WHAT? NAOMI: In Fashion 

WHERE? V&A, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2RL

WHEN? Now until 6th April 2025

WHY GO?  For Supermodel vibes.  It’s a first, the first time the esteemed V&A has dedicated a whole exhibition to just one model, but then Naomi Campbell is just not any model.  She is the black, working-class girl from Streatham who has soared to stratospheric heights in an arena that takes no prisoners.  

Throughout her 40 year career, Naomi, who is so famous she is referred to by her christian name alone, has conquered the catwalk, befriended global leaders, championed charities and become a role model for young women everywhere who dream of a modelling career.

Discovered while still a schoolgirl, she appeared in a Bob Marley video, was muse to designer Azzedine Alaia, met Nelson Mandela and most significantly was the first ever black model to appear on the cover of Paris Vogue in 1988 aged just 18.

Famous for falling on the Vivienne Westwood catwalk in sky high heels in 1993, with a smile, she picked herself up and laughed it off.  The exhibition gushes with flattery and praise from friends and fans through video interviews and voice overs. 

What to see?  Primarily Naomi’s designer wardrobe which includes everything from Westwood to McQueen, plus images from every glossy mag by every fashion photographer of note. 

If you then hanker after strutting your stuff, there’s a mini catwalk to give it a go with tips from the expert of course who will count you in!

IN THE KNOW  Should you have a shoe fetish, dip into the V&A’s YouTube channel where the curator unwraps the actual Westwood platform heels Naomi wore when she fell on the catwalk.

How she ever walked a step in them is a miracle!  She discusses the historical context of elevated heels in fashion generally along with snippets of the Westwood story.