History of Naomi Campbell in Timeline
Naomi Campbell is a highly successful British fashion model who began her career at a young age. She is recognized as one of the original supermodels and a pioneer for black models in the fashion industry. Notably, she was the first black woman to grace the covers of Time and Vogue France, solidifying her impact and influence.
1966: Previous Black Cover Girl on British Vogue
In December 1987 Naomi Campbell appeared on the cover of British Vogue, as that publication's first black cover girl since 1966.
May 1970: Naomi Campbell's birth
Naomi Elaine Campbell was born in May 1970 in Lambeth, South London, to Jamaican-born dancer Valerie Morris.
1978: First Public Appearance
In 1978, at the age of 8, Naomi Campbell made her first public appearance in the music video for Bob Marley's "Is This Love".
1983: Music video appearance
In 1983, Naomi Campbell tap-danced in the music video for Culture Club's "I'll Tumble 4 Ya".
1984: Appeared in 'Mistake No. 3' music video
In 1984, Naomi Campbell appeared in the music video for Culture Club's song "Mistake No. 3".
1985: Birth of half-brother Pierre
In 1985, Naomi Campbell's half-brother, Pierre, was born.
1986: Scouted as a model
In 1986, while still a student at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, Naomi Campbell was scouted by Beth Boldt of Synchro Model Agency. In April 1986, she appeared on the cover of British Elle.
December 1987: British Vogue Cover
In December 1987, Naomi Campbell appeared on the cover of British Vogue, becoming the first black cover girl since 1966.
1987: Signed With Elite Model Management
Naomi Campbell originally signed with Elite Model Management in 1987; however, the agency dropped her contract in 1993.
August 1988: French Vogue Cover
In August 1988, Naomi Campbell became the first black model to appear on the cover of French Vogue after Yves St. Laurent threatened to withdraw advertising if she wasn't featured.
January 1990: British Vogue Cover and Music Video Casting
In January 1990, Naomi Campbell appeared with other models on the cover of British Vogue and was subsequently cast in George Michael's "Freedom! '90" music video. By this time, Campbell and others were called "supermodels" by the fashion industry.
March 1991: Versace Catwalk Performance
In March 1991, Naomi Campbell walked the catwalk for Versace with other models, lip-synching to "Freedom! '90".
1991: Spoke out against unequal pay
In 1991, Naomi Campbell publicly stated that despite being a top model, she did not earn as much as her white counterparts, highlighting the racial disparities in the fashion industry at the time.
April 1992: American Vogue Cover and Madonna's Book
In April 1992, Naomi Campbell posed for the hundredth-anniversary cover of American Vogue. Also in 1992, she appeared in Madonna's book Sex.
1993: Vogue Cover Appearances and Catwalk Fall
In 1993, Naomi Campbell appeared twice on the cover of American Vogue and fell on the Vivienne Westwood catwalk. Elite Model Management dropped her contract the same year.
1993: Engaged to Adam Clayton
In 1993, Naomi Campbell became engaged to U2 bassist Adam Clayton. They had met in February of that year.
November 1994: Met Nelson Mandela in South Africa
In November 1994, Naomi Campbell first met Nelson Mandela in South Africa after being invited by the African National Congress (ANC). She had previously donated proceeds from a photo shoot to the ANC.
1994: Novel and Album Release
In 1994, Naomi Campbell released her novel Swan and her album Baby Woman. The novel was ghostwritten, and the album was commercially successful only in Japan.
1995: Dated Leonardo DiCaprio
In 1995, Naomi Campbell dated Leonardo DiCaprio.
1995: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Debut
In 1995, Naomi Campbell walked in the second-ever Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
1997: Prada Show Opener
In 1997, Naomi Campbell became the first black woman ever to open a Prada show.
1997: Receipt of Blood Diamonds
In 1997, Naomi Campbell received "blood diamonds" from unknown men, assumed to be sent by Charles Taylor, in Cape Town, South Africa. She later gave the diamonds to Jeremy Ractliffe as a donation to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.
1997: Addressed Racial Prejudice in Fashion
In 1997, Naomi Campbell spoke out against racial prejudice in the fashion industry, stating that blonde and blue-eyed models were favored for selling products, further underscoring the bias that existed.
September 1998: Convicted of Assaulting Personal Assistant
In September 1998, Naomi Campbell was convicted of assaulting her personal assistant, marking the first of several assault convictions.
1998: Relationship with Flavio Briatore
In 1998, Naomi Campbell began a relationship with Formula One team principal Flavio Briatore, and they were engaged.
1998: Organized Versace Fashion Show for Nelson Mandela Children's Fund
In 1998, Naomi Campbell organized a benefit Versace fashion show at Nelson Mandela's South African presidential residence to support the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund. The event was documented in "FashionKingdom", also known as "Naomi Conquers Africa".
1998: End of Supermodel Era
In 1998, Time declared the end of the supermodel era, though Naomi Campbell continued to model.
1999: Entered Rehabilitation for Cocaine Addiction
In 1999, Naomi Campbell entered rehabilitation for cocaine addiction and then she joined Alcoholics Anonymous to get sober.
1999: Signed by a cosmetics company
In 1999, Naomi Campbell finally signed with a cosmetics company. This was late compared to her white colleagues, despite her being the most famous black model of her time. This underscored the racial bias in advertising assignments.
1999: Cosmetics Contract and Magazine Appearances
In 1999, Naomi Campbell signed her first cosmetics contract with Cosmopolitan Cosmetics and posed for magazine covers, including the Millennium Issue of American Vogue.
1999: Fragrance Line Release
Since 1999, Naomi Campbell has released 25 fragrances for women via her eponymous perfume house, under the Procter & Gamble brand.
May 2001: Miss Universe Pageant Host
In May 2001, Naomi Campbell co-hosted the 50th Miss Universe pageant with Elle Macpherson.
October 2001: British Vogue Cover with Puff Daddy
In October 2001, Naomi Campbell appeared on the cover of British Vogue with Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs.
2002: Breach of Confidentiality Lawsuit Win
In 2002, Naomi Campbell won a breach of confidentiality lawsuit against the Daily Mirror after they published a photograph of her leaving a Narcotics Anonymous meeting. The High Court ordered £3,500 in damages from the Daily Mirror.
2003: Ended Relationship with Flavio Briatore
In 2003, Naomi Campbell ended her relationship with Flavio Briatore, whom she now considers her "mentor".
2004: Featured on Charity Single
In 2004, Naomi Campbell was featured on FHM's charity single "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?", with profits donated to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. She also appeared in the accompanying music video and a print campaign for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.
2005: Founded Fashion for Relief
In 2005, Naomi Campbell founded the charity Fashion for Relief, which organized fundraising fashion shows to benefit victims of various disasters.
2005: Founded We Love Brazil Charity
In 2005, Naomi Campbell founded the charity We Love Brazil to raise awareness and funds to combat poverty in Brazil by selling fabrics made by local women.
2005: Last Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
In 2005, Naomi Campbell's last catwalk for Victoria's Secret was.
January 2007: Pleaded Guilty to Assaulting Housekeeper
In January 2007, Naomi Campbell pleaded guilty to assaulting her former housekeeper. She notably wore designer outfits to her community service, including a Dolce & Gabbana gown.
2007: Dior Fashion Show
In 2007, Naomi Campbell walked the catwalk for Dior's 60th-anniversary fashion show at Versailles.
2007: Named Ambassador of Rio de Janeiro
In 2007, Naomi Campbell was named an ambassador of Rio de Janeiro by Mayor Cesar Maia, recognizing her efforts to fight poverty in Brazil.
2007: Honorary President of Athla Onlus
Since 2007, Naomi Campbell has been the honorary president of Athla Onlus, an Italian organization focused on the social integration of young people with learning disabilities.
June 2008: Sentenced for Assaulting Police Officers
In June 2008, Naomi Campbell was sentenced for assaulting two police officers at London Heathrow Airport, adding to her record of assault convictions.
July 2008: Italian Vogue Cover
In July 2008, Naomi Campbell appeared on the cover of a landmark all-black issue of Italian Vogue.
2008: Relationship with Vladislav Doronin
In 2008, Naomi Campbell began a relationship with Russian businessman Vladislav Doronin.
2008: Fashion for Relief Supports Mumbai Terrorist Attack Victims
In 2008, Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief organized fundraising events to support victims of the Mumbai terrorist attacks.
2009: Goodwill Ambassador for White Ribbon Alliance
In 2009, Naomi Campbell became a goodwill ambassador for the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood, joining Sarah Brown in promoting maternal health.
2009: Opened Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Unit
In 2009, Naomi Campbell opened a Breakthrough breast cancer research unit, demonstrating her ongoing support for breast cancer research and awareness.
2009: Awarded Honorary Patronage
In 2009, Naomi Campbell was awarded Honorary Patronage of Trinity College's University Philosophical Society for her charitable and professional work.
May 2010: Alleged Email Exchange with Saif Gaddafi
In May 2010, an alleged email exchange between Naomi Campbell and Saif Gaddafi surfaced, in which Campbell reportedly described Ghislaine Maxwell as a "great friend" and inquired about arranging a visit to Libya for Maxwell.
August 2010: Appearance at Charles Taylor Trial
In August 2010, Naomi Campbell appeared at the trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor to give evidence on "blood diamonds" she received from him in 1997. South African police seized the diamonds from Jeremy Ractliffe on August 5, 2010.
November 2010: Organized Help the Tiger Charity Event
In November 2010, Naomi Campbell and her then partner Vladislav Doronin were among the organizers of the Help the Tiger charity event, held at the Mikhailovsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The event was attended by Leonardo DiCaprio and Vladimir Putin.
2010: Fashion for Relief Supports Haiti Earthquake Victims
In 2010, Fashion for Relief, founded by Naomi Campbell, organized fundraising fashion shows to benefit victims of the Haiti earthquake.
2010: Received 'Outstanding Contribution' Award
In 2010, Naomi Campbell received an "Outstanding Contribution" award from British Elle, presented by Sarah Brown, for her work with the White Ribbon Alliance and in the fashion industry.
2010: Discussed Rehabilitation for Cocaine Addiction
In a 2010 interview for British Vogue, Naomi Campbell revealed that she entered rehabilitation for cocaine addiction in 1999 and subsequently joined Alcoholics Anonymous to get sober.
2011: Fashion for Relief Supports Japan Earthquake Victims
In 2011, Fashion for Relief, organized by Naomi Campbell, raised funds to benefit victims of the Japan earthquake.
2011: Essence Cover and Duran Duran Music Video
In 2011, Naomi Campbell appeared on the cover of Essence's 40th-anniversary issue and starred in Duran Duran's "Girl Panic!" music video.
2012: Stopped Drinking
Around 2012, Naomi Campbell stopped drinking, further solidifying her commitment to sobriety.
2012: Olympic Games Closing Ceremony
In 2012, Naomi Campbell performed in the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games, modelling haute couture.
2012: Fashion for Relief Partners with YOOX China
In 2012, Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief collaborated with YOOX China and various fashion designers to create Chinese-themed T-shirts, raising funds for the charity's efforts.
March 2013: Numéro Russia Cover and The Face
In March 2013, Naomi Campbell appeared on the inaugural cover of Numéro Russia and became involved in reality television through The Face and its international offshoots.
2013: Ended Relationship with Vladislav Doronin
In 2013, Naomi Campbell ended her relationship with Russian businessman Vladislav Doronin.
2013: Joins "Diversity Coalition"
In 2013, Naomi Campbell joined Iman and Bethann Hardison to form "Diversity Coalition", an advocacy group. They challenged the lack of models of color during Autumn 2013 fashion weeks, labeling it a "racist act."
2014: Magazine Covers and TV Personality of the Year
In 2014, Naomi Campbell covered multiple Vogue and Harper's Bazaar editions and was named TV Personality of the Year by Glamour Magazine.
2014: Hosting 'The Face Australia'
In 2014, Naomi Campbell hosted 'The Face Australia' which ran on Fox8.
July 2015: Found Guilty of Assaulting Paparazzo
In July 2015, Naomi Campbell was found guilty of assaulting a paparazzo in Rome, adding to her history of assault convictions.
October 2015: American Horror Story: Hotel Appearance
In October 2015, Naomi Campbell was featured in a two-episode arc in American Horror Story: Hotel, as a Vogue fashion editor named Claudia Bankson.
2015: Fashion Week and Campaign Appearances
In 2015, Naomi Campbell closed the Zac Posen show at New York Fashion Week and featured in campaigns for Burberry and Agent Provocateur.
2016: Appearances in Star and Anohni Music Video
In 2016, Naomi Campbell was cast in the TV series Star and appeared in Anohni's "Drone Bomb Me" music video.
2016: Honored by amfAR
In 2016, amfAR honored Naomi Campbell for her 31 years of work with the foundation to fund AIDS research.
September 2017: Versace Show Appearance
In September 2017, Naomi Campbell appeared in Versace's Spring/Summer 2018 show.
2017: Fashion for Relief Supports Syrian Refugee Crisis
In 2017, Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief organized fundraising events to support victims of the Syrian refugee crisis.
2017: Save the Children Fund Complaint
In 2017, Save the Children Fund complained about Fashion for Relief's failure to fully pay them proceeds from events. This was one of the issues raised with the Charity Commission.
February 2018: Louis Vuitton Show Appearance
In February 2018, Naomi Campbell returned to the catwalk with Kate Moss and closed Kim Jones' final menswear show for Louis Vuitton.
June 2018: Fashion Icon Award
In June 2018, Naomi Campbell received the Fashion Icon award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
2018: Fashion for Relief Gala: Race To Equality
In 2018, Naomi Campbell held another Fashion for Relief charity gala, with the theme being Race To Equality.
2018: Mayor's Fund for London Complaint
In 2018, the Mayor's Fund for London complained about Fashion for Relief's failure to fully pay them proceeds from events. This was one of the issues raised with the Charity Commission.
August 2019: Addressed Relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
In August 2019, Naomi Campbell addressed her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein on her YouTube channel, stating she was introduced to him by Flavio Briatore and that she stands with Epstein's victims. Her claims were disputed by Virginia Roberts Giuffre.
2019: Fashion for Relief Event at British Museum
In 2019, Fashion for Relief held an event at the British Museum claimed to be held in partnership with UNICEF. UNICEF denied any partnership and stated they received no money. Questions were raised as to why Campbell was described as a UNICEF "envoy" when she held no official role. Complaints from Save the Children Fund and the Mayor's Fund for London arose over unpaid proceeds from events held in 2017 and 2018.
2019: Beauty Contract with NARS Cosmetics
In 2019, Naomi Campbell received the first beauty contract of her career, with NARS Cosmetics.
August 2020: Partnership with Studio71
In August 2020, Naomi Campbell signed with Studio71 to curate her content concerning ad sales, channel optimization, and brand partnerships.
January 2021: Tourism Ambassador Appointment
On January 12, 2021, Naomi Campbell was appointed as a tourism ambassador by the Kenyan Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.
February 2021: Signatory on Open Letter Decrying Ghana's Stance on Gay Rights
In February 2021, Naomi Campbell, along with Idris Elba and Edward Enninful, signed an open letter criticizing Ghana's position on gay rights.
March 2021: 50th Episode of No Filter with Naomi
On March 16, 2021, the 50th episode of Naomi Campbell's web series, No Filter with Naomi, premiered, featuring Jean Paul Gaultier as a guest.
May 2021: Birth of Daughter
In May 2021, Naomi Campbell announced the birth of her daughter.
July 2021: Condemned Racist Attacks on Black England Football Players
In July 2021, Naomi Campbell condemned racist attacks directed at black players on the England national football team, including Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho, after their defeat in the UEFA Euro 2020 final. She expressed her disgust via an Instagram post.
2021: Charity Commission Investigation into Fashion Relief
In 2021, a Charity Commission investigation was launched into Fashion Relief.
February 2022: Vogue Confirmation and Photoshoot
In February 2022, Naomi Campbell confirmed to Vogue that her daughter was not adopted and posed with her child for a photoshoot.
July 2022: Fashion for Relief spent only 8.5% of its income on charitable grants between April 2016 and July 2022.
Between April 2016 and July 2022, Fashion for Relief spent only 8.5% of its income on charitable grants, while making unauthorised payments to other trustees and advisors. These included paying for Campbell's stay at a five-star hotel in Cannes, France, as well as spa treatments, room service, security and cigarettes.
July 2022: Honorary Doctorate
In July 2022, Naomi Campbell was awarded an honorary doctorate by UCA (University for the Creative Arts) for her impact on global fashion.
2022: Report on Alleged Email Exchange with Saif Gaddafi
In 2022, The Guardian reported on an alleged email exchange from May 2010 between Naomi Campbell and Saif Gaddafi, in which Campbell described Maxwell as a "great friend" and inquired about arranging a visit to Libya for Maxwell. Campbell's spokesperson disputed the authenticity of the emails.
June 2023: Birth of Son
In June 2023, Naomi Campbell announced the birth of her son, who was delivered via surrogate, as was her daughter.
August 2023: Victoria's Secret Icon Collection Campaign
In August 2023, Victoria's Secret revealed the Icon Collection, featuring Naomi Campbell, Gisele Bündchen and Candice Swanepoel, among others.
September 2023: PrettyLittleThing Collaboration Debut
On September 5, 2023, Naomi Campbell debuted her new collaboration with PrettyLittleThing during a catwalk show to kick off New York Fashion Week.
2023: Conferred La Moda Veste la Pace Award
In 2023, Naomi Campbell was conferred the La Moda Veste la Pace Award by the Centre for Advanced Studies of Fundamental Human Rights, with approval from the African Fashion Gate President, Hon. Makaziwe Mandela. The awards ceremony took place in Rome.
2023: Featured in 'The Super Models' docuseries
In 2023, Naomi Campbell was featured in the four-part Apple TV+ docuseries, "The Super Models", alongside Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Linda Evangelista. The series was directed by Roger Ross Williams and Larissa Bills. In 2023, Campbell also became a special advisor to the music company Gamma.
2023: Removed as Trustee from Fashion For Relief
In 2023, following the Charity Commission investigation, Naomi Campbell was removed as a trustee from the Fashion For Relief charity.
March 2024: Fashion For Relief Closed
On March 15, 2024, Fashion For Relief, a charity founded by Naomi Campbell, was closed by the Charity Commission following an investigation.
June 2024: "Naomi: In Fashion" Exhibition Launch
In June 2024, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London launched a solo exhibition titled "Naomi: In Fashion”, which highlighted Campbell's philanthropic work and activism. The exhibit opens with personal images from Campbell’s archive and also displays 100 curated outfits she has worn throughout her modelling years.
September 2024: Charity Trustee Ban
In September 2024, Naomi Campbell was banned from being a trustee of any charity in the United Kingdom for five years following a misconduct investigation. The investigation revealed that her charity spent only 8.5% of its income on charitable grants and made unauthorised payments, including for Campbell's stay at a five-star hotel.
September 2024: Banned as Charity Trustee in the UK
In September 2024, Naomi Campbell was banned from serving as a charity trustee in the UK for five years. This ban followed an investigation that revealed "multiple instances of misconduct and/or mismanagement" within Fashion for Relief between April 2016 and July 2022.
2024: Advertising Campaigns and Catwalks
As of 2024, Naomi Campbell has continued to be a prominent figure in the fashion industry, walking the catwalks and appearing in advertising campaigns for numerous high-profile designers and brands.
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