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By: Sydnee Walcott
Intelligence transcends beyond the scope of cognitive thinking. The term intelligence is commonly associated with ideas that center around our inner thought process. However, there is talent demonstrated externally that showcases our aptitude to think creatively and transform art into visual appeal.
Being successful does not limit us to our thought process, it can transcend to other realms such as modelling. The modelling industry is unique because it allows models to express their talent in other artistic forms. The fashion, photography, and movements are elements that encompass a successful show.
Everyday, people continue to find success in more than one venture, and one of the top supermodels of the 90s just so happens to be one of those people.
Born on May 22, 1970, in London, England, Naomi Campbell made herself a household name in the modelling world as an extraordinary supermodel.
Campbell’s career in the entertainment industry began at the age of seven when she appeared in the music video for the late Bob Marley’s song “Is This Love.”
Her career in modelling started at the age of 25 when she was scouted by Beth Boldt, head of Synchro Modelling Agency. Campbell’s modelling career took off and continues to gain substantial recognition almost 40 years later. For a model, the duration of her time is significant as she is able to hold the title of one of the most experienced Black models to walk the stage.
Besides her stellar career as model, this article will pay tribute to some of her other business ventures and accolades.
Modelling Career
Once Campbell made the decision to sign to Synchro Modelling Agency, her journey began to skyrocket as she was one of the most in-demand models throughout the late 1980s into the 1990s.
Campbell became a trailblazer within the industry as she broke down many barriers as a Black model and opened up the doors for many aspiring models of colour. Her unique features brought attention to her name and many were stunned with her captivating appearance and aesthetic.
Appearing on the cover of more that 500 magazines, Campbell was the first Black model to appear on the covers of TIME magazine, French Vogue, Russian Vogue, and British Vogue.
She has also been featured in campaigns for high-end brands such as Burberry, Prada, Versace, Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino.
Campbell is a model who is not afraid to take risks as she engaged in the process of designing a handful of extraordinary outfits and helped model them on the runway. Some of these outfits include the Versace safety pin dress, Jean Paul Caultier cone bra, Alexander McQueen oyster dress, and the Valentino Couture dress.
Along with Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Linda Evangelista and Christy Burlington, Campbell is one of the “big five” supermodels to leave a significant impact on the modelling industry and how the industry views models of colour.
Businesswoman
Given her stellar success within the fashion industry, as a model who broke down racial barriers, Campbell seeked new business ventures that allowed her to excel as a fashion designer. Campbell was eager to use the experience she gained from walking modelling shows and apply her knowledge to design clothing items.
Campbell has been a part of many business ventures over the years and sees no sign of retiring anytime soon.
At the beginning of 2023, Campbell launched her first masterclass where she shared the knowledge from her three-decade long career within the modelling industry.
A few insights aspiring models can learn from Campbell’s advice is how to handle rejection from judges. She also provides advice on common misconceptions about the industry. It is Campbell’s commitment to teach others on how they should carry themselves in the modelling industry and how to balance respect, integrity, and authenticity.
In July of 2023, it was announced that Campbell had partnered with Pretty Little Thing for a landmark collection.
Set to launch in September during New York Fashion Week, the collection will consist of celebrity-inspired looks at an affordable price. This is an opportunity for fans to feel a sense of belonging within the community. It allows fans to wear clothing items that are similar to the outfits they see in fashion shows. These designs are meant for customers to not only support her achievements but allow her to reach new audiences.
The collaboration is of great importance because it will be Pretty Little Thing’s biggest collaboration to date.
Philanthropy
In 1993, Campbell’s charity work began when she started to work with the late Nelson Mandela. He referred Campbell as his “honorary granddaughter,” for her work in promoting the welfare of children in Africa.
Mandela had always encouraged Campbell to use her voice to speak up for the children in Africa and use her platform to evoke a positive message. This has led to the creation of the Fashion for Relief.
Since 2005, Campbell continues to showcase her humanitarian efforts and has raised over 4.5 million pounds to help fight against Ebola, provide relief for those impacted by natural distorters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the 2010 Haiti Earthquake, the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and the 2009 India terrorist attacks.
Through Fashion for Relief, Campbell has been working with other charities to help provide food, shelter, and medical treatment for children affected by the ongoing civil war in Syria. These survivor packages substantially change the lives of those affected by the war and provide a sense of relief to those who are suffering from a lack of supplies.
Her initiatives not only provide credibility to the work she has accomplished but reveal her aptitude to seek ventures that help civilians in failed states. In cases where Doctors Without Borders can be difficult to facilitate, charitable organizations such as Fashion for Relief can provide relief during humanitarian crises’ that infringe human rights.
Campbell continues to show her audience the vast opportunities women of colour can engage in. What stands out the most about Campbell is how she utilizes her platform to inspire and change the lives of many within the business sector. She is an intellectual business woman who makes the most out of her platform by sharing her skill, wealth, and talent with the rest of the world.
When we discuss the topic of intelligence Campbell has embodied bravery to step out of her comfort zone and recognize that there are others who are in disadvantaged positions that require significant support. Her awareness in these issues allows her to be a model that can take on a multitude of human rights initiatives through her talent.
Sydnee Walcott is a Copy / Contributing Editor for Black Voice. She is also a writer who likes to capture the essence when writing articles on a variety of topics.