Naomi Campbell On Her Year Of 'Rebirth': ‘I'm Embracing It With Everything I've Got'
If there’s one matriarch in the fashion industry who has paved the way for women owning the ability to be their own boss, it’s Naomi Campbell. Not only has the British model been a force of nature on the catwalk, cementing her name in the archives of sartorial history forever, but she’s worked tirelessly to improve equality in the industry since she was just a teenager. From joining the Black Girls Coalition in 1989 to campaigning for the Diversity Coalition since 2013, Campbell has never shied away from nudging the needle of representation ever closer to equality, and extending the ladder for models of colour beneath her.
It's fitting, then, that this season Campbell is the new brand ambassador for the Boss AW24 watch and jewellery campaign. Not only does the former ELLE UK cover star exude the bold confidence and strength highlighted in the German brand’s latest campaign, but it marks yet another notch on a career-defining year for the mother-of-two. After returning to the cover of ELLE in March, for the first time since she became its star just before her 16th birthday in 1986, her latest campaign appointment comes months after the release of the BOSS x Naomi capsule collection and V&A exhibition earlier this year.
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We sat down with Naomi Campbell to find out more about her stellar 2024, the image of sustained progress in equal representation, and her fondest memories of London Fashion Week:
2024 seems to be a ‘rebirth year’ for you. How would you describe the point you’re at in your life?
‘I have to say, this year has been amazing! It's not just about the fashion or the accolades, though those are certainly great. It's more about this sense of coming full circle. I've been through so much in my career and my personal life, and now it feels like I'm in this place where I can really appreciate it all—the good times and the challenging ones.
‘For instance, being back on the cover of ELLE is just a reminder that we can always reinvent ourselves and still stay true to who we are.
‘The V&A exhibition—now that's something else. To see my journey laid out like that and to have my work recognised in such a prestigious setting is extremely humbling and more than I could have ever dreamed of when I was starting out.
‘But with all that, I'm not just looking back. I'm very much focused on the future. I feel like I'm in this wonderful position where I can mentor younger people in the industry, share what I've learned, and hopefully make their path a little smoother than mine was.
'I'd say I'm at a point in my life where I'm feeling incredibly grateful but also excited for what's to come. This "rebirth" as you called it—I'm embracing it with everything I've got. Because if there's one thing I've learned, it's that life keeps evolving, and so do we. And I don’t take anything for granted.’
Earlier this year that you’re worried that fashion is ‘sliding back’ in diversity of representation – what does sustained progress look like to you and what needs to happen in the immediate future?
‘You know, it's been quite a journey fighting for equality in this industry. I've been at it a long time, and sometimes it feels like we're taking two steps forward and one step back. When I think about what real, lasting progress looks like, it's not just about seeing diverse faces on the runway or in magazines. Don't get me wrong, that's crucial. However, it goes beyond that. The goal is for diversity to become so ingrained in the industry that we don't even have to think about it anymore. It's just there. It’s organic. It’s expected.
‘What we really need are more diverse voices in the rooms where key decisions are being made, and that needs to happen now! We need CEOs, board members, and creative directors who come from a variety of backgrounds because that's how you get real change, from the top down.
‘And we’ve got to nurture new talent. There are so many brilliant young people in the world who have fresh perspectives and amazing ideas. We got to ensure they are given the chances they deserve, the opportunities to really shine and to make their mark.
'The media has a big role to play too. They got to keep telling diverse stories, and showing different faces and experiences. Because what we see shapes how we think and it shapes our world.
‘I'm not saying it's going to be easy. Change never is. But I've been in this industry long enough to know that it's possible. We got to keep pushing, keep speaking up, and keep holding people accountable. Because at the end of the day, a more diverse, inclusive industry isn't just better for some of us - it's better for all of us.’
Fashion Month is coming up – what’s your favourite memory of London Fashion Week and how has London’s fashion reputation as the epicentre for creativity changed over your career?
‘London Fashion Week has always held a special place in my heart because it’s where it all started for me. Some of my favourite memories are from walking in shows for designers like Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, Jasper Conran, and Rifat Ozbek. While London has changed over time, its status as the hub of creativity has only strengthened.
‘When I started, London was known for its rebellious spirit, for pushing boundaries in ways that were truly different. London's designers were not afraid to take chances, and the city fostered innovation in its purest form, which is what made it so cool.’
You’re the face of the latest BOSS watches and jewellery campaign – what's your favourite piece from the collection, and how will you be styling it?
'The green Grand Tour watch I wear in the campaign is my particular favourite. Its robust, masculine design stands out, and its two-tone metal and pop of green adds an elegance and versatility that lets it easily go from day to night. I also love the Double B motif jewellery; each style is sophisticated and works beautifully together throughout the entire collection. The chain bracelet with the monogram is ideal for stacking with the watch, and the necklace is understated yet very eye-catching.'
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