearch. Getting to work with these younger photographers gives me the ambition to keep going and the challenge to continue reinventing myself in front of the camera.”
Sitting beside Gainsbury and facing Ejoh, the evening was a celebration of their commitment and a time for contemplation. It was a moment to take pride in the success of the exhibition while feeling invigorated to keep fostering cultural change, pushing boundaries, and sharing joy.
