Naomi Campbell is a highly influential English model and media personality. Her career began at the young age of 8, and she quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the six supermodels of her generation as recognized by the fashion industry and international press. Notably, she broke barriers as the first black woman to grace the covers of prestigious publications like The Scottish Sun and Vogue France.
1966: Previous Black Cover Girl for British Vogue
The last time a black woman was featured on the cover of British Vogue was in 1966, prior to Campbell in December 1987.
May 1970: Birth of Naomi Campbell
Naomi Elaine Campbell was born in Lambeth, South London to Jamaican-born dancer Valerie Morris in May 1970.
May 1970: Birth of Naomi Campbell
Naomi Elaine Campbell was born in May 1970.
1978: First Public Appearance
At eight years old, Campbell appeared in Bob Marley's "Is This Love" music video in 1978.
1983: Appearance in Culture Club Music Videos
Naomi Campbell tap-danced in Culture Club's music videos for "I'll Tumble 4 Ya" and "Mistake number 3" in 1983.
1984: Continued Dance Career
Campbell continued her dance career with another appearance in a music video in 1984.
1985: Birth of Pierre, Naomi Campbell's Half-Brother
In 1985, Naomi Campbell's half-brother, Pierre, was born.
1986: Scouted by Beth Boldt
While a student at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, Campbell was scouted by Beth Boldt, head of the Synchro Model Agency, in 1986.
December 1987: First Black Cover Girl on British Vogue
In December 1987, Campbell became the first black cover girl for British Vogue since 1966.
1987: Campbell Leaves Elite Model Management
Despite her success, Campbell parted ways with Elite Model Management in 1987 after working with them since that same year.
August 1988: First Black Model on French Vogue
After Yves St. Laurent threatened to pull his advertising, French Vogue featured Campbell as their first black cover model in August 1988.
January 1990: British Vogue Cover and "Freedom! '90" Music Video
Campbell, Turlington, Evangelista, Crawford, and Tatjana Patitz appeared on the cover of British Vogue in January 1990 and later in George Michael's "Freedom! '90" music video.
March 1991: Versace Catwalk and "In the Closet" Music Video
In March 1991, Campbell, Turlington, Evangelista, and Crawford walked the Versace catwalk. Later that year, Campbell starred in Michael Jackson's "In the Closet" music video.
1991: Speaking Out Against Pay Disparity
As early as 1991, Naomi Campbell bravely addressed the issue of racial pay disparity in the fashion industry, emphasizing that her earnings did not match those of her white counterparts. Her willingness to speak out paved the way for future generations to demand equal treatment.
April 1992: American Vogue Cover and Madonna's "Sex" Book
Campbell appeared on the 100th anniversary cover of American Vogue and in Madonna's "Sex" book alongside rapper Big Daddy Kane in April 1992.
1993: Engagement to Adam Clayton
Campbell and U2 bassist Adam Clayton got engaged in 1993 after meeting earlier that year.
1993: American Vogue Covers and Vivienne Westwood Catwalk
Campbell appeared on the American Vogue cover twice and fell on the Vivienne Westwood catwalk in 1993.
November 1994: Meeting Nelson Mandela
Campbell first met Nelson Mandela in November 1994, after donating proceeds from a photoshoot to the African National Congress.
1994: Release of "Swan" and "Baby Woman"
Campbell released her novel, "Swan," and her album, "Baby Woman," in 1994.
1995: Relationship with Leonardo DiCaprio
Campbell dated actor Leonardo DiCaprio in 1995.
1995: First Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
Campbell walked in her first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 1995.
1997: Confronting Racial Bias
In 1997, Naomi Campbell publicly challenged the fashion industry's pervasive racial bias, stating that "blonde and blue-eyed girls are what sells." Her outspokenness brought attention to the need for greater diversity and representation.
1997: First Black Woman to Open a Prada Show
In 1997, Campbell became the first black woman to open a show for Prada.
1997: Receipt of "Blood Diamonds" from Charles Taylor
Campbell received "blood diamonds" as a gift from unknown individuals, later believed to be associated with Charles Taylor, in Cape Town, South Africa in 1997.
1998: Relationship with Flavio Briatore Begins
Campbell began her relationship with Formula One racing head Flavio Briatore in 1998.
1998: First Assault Conviction
Campbell's first assault conviction occurred in 1998.
1998: Versace Fashion Show for Nelson Mandela Children's Fund
In 1998, Campbell organized a benefit Versace fashion show for the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.
1998: Time Declares the End of the Supermodel Era
Time magazine declared that the supermodel era was over in 1998.
1999: Entry into Rehab for Cocaine Addiction
Campbell entered rehab for cocaine addiction in 1999.
1999: First Cosmetics Contract and "Modern Muses" Cover
Campbell signed her first cosmetics contract and was featured on the "Modern Muses" cover of American Vogue in 1999.
1999: Late Entry into Cosmetics Endorsements
Despite her status as a top model, Naomi Campbell did not secure her first cosmetics contract until 1999. This delay highlighted the challenges she faced as a Black woman in an industry often slow to embrace diversity.
1999: Campbell Launches Fragrance Line
In 1999, Campbell established her presence in the fragrance industry, introducing her own line of perfumes under the Procter & Gamble umbrella.
May 2001: Co-Hosts 50th Miss Universe Pageant
Campbell, alongside Elle Macpherson, hosted the 50th Miss Universe pageant in May 2001.
October 2001: British Vogue Cover with Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs
Campbell and rapper Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs were featured on the cover of British Vogue in October 2001.
2002: Campbell Wins Lawsuit Against Daily Mirror
In 2002, Campbell emerged victorious from a legal battle with the Daily Mirror, securing £3,500 in damages for their breach of confidentiality in publishing a photo of her leaving a Narcotics Anonymous meeting. This victory underscored the importance of privacy rights.
2003: End of Relationship with Flavio Briatore
Campbell's relationship with Flavio Briatore, to whom she was briefly engaged, ended in 2003.
2004: Support for Breakthrough Breast Cancer
In 2004, Campbell was featured on FHM's charity single "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?", donating all profits to Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
2005: Foundation of Fashion for Relief
Campbell founded Fashion for Relief in 2005, organizing fundraising fashion shows for disaster relief.
2005: Foundation of We Love Brazil Charity
In 2005, Campbell founded the charity We Love Brazil to combat poverty in Brazil.
2005: Last Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
In 2005, Campbell walked her last runway for Victoria's Secret.
2007: Dior's 60th Anniversary Fashion Show
Campbell walked the runway for Dior's 60th anniversary in 2007.
2007: Ambassador of Rio de Janeiro
Campbell was named an ambassador of Rio de Janeiro in 2007 by Mayor Cesar Maia, recognizing her work to combat poverty in Brazil.
2007: Honorary President of Athla Onlus
Since 2007, Campbell has been the honorary president of Athla Onlus, supporting the social integration of youth with learning disabilities.
July 2008: All-Black Italian Vogue Cover
Campbell was featured on the cover of Italian Vogue with fellow black models in July 2008.
2008: Relationship with Vladislav Doronin Begins
Campbell and Russian businessman Vladislav Doronin started their relationship in 2008.
2008: Fashion for Relief for Mumbai Terrorist Attacks
Fashion for Relief held a fundraising event for the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.
2009: Honorary Patronage of Trinity College's University Philosophical Society
In recognition of her charitable contributions and professional achievements, Campbell received Honorary Patronage of Trinity College's University Philosophical Society in 2009.
2009: Opening of Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Unit
Campbell opened a Breakthrough breast cancer research unit in 2009.
2009: Goodwill Ambassador for White Ribbon Alliance
In 2009, Campbell became a goodwill ambassador for the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood.
2009: Fourth Assault Conviction
By 2009, Campbell had been convicted of assault four times.
August 2010: Testimony at Charles Taylor Trial
In August 2010, Campbell testified at the trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor regarding "blood diamonds" she received as a gift in 1997.
2010: Fashion for Relief for Haiti Earthquake
Fashion for Relief organized a fundraising event in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
2010: Public Disclosure of Addiction and Recovery
In a 2010 interview, Campbell shared her experiences with cocaine addiction, entering rehab in 1999, joining Alcoholics Anonymous, and achieving sobriety.
2010: "Outstanding Contribution" Award from British Elle
Sarah Brown presented Campbell with an "Outstanding Contribution" award from British Elle in 2010, acknowledging her work as a White Ribbon Alliance ambassador and her contributions to the fashion industry.
2011: Essence's 40th Anniversary Cover and Duran Duran Music Video
Campbell was featured on the 40th anniversary cover of Essence and appeared in Duran Duran's "Girl Panic!" music video in 2011.
2011: Fashion for Relief for Japan Earthquake
Fashion for Relief raised funds for the victims of the 2011 Japan earthquake.
2012: 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony
Campbell, alongside other supermodels, appeared in the closing ceremony for the 2012 Olympic Games.
2012: Partnership with YOOX China for Charity T-shirts
Campbell's charity collaborated with YOOX China and fashion designers in 2012 to design Chinese-themed T-shirts for fundraising.
2012: Achieving Sobriety from Alcohol
Campbell stopped drinking alcohol around 2012.
March 2013: Numéro Russia Cover and Reality TV Debut
In March 2013, Naomi Campbell graced the inaugural cover of Numéro Russia, marking a significant milestone in her career. This period also saw her venture into the world of reality television as a coach and judge on Oxygen's "The Face," alongside Karolina Kurkova and Coco Rocha.
2013: End of Relationship with Vladislav Doronin
Campbell and Vladislav Doronin ended their relationship in 2013.
2013: Formation of the Diversity Coalition
In 2013, Naomi Campbell joined forces with fellow models Iman and Bethann Hardison to form the Diversity Coalition, advocating for greater representation of models of color on the runway. Their open letter to fashion week organizers calling out designers who lacked diversity sparked a crucial conversation about inclusivity.
2014: International "The Face" Appearances
Naomi Campbell continued her foray into reality television in 2014, hosting both the British version of "The Face" on Sky Living and "The Face Australia" on Fox8. These appearances further solidified her presence in the entertainment industry.
2014: Vogue Covers and Glamour Award
Naomi Campbell had a prolific year in 2014, gracing the covers of Vogue Australia, Vogue Japan, and Vogue Turkey. The latter two were special editions celebrating her and fellow supermodels. Her influence extended beyond the runway as she was named TV Personality of the Year by Glamour Magazine.
October 2015: Acting Debut in "American Horror Story: Hotel"
Expanding her horizons beyond modeling, Naomi Campbell took on a recurring role in the Fox drama "Empire" in 2015, playing Camilla Marks, a fashion designer. That same year, she made a memorable appearance as Vogue fashion editor Claudia Bankson in "American Horror Story: Hotel."
2015: Runway Return and Fashion Campaigns
In 2015, Naomi Campbell made a notable return to the runway, closing the Fall/Winter Zac Posen show at New York Fashion Week. Her enduring appeal was evident in her appearances in Spring/Summer 2015 campaigns for Burberry and Agent Provocateur.
2016: Music Video Appearance
Naomi Campbell's versatility shone through in 2016 when she appeared in the music video for Anohni's thought-provoking single "Drone Bomb Me." Her participation added another layer to her already multifaceted career.
September 2017: Versace Tribute Show
In a poignant tribute to the late Gianni Versace, Naomi Campbell joined fellow icons Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, and Carla Bruni on the runway for Versace's Spring/Summer 2018 show in September 2017. Her participation highlighted her enduring legacy in the fashion world.
2017: Fashion for Relief for Syrian Refugee Crisis
In 2017, Fashion for Relief held a fundraising event to support Syrian refugees.
February 2018: Louis Vuitton Runway Appearance
Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss reunited on the runway in February 2018, closing Kim Jones' final menswear show for Louis Vuitton. This marked another significant moment in their shared history as fashion icons.
June 2018: Fashion Icon Award
In June 2018, Naomi Campbell's indelible impact on the fashion industry was recognized with the Fashion Icon award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). This prestigious award cemented her status as a true fashion legend.
2018: "Race to Equality" Fashion for Relief Gala
Campbell organized another Fashion for Relief charity gala in 2018, themed "Race to Equality".
August 2019: Campbell Addresses Connection to Jeffrey Epstein
In August 2019, Naomi Campbell publicly addressed her connection to Jeffrey Epstein, confirming their introduction through her ex-boyfriend Flavio Briatore and expressing her disgust for Epstein's actions. While Campbell asserted her support for the victims, her claims of limited knowledge were disputed by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who alleged Campbell's closer involvement with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
2019: First Beauty Contract
Breaking new ground in her career, Naomi Campbell secured her first beauty contract in 2019 with NARS Cosmetics. This landmark deal was a testament to her enduring influence and timeless beauty.
2019: Relationship with Skepta
Campbell was in a relationship with Skepta in 2019.
August 2020: Partnership with Studio71
Recognizing the growing importance of digital media, Naomi Campbell partnered with Studio71 in August 2020. This strategic collaboration aimed to expand the reach of her content across various online platforms.
January 2021: Kenyan Tourism Ambassador
Naomi Campbell's global influence extended to her appointment as a tourism ambassador by the Kenyan Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife in January 2021. This role allowed her to promote the beauty and culture of her ancestral homeland.
February 2021: Open Letter Against Ghana's Stance on Gay Rights
In February 2021, Campbell signed an open letter criticizing Ghana's position on gay rights.
March 2021: 50th Episode of "No Filter with Naomi"
In March 2021, Naomi Campbell celebrated a milestone with the 50th episode of her YouTube series, "No Filter with Naomi." Featuring Jean Paul Gaultier as her guest, the episode highlighted her success in connecting with audiences through her online platform.
May 2021: Campbell Becomes a Mother
In May 2021, Naomi Campbell shared news of her daughter's arrival, marking her entry into motherhood.
2021: Charity Commission Investigation into Fashion for Relief
The Charity Commission launched an investigation into Fashion for Relief in 2021.
February 2022: Campbell Confirms Daughter's Biological Relation
In February 2022, Campbell confirmed that her daughter is not adopted, posing with her for a Vogue photoshoot.
July 2022: Honorary Doctorate
In recognition of her significant contributions to the world of fashion, Naomi Campbell was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in July 2022. This honor highlighted her impact beyond the runway.
June 2023: Campbell Welcomes a Son
Expanding her family further, Campbell announced the birth of her son in June 2023.
August 2023: Victoria's Secret Icon Collection and Hugo Boss Campaign
Naomi Campbell continued to make waves in the fashion industry in August 2023, appearing in Victoria's Secret's Icon Collection alongside fellow legends Gisele Bündchen and Candice Swanepoel. The same month, she was featured in Hugo Boss's new collection campaign, solidifying her status as a timeless icon.
September 2023: PrettyLittleThing Collaboration
Naomi Campbell kicked off New York Fashion Week in September 2023 with the debut of her collaborative collection with PrettyLittleThing. Designed alongside Victor Anate and Edvin Thompson, the collection showcased her creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit.
2023: La Moda Veste la Pace Award
Campbell was awarded the La Moda Veste la Pace Award in 2023 by the Centre for Advanced Studies of Fundamental Human Rights.
2023: "The Super Models" Docuseries and Music Industry Role
In 2023, Naomi Campbell shared her insights and experiences in the four-part Apple TV+ docuseries "The Super Models," which also featured Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Linda Evangelista. Beyond modeling, she took on a new role as a special advisor to the music company Gamma, showcasing her diverse interests and influence.
2023: Campbell Removed as Trustee from Fashion for Relief
Naomi Campbell was removed as a trustee from Fashion for Relief in 2023.
March 2024: Closure of Fashion For Relief by Charity Commission
Following investigations, Campbell was removed as a trustee from Fashion For Relief in 2023, leading to its closure by the Charity Commission on March 15, 2024.
June 2024: Victoria and Albert Museum Exhibition
Naomi Campbell's extraordinary life and career will be celebrated in a solo exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, launching in June 2024. The exhibition will showcase her impact on fashion, philanthropy, and activism, further solidifying her legacy as a cultural icon.
2024: Continued Fashion Industry Presence
As of 2024, Naomi Campbell remains a prominent figure in the fashion world, having walked the runways and appeared in campaigns for numerous prestigious brands. Her enduring appeal and influence continue to shape the industry.