History of Naomi Campbell in Timeline

Naomi Campbell is a highly successful British fashion model, starting her career at a young age. She is recognized as one of the original supermodels. Campbell broke barriers as the first black woman to grace the covers of Time and Vogue France, solidifying her impact and influence in the fashion industry.

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Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

1966: British Vogue Prior Black Cover Girl

The last time British Vogue had a black cover girl before Naomi Campbell was in 1966.

May 1970: Naomi Campbell Born

In May 1970, Naomi Elaine Campbell was born and would later become a British fashion model recognized as one of the original supermodels.

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: Appeared in Culture Club Music Video

In 1983, Naomi Campbell tap-danced in the music video for Culture Club's "I'll Tumble 4 Ya".

1984: Appeared in Culture Club Music Video

In 1984, Naomi Campbell tap-danced in the music video for Culture Club's "Mistake number 3".

1985: Half-Brother Born

In 1985, Naomi Campbell's half-brother, Pierre, was born.

1986: Scouted as Model

In 1986, Naomi Campbell was scouted by Beth Boldt of Synchro Model Agency while window-shopping in Covent Garden, and 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 publication's first black cover girl since 1966.

1987: Signed With Elite Model Management

Naomi Campbell signed with Elite Model Management in 1987.

August 1988: French Vogue Cover

In August 1988, Naomi Campbell became the first black model to appear on the cover of French Vogue.

January 1990: Appeared on British Vogue Cover

In January 1990, Naomi Campbell appeared on the cover of British Vogue with other supermodels, solidifying her status as a "megamodel".

March 1991: Walked Catwalk for Versace

In March 1991, Naomi Campbell walked the catwalk for Versace with other supermodels, lip-synching to "Freedom! '90".

1991: Speaks out about pay inequality

In 1991, Naomi Campbell voiced her concerns about racial bias in the modeling industry, noting that despite being a top model, she did not earn as much as her white counterparts.

April 1992: Posed for American Vogue Cover

In April 1992, Naomi Campbell posed with other models for the hundredth-anniversary cover of American Vogue.

1993: Appeared on American Vogue Cover and Fell on Catwalk

In 1993, Naomi Campbell appeared on the cover of American Vogue twice and famously fell on the Vivienne Westwood catwalk in high platform shoes.

1993: Engaged to Adam Clayton

In 1993, Naomi Campbell became engaged to U2 bassist Adam Clayton after they met in February of that year.

November 1994: First met Nelson Mandela

In November 1994, Naomi Campbell first met Nelson Mandela after being invited to South Africa by the African National Congress.

1994: Novel and Album Released

In 1994, Naomi Campbell's novel 'Swan' and her album 'Baby Woman' were released, marking her expansion into writing and music.

1995: Dated Leonardo DiCaprio

In 1995, Naomi Campbell dated Leonardo DiCaprio.

1995: Walked in Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

In 1995, Naomi Campbell walked in the second-ever Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

1997: First Black Woman to Open Prada Show

In 1997, Naomi Campbell became the first black woman ever to open a Prada show.

1997: Received blood diamonds from Charles Taylor

In 1997, Naomi Campbell received diamonds as a gift from unknown men she assumed were sent by Charles Taylor in Cape Town, South Africa.

1997: Speaks out about racial prejudice

In 1997, Naomi Campbell spoke out against prejudice in the fashion industry, stating that blonde and blue-eyed models were favored for sales, highlighting racial bias.

September 1998: Convicted of assaulting her personal assistant

In September 1998, Naomi Campbell was convicted of assaulting her personal assistant.

1998: Relationship with Flavio Briatore

From 1998 to 2003, Naomi Campbell was in a relationship with Formula One racing head Flavio Briatore; they were engaged.

1998: Organized Versace Fashion Show for Nelson Mandela Children's Fund

In 1998, Naomi Campbell organized a Versace fashion show at Nelson Mandela's presidential residence in South Africa to benefit the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, which was documented in "FashionKingdom".

1998: End of Supermodel Era

In 1998, Time declared the end of the supermodel era, though Naomi Campbell continued modeling.

1999: Signed Cosmetics Contract

In 1999, Naomi Campbell signed her first cosmetics contract with Cosmopolitan Cosmetics.

1999: Entered rehabilitation for cocaine addiction

In a 2010 interview, Naomi Campbell stated that in 1999 she entered rehabilitation for cocaine addiction and then she joined Alcoholics Anonymous to get sober.

1999: Released first fragrance

Since 1999, Naomi Campbell has released 25 fragrances for women via her eponymous perfume house, under the Procter & Gamble brand.

May 2001: Hosted Miss Universe Pageant

In May 2001, Naomi Campbell co-hosted the 50th Miss Universe pageant with Elle Macpherson.

October 2001: Cover of British Vogue with Puff Daddy

In October 2001, Naomi Campbell appeared on the cover of British Vogue with Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs.

2002: Won lawsuit against the Daily Mirror

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.

2003: Relationship with Flavio Briatore

From 1998 to 2003, Naomi Campbell was in a relationship with Formula One racing head Flavio Briatore; they were engaged.

2004: Featured on FHM's charity single

In 2004, Naomi Campbell was featured on FHM's charity single "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" and its music video, with all profits donated to Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

2005: Founded Fashion for Relief Charity

In 2005, Naomi Campbell founded the charity Fashion for Relief, which organized fund-raising fashion shows to support victims of various disasters.

2005: Founded We Love Brazil Charity

In 2005, Naomi Campbell founded the charity We Love Brazil, aiming to fight poverty in Brazil by raising awareness and selling fabrics made by local women.

2005: Last Victoria Secret Catwalk

In 2005, Naomi Campbell walked her last catwalk for Victoria's Secret.

January 2007: Pleaded guilty to assaulting her former housekeeper

In January 2007, Naomi Campbell pleaded guilty to assaulting her former housekeeper and attended her community service wearing designer outfits.

2007: Walked for Dior's Anniversary 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 for 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.

June 2008: Sentenced for assaulting two police officers

In June 2008, Naomi Campbell was sentenced for assaulting two police officers at London Heathrow Airport.

July 2008: Appeared on Italian Vogue Cover

In July 2008, Naomi Campbell appeared on the gatefold cover of a landmark all-black issue of Italian Vogue.

2008: Relationship with Vladislav Doronin

From 2008 until 2013, Naomi Campbell was in a relationship with Russian businessman Vladislav Doronin.

2008: Fashion for Relief supports Mumbai terrorist attacks victims

In 2008, Fashion for Relief organized fund-raising fashion shows to benefit victims of the Mumbai terrorist attacks.

2009: Became goodwill ambassador for the White Ribbon Alliance

In 2009, Naomi Campbell became a goodwill ambassador for the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood.

2009: Opened Breakthrough breast cancer research unit

In 2009, Naomi Campbell opened a Breakthrough breast cancer research unit, further supporting the cause and demonstrating her commitment to fighting the disease.

2009: Awarded Honorary Patronage of Trinity College

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, there was an alleged email exchange between Naomi Campbell and Saif Gaddafi, in which Campbell inquired about arranging a visit to Libya for Ghislaine Maxwell.

August 2010: Appeared at Charles Taylor trial

In August 2010, Naomi Campbell appeared at the trial against former Liberian president Charles Taylor to give evidence on "blood diamonds" she received from Taylor in 1997.

November 2010: Organized Help the Tiger charity event

In November 2010, Naomi Campbell and Vladislav Doronin organized the Help the Tiger charity event in Saint Petersburg, Russia, attended by Leonardo DiCaprio and Vladimir Putin.

2010: Fashion for Relief supports Haiti earthquake victims

In 2010, Fashion for Relief organized fund-raising fashion shows to benefit victims of the Haiti earthquake.

2010: Received "Outstanding Contribution" award from British Elle

In 2010, Sarah Brown presented Naomi Campbell with an "Outstanding Contribution" award from British Elle for her work as an ambassador for the White Ribbon Alliance and her contributions to the fashion industry.

2010: Entered rehabilitation for cocaine addiction

In a 2010 interview, Naomi Campbell stated that in 1999 she entered rehabilitation for cocaine addiction and then she joined Alcoholics Anonymous to get sober.

2011: Fashion for Relief supports Japan earthquake victims

In 2011, Fashion for Relief organized fund-raising fashion shows to benefit victims of the Japan earthquake.

2011: Appeared on Essence Cover and Duran Duran Music Video

In 2011, Naomi Campbell appeared on the cover of Essence and starred in Duran Duran's music video for "Girl Panic!".

2012: Stopped Drinking

Around 2012, Naomi Campbell stopped drinking after joining Alcoholics Anonymous to get sober.

2012: Modeled at Olympic Games Closing Ceremony

In 2012, Naomi Campbell performed with other supermodels in the closing ceremony of the London Olympic Games, representing British fashion.

2012: Charity teamed up with YOOX China

In 2012, Naomi Campbell's charity teamed up with YOOX China and designers to create Chinese-themed T-shirts for fundraising.

March 2013: Numéro Russia Cover

In March 2013, Naomi Campbell appeared on the inaugural cover of Numéro Russia.

2013: Relationship with Vladislav Doronin

From 2008 until 2013, Naomi Campbell was in a relationship with Russian businessman Vladislav Doronin.

2013: Joins Diversity Coalition

In 2013, Naomi Campbell, along with Iman and Bethann Hardison, formed the "Diversity Coalition" to advocate against the lack of models of color in fashion shows, calling out designers for racist acts.

2014: Vogue and Harper's Bazaar Covers

In 2014, Naomi Campbell covered Vogue Australia, Vogue Japan, Vogue Turkey, and Harper's Bazaar.

2014: Named TV Personality of the Year

In 2014, Naomi Campbell was named TV Personality of the Year by Glamour Magazine.

2014: Hosted The Face Australia

Naomi Campbell hosted The Face Australia in 2014.

July 2015: Found guilty of assaulting a paparazzo

In July 2015, Naomi Campbell was found guilty of assaulting a paparazzo in Rome.

October 2015: Appeared in American Horror Story: Hotel

In October 2015, Naomi Campbell appeared in a two-episode arc in American Horror Story: Hotel.

2015: Closed Zac Posen Show and Featured in Campaigns

In 2015, Naomi Campbell closed the Zac Posen show and featured in campaigns for Burberry and Agent Provocateur.

April 2016: Fashion for Relief Spending Misconduct

Between April 2016 and July 2022, Fashion for Relief spent only 8.5% of its income on charitable grants, while making unauthorized payments to other trustees and advisors.

2016: Cast in Star and Appeared in Music Video

In 2016, Naomi Campbell was cast in the TV series 'Star' and appeared in Anohni's music video "Drone Bomb Me".

2016: Honored by amfAR

In 2016, amfAR honored Naomi Campbell for her 31 years of working with the foundation to fund AIDS research.

September 2017: Appeared in Versace Show

In September 2017, Naomi Campbell appeared in Versace's Spring/Summer 2018 show celebrating Gianni Versace.

2017: Fashion for Relief supports Syrian refugee crisis

In 2017, Fashion for Relief organized fund-raising fashion shows to benefit victims of the Syrian refugee crisis.

2017: Complaints against Fashion for Relief

In 2017, Save the Children Fund and the Mayor's Fund for London made complaints to the Charity Commission over Fashion for Relief's failure to fully pay them proceeds from events.

February 2018: Closed Kim Jones' Louis Vuitton Show

In February 2018, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss closed Kim Jones' final menswear show for Louis Vuitton.

June 2018: Received Fashion Icon Award

In June 2018, Naomi Campbell received the Fashion Icon award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

2018: Held Relief charity gala

In 2018, Naomi Campbell held another Relief charity gala with the theme "Race To Equality."

2018: Complaints against Fashion for Relief

In 2018, Save the Children Fund and the Mayor's Fund for London made complaints to the Charity Commission over Fashion for Relief's failure to fully pay them proceeds from events.

August 2019: Addressed relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

In August 2019, Naomi Campbell addressed her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein on her YouTube channel, stating that she was introduced to him by Flavio Briatore and condemning his actions.

2019: Fashion for Relief event at British Museum raises concerns

In 2019, Fashion for Relief held an event at the British Museum claimed to be in partnership with UNICEF, which UNICEF denied, leading to concerns and questions regarding the charity's practices.

2019: Dated Skepta

In 2019, Naomi Campbell dated Skepta.

2019: Beauty Contract with NARS Cosmetics

In 2019, Naomi Campbell received the first beauty contract of her career, with NARS Cosmetics.

August 2020: Signed With Studio71

In August 2020, Naomi Campbell signed with Studio71 for content curation.

January 2021: Appointed Tourism Ambassador

On January 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 signed an open letter along with other celebrities decrying Ghana's stance on gay rights.

March 2021: 50th Episode of No Filter With Naomi

The 50th episode of Naomi Campbell's web series 'No Filter with Naomi' premiered in March 2021, featuring Jean Paul Gaultier.

May 2021: Announced the birth of her daughter

In May 2021, Naomi Campbell announced the birth of her daughter.

July 2021: Condemned racist attacks on black players for England's national football team

In July 2021, Naomi Campbell condemned racist attacks on black players for the England national football team following their defeat in the UEFA Euro 2020 final.

2021: Charity Commission investigation into Fashion Relief

In 2021, the Charity Commission initiated an investigation into Fashion Relief.

February 2022: Confirmed her daughter was not adopted

In February 2022, Naomi Campbell confirmed that her daughter was not adopted and posed with her child for a photoshoot.

July 2022: Fashion for Relief Spending Misconduct

Between April 2016 and July 2022, Fashion for Relief spent only 8.5% of its income on charitable grants, while making unauthorized payments to other trustees and advisors.

July 2022: Awarded 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: Reported on alleged email exchange with Saif Gaddafi

In 2022, The Guardian reported on an alleged email exchange from May 2010 between Campbell and Saif Gaddafi, in which Campbell described Maxwell as a "great friend."

June 2023: Announced the birth of her son

In June 2023, Naomi Campbell announced the birth of her son, revealing that both her children were delivered via surrogate.

August 2023: Featured in Victoria's Secret Icon Collection

In August 2023, Naomi Campbell was featured in Victoria's Secret Icon Collection campaign alongside other iconic models.

September 2023: Debuted Collaboration With PrettyLittleThing

On September 5, 2023, Naomi Campbell debuted her new collaboration with PrettyLittleThing during New York Fashion Week.

2023: Featured in Docuseries The Super Models

In 2023, Naomi Campbell is featured in the Apple TV+ docuseries The Super Models alongside Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Linda Evangelista.

2023: Removed as a trustee from Fashion For Relief

In 2023, Naomi Campbell was removed as a trustee from the charity Fashion For Relief.

2023: La Moda Veste la Pace Award

In 2023, The Centre for Advanced Studies of Fundamental Human Rights, with the approval of the African Fashion Gate President Hon. Makaziwe Mandela conferred La Moda Veste la Pace Award on Naomi Elaine Campbell.

March 2024: Fashion For Relief closed by Charity Commission

On March 15, 2024, Fashion For Relief was closed by the Charity Commission.

June 2024: Naomi: In Fashion Exhibition

In June 2024, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London launched a solo exhibition titled "Naomi: In Fashion", highlighting Naomi Campbell's philanthropic work, activism, and modeling career.

September 2024: Banned From Being a Charity Trustee

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.

2024: Walks and Advertising Campaigns

In 2024, Naomi Campbell continued to be active in the fashion industry, walking in catwalks and appearing in advertising campaigns for numerous high-profile designers and brands, including Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent, and Chanel.