Why is Naomi Campbell a Formula E devotee? The fashion queen tells all
Look up the word supermodel in the dictionary and you might find Naomi Campbell’s picture. The iconic model is one of the most recognisable faces in the world, and we got to meet her.
Campbell started modelling at the age of 15, and by the late 1980s she, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista were the most in-demand models of their generation. The earliest form of influencers, the women changed the industry. The Trinity, as they were known – along with Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Kate Moss – were the first to be termed supermodels by the industry. The Hadids and Jenners can thank these women for paving the way.
In 1987 Campbell was the first black cover girl for British Vogue in 20 years, a year later the first black model to appear on the cover of Vogue Paris. In 1990, she appeared on the cover of American Vogue’s September issue, a first for the magazine in its highest profile issue of the year.
In 2018, she received the Fashion Icon Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
“It is truly an honour to be recognised by the CFDA with this year’s Fashion Icon award,” Campbell said. “Being from London, my personal style has always been tremendously influenced by both the dynamic, ever-changing nature of street culture and the music scene. I grew up in this industry and I’m forever grateful to the iconic American fashion designers that have supported me and celebrated me throughout my career.”
While Campbell still graces the runway occasionally – we spotted her at Paris fashion week walking in Karl Lagerfeld’s last Chanel show – she travels the globe championing causes close to her heart. Activism has long been a huge part of her life. From her own charity, Fashion for Relief to the Made in Africa Foundation and Citizens for Justice and Peace, Campbell is more than just a fashion icon.
We were fortunate to catch the OG of supermodels, on the grid at the 2019 FIA Formula E-Prix in Hong Kong. She popped into the city briefly, after delivering the keynote speech at the Forbes Woman Africa summit in Durban, South Africa.
Campbell was a guest of Formula E’s founder and CEO Alejandro Agag at the racing event that is taking the world by storm.
She tells us why she likes Formula E, where she hopes to see it next and what the future of fashion looks like on the African continent.
Video by Jeff Chen
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Activism is a huge part of Campbell’s life, and she travels the globe championing causes close to her heart