Naomi Campbell has shared her frustrations with the fashion industry and her unfulfilled commitments to diversity and inclusion.
The British supermodel has been a leading figure in fashion since the 1980s and soon became known as one of the most prominent black models in the world. Campbell was the first black model to appear on the cover of several publications, including Vogue France and Timeand has repeatedly used her platform to promote diversity in fashion.
To celebrate his work, Campbell, 54, will soon release Naomi: fashionable – an exhibition at London's Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) showcasing clothing and memorabilia from his nearly 40-year career.
In a recent interview with Bloombergaddressed the issue of diversity in the industry and attacked those who want to “look good” without investing in long-term inclusion.
“A lot of people can come up to me and say, 'Oh, we want this, we want that.' But that can go through one ear or the other if it's just to 'check the box,'” she told the publication.
“I don't like checking the box. “You have to show me that you really want to commit to the community and the infrastructure.”
Campbell then noted that she had previously offered her ideas to brands, only to later become dissatisfied with their work on diversity and inclusion in their production.
“You know, there have been brands that have had problems, they just want to look good. And I went out to help, and then once I helped, or things changed, they were just forgotten.
“It doesn't work that way, so I'm learning too.”
Campbell also shared her concerns about the industry and its approach to diversity at a promotional event for the expo earlier this year.
Speaking at the V&A in March, Campbell said: “Will [diversity] stay? That's a question I really don't want to think about, but it's what I'm thinking about, because as I look back at the collections, I'm starting to get nervous that we're going backwards.
“Why do I keep doing what I do?” she added. “Because my work is not finished. I feel like I have to use my voice and my platform to continue with them.”
In his four-star review of Naomi: fashionable, The independentAdam White praised the exhibition's visual triumphs.
He writes: “This is an exhibition largely defined by pleasure, magnificent dresses and remarkable bone structure; It's not bad in itself, but it's perhaps not as eye-catching or revealing as it could have been. Still, what a pleasure!
Naomi: fashionable opens June 22.
