The name Naomi Campbell is synonymous with the world of fashion. Naomi has been a force to be reckoned with since her debut on the catwalk. However, today, the influence of Namoi Campbell extends far beyond the runways and catwalks of the world. Her philanthropic work and accomplishments in various areas have made this supermodel a role model for many around the globe. Her journey from a humble start to becoming one of the most famous international icons is a testament to Campbell’s determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.
Born in 1970 in London, England, Campbell was reared by her mother, Valerie Morris, who worked as a professional modern dancer. Naomi’s father abandoned the family before she was born. Subsequently, Naomi took her mother’s surname. From a young age, Naomi was exposed to the performing arts and she attended the Barbara Speake Stage School beginning at age three. Later on, she attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. Her first brush with fame came at the age of seven when she appeared in Bob Marley’s music video, “Is This Love.”
Before she had reached her sweet sixteen birthday, Namoi Campbell was scouted by Beth Boldt, then head of the Synchro Model Agency, while Naomi was window shopping along the streets of Covent Garden. This chance encounter catapulted Naomi into the world of fashion, and she quickly rose to prominence, ultimately becoming the first black model to grace the covers of French Vogue and Time magazine.
Even as Naomi Campbell was soaring to unimaginable heights, she never lost sight of her humble beginnings. Keenly aware of the plight of others not as fortunate as herself, Campbell vowed at a young age to do what she could to help others. Later on, her dreams of being a force for good were able to come about due to her own success in the fashion world.
As soon as she could. Naomi Campbell used her platform to raise awareness about important social and humanitarian issues. One of the most well-known charitable endeavors that Naomi Campbell took on was her Fashion For Relief charity, which organizes various high-profile fashion shows to raise money for humanitarian causes around the world. Since its inception and through the hard work and dedication of Naomi Campbell, Fashion For Relief has succeeded in raising millions of dollars for various causes, including, but not limited to, relief for victims of Hurricane Katrina, disaster relief following the 2011 earthquake, and tsunami in Japan and funds for the fight against Ebola.
Naomi Campbell’s rise to fame wasn’t as simple as some others in the modeling world. She quickly realized that there was some racism that was still prevalent. As a black woman, Naomi saw it and felt it, and became determined to do something to help end racial injustice. She has been a vocal advocate for diversity in the fashion industry, helping to open doors for racially diverse models from many countries around the world. She’s also been involved in many campaigns that promote racial equality, not only in fashion but in other industries, as well.
Her work has been recognized by Nelson Mandela, who gave her the moniker, “Honorary Granddaughter,” after proving that her activism was ongoing and relentless. Naomi was the force behind a Versace fashion show, held at Nelson Mandela’s South Africa presidential residence, which raised funds for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. She began working alongside Nelson Mandela in 1993 and continues to spend a great deal of time and effort, as well as money, on charitable causes.
Naomi Campbell’s impressive modeling career is one that millions of people around the world are familiar with. But it’s her behind-the-scenes philanthropic efforts that Naomi feels have truly made her a success story and a role model. One of Naomi Campbell’s famous quotes is, “The sky has never been the limit. We are our own limits.” Of course, it could be said that this line is about achieving success in business, or in Naomi’s case, on the runway. But based on Naomi Campbell’s charitable works, it’s safe to assume that she wants everyone to know that great things can be achieved when everyone does their part.
Naomi Campbell and Fellow Super Models in New Documentary
Get ready for a glamorous walk down memory lane! This September, Apple TV+ is set to premiere an exciting new four-part documentary, appropriately called, The Super Models, featuring the iconic quartet of Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington.
This brand new series, brought to life by Imagine Documentaries and One Story Up, is helmed by the Oscar-winning director duo, Roger Ross Williams and Larissa Bills. It offers an intimate look into the lives of these legendary runway divas, tracing their journey from their humble beginnings to their ascent to the pinnacle of the fashion world. The series is enriched with a treasure trove of archival footage and candid interviews, offering unparalleled insights into their lives.
The series synopsis paints a vivid picture. The Supermodels takes us on a nostalgic journey back to the 1980s, when these four extraordinary women from diverse backgrounds converged in New York. Each a force to be reckoned with, their collective impact transcended the fashion industry. Their influence was so profound that they outshone the brands they represented, making the names Naomi, Cindy, Linda, and Christy as renowned as the designers who dressed them. Today, these four supermodels, especially Naomi Campbell, continue to shape culture through their activism, philanthropy, and business acumen. As the fashion industry evolves and redefines women’s roles within it, this is the ultimate tale of empowerment and how these four women claimed it, setting the stage for those who would follow.
The Super Models is a production exclusively for Apple TV+, a collaborative effort by Imagine Documentaries and One Story Up. It features a star-studded executive producer lineup including Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes, Barbara Kopple, Roger Ross Williams, Geoff Martz, and, of course, the original supermodels themselves; Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington. Mark your calendars for the grand premiere on September 20th on Apple TV+.
