When the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) dedicates an entire show to one person, particularly one whose career is still very much ongoing, it's usually a sign that A-list stardust is incoming. This time it's the turn of supermodel Naomi Campbell, a woman whose work and life has been in the headlines since she burst on to the fashion scene in the 80s at the tender age of 16. The south Londoner now follows in the footsteps of the likes of David Bowie, Frida Kahlo and Kylie, who have also had solo exhibitions at the prestigious London museum.
When speaking to Campbell in 2022, she discussed with me the idea of collating all the big moments of her life and career in one space. She said: "I have kept so many things that are now all in storage because I travel so much. It’s not just clothes, I have kept photos, backstage passes from fashion shows going back 20 years.
I can’t wait to show it to my daughter one day." There was a sense of Campbell wanting to pass on this legacy to her daughter and a reflective pride in the way she spoke about it: "I know I am where I’m supposed to be. I feel so lucky.
My daughter has taught me to stop and appreciate things and to have patience and to let things flow." Fast forward two years and here we are with Naomi: In Fashion, bringing together hundreds of items that will give people an insight into her world. That includes more than 100 outfits and accessories and some of her earliest cover shoots.
By the time we met again earlier this year.