Museum

Step into Naomi Campbell's Iconic World at the V&A Museum

Discover Naomi Campbell's 40-year career at the V&A Museum in NAOMI: In Fashion, celebrating her legacy in fashion and activism. Until 6 April 2025.

Abelson Editors

Mar 9, 2025 — 3 min read

Naomi Campbell is at the V&A, photograph, by Marco Bahler, 2023, London, England. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

NAOMI: In Fashion at the V&A Museum is a captivating exhibition celebrating the groundbreaking career of Naomi Campbell, one of the most influential supermodels in fashion history. Spanning over four decades, the exhibition offers an intimate look at Campbell's remarkable journey, from being discovered at 15 in Covent Garden to becoming the first Black model to appear on the cover of Vogue Paris in 1988.

Dresses worn by Naomi Campbell — (Left to Right:) Dress, worn by Naomi Campbell, designed by VERSACE, Spring/Summer 1991. © Courtesy VERSACE. Photo: Victoria and Albert Museum, London; 'Roulé Comme Une Buick' ('Drive Like A Buick'), bustier, worn by Naomi Campbell, designed by Thierry Mugler, Autumn/Winter 1989. © Courtesy Mugler Archives. Photo: Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Presented in collaboration with Campbell herself, the exhibition showcases her collection of haute couture and ready-to-wear garments, alongside pieces from iconic designers and the V&A’s collections. Beyond fashion, it highlights Campbell’s role as a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion in the industry, with a focus on her activism. From her early work with the Black Girls Coalition to her pivotal appearance on the cover of Vogue Italia’s “Black Issue” in 2007, Campbell has been a passionate advocate for racial equality and representation in fashion.

Dress, worn by Naomi Campbell, designed by Azzedine Alaïa, Spring/Summer 1990. © Courtesy Azzedine Alaïa Foundation. Photo: Victoria and Albert Museum, London

The exhibition tracks Campbell’s rise to global fame in the 1990s when she became synonymous with the term "supermodel" and worked with top designers like John Galliano, Gianni Versace, and Vivienne Westwood. It also explores her influential relationships with designers, including the late Azzedine Alaïa, and her deep connection with the fashion world in cities like New York and Paris.

Platform shoes, designed by Vivienne Westwood, 1993, England. Museum no. T.225:1, 2-1993. © Courtesy Vivienne Westwood. Photo: Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Through stunning photographs and a curated selection of key outfits and archival materials, NAOMI: In Fashion reflects Campbell’s extraordinary career, iconic collaborations, and enduring legacy. Her unmatched presence on the catwalk and her work with renowned photographers have cemented her as a defining figure in contemporary culture.

(Left to Right:) Naomi Campbell as a young girl. © Martin Brading, Photo: © Steven Meisel / Leather jacket with embellished belt: © Alexandre Vauthier

This exhibition not only celebrates her as a fashion icon but also as a passionate activist and advocate for change. A must-see for anyone interested in the history of fashion, NAOMI: In Fashion runs at the V&A Museum until 6 April 2025.