Strutting Through History: UAL Postgraduates Explore Naomi Campbell’s Fashion Legacy at the V&A
- Written byJasleen Narang
- Published date 14 March 2025
Share story
Strutting Through History: UAL Post-Grads Explore Naomi Campbell’s Fashion Legacy at the V&A
Written by Jasleen Narang, Post-Grad Community Ambassador, MA Strategic Fashion Marketing, London College of Fashion
To kick off UAL's Spring break, Post-Grad Community invited a group of postgraduates from across UAL to South Kensington to see the NAOMI in Fashion exhibition at the V&A, bright and early on a March Monday morning, ready for some creative motivation.
From the moment we stepped in, we were immersed in Naomi Campbell’s world. A striking projected video of the supermodel's most iconic catwalk moments greeted us—her effortless strut, commanding presence, and electrifying energy setting the tone for what was to come. The soundtrack in the background featured Freedom! '90 by George Michael, the very song Naomi appeared in alongside Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, and Christy Turlington. That video, inspired by their iconic British Vogue cover shot by Peter Lindbergh, was a defining moment of the '90s and a testament to Naomi’s status as a true supermodel.
We began by discovering how Naomi became Naomi. Learning that she was first approached in Covent Garden sparked excitement among the group, with several joking, "Well, I'm going there tomorrow!" This personal insight into her beginnings—her original modelling contract, early portfolio shots, and even old plane tickets—gave us a deeper understanding of her journey to superstardom.
The exhibition was a feast for the eyes, showcasing a treasure trove of Naomi’s most legendary outfits from her decades-long career. The Alaïa pieces were a standout—sleek, sculptural designs that hugged Naomi’s body like a second skin, embodying the deep creative connection between her and the designer. Alaïa famously referred to Naomi as his "daughter"—a relationship that went beyond fashion and into family.
A display of Gianni Versace’s iconic chainmail mini dresses reminded us of Naomi's close ties to the Versace family. The room buzzed with excitement as we stood before the plunging silver gown she wore at the 1995 Met Gala—her confidence radiating from the photographs. The group discussed how Naomi’s loyalty to the Versace brand helped cement her as a fashion icon throughout the '90s.
Her rebellious streak was also on full display. A highlight was the striking Vivienne Westwood platform heels from the 1993 runway show—the very shoes Naomi famously fell in on the catwalk. It was a rare moment of vulnerability for the usually flawless model, but Naomi handled it with laughter and grace, reminding the world that even supermodels can stumble.
The group reflected on how Yves Saint Laurent’s support helped Naomi make history as the first Black model to appear on the cover of Vogue Paris—a pivotal moment in both fashion and cultural history.
Marc Jacobs once said of Naomi:
"I constantly get inspiration from the people in my life. From the first time I met Naomi, we had this connection that was very, very special—and so rare in the fashion world. There was a personal bond that went way beyond the dress."
Jean Paul Gaultier echoed this sentiment:
"I should not have done collections like that if there were not people like you... Clothes are nothing without someone inside who knows how to move."
Naomi’s ability to interpret garments has made her a standard setter in the industry. Whether tightly corseted, full-skirted, form-fitting, or barely there, she wears it all with ease—even in vertiginously high heels. Her impact on the catwalk and the page is unmatched—a true supermodel in every sense.
One highlight of the exhibition was the interactive runway experience for the exhibition visitors to have some fun with. Here, Naomi’s pre-recorded voice coached us through the art of the catwalk, we are invited to walk the runway ramp ourselves and see the recorded playback projected onto the wall. It was both exhilarating and humbling—offering a glimpse into the precision and confidence behind Naomi’s effortless walk.
Stefano Gabbana described Naomi as:
"A free woman, gifted with a unique beauty, strong and determined, able to influence the taste of generations of girls. This is what makes a woman a muse for us; in this way, Naomi has always been and continues to be one."
The exhibit’s electrifying energy resonated deeply with the group. Several students were inspired by Naomi’s strength as a woman of colour navigating the industry. One remarked that her resilience and unapologetic attitude were something to look up to, while fashion students were particularly awed by the iconic garments on display and the exhibition’s rich history.
The accompanying soundtrack, which included everything from '90s house music to classic runway anthems, added to the atmosphere, enhancing the experience with its rhythm and drama.
After the exhibition, we continued to a nearby coffee shop and later to a local garden, where conversations about Naomi’s legacy and the future of fashion continued long into the afternoon. We also set out a WhatsApp group with the intention of meeting again and visiting more exhibitions together.
Without a doubt, Naomi in Fashion offered more than just a retrospective of Campbell’s career—it was a celebration of her cultural impact, artistic influence, and enduring power in the world of fashion.
Naomi Campbell
One of the five original supermodels, Naomi Campbell was born in London and caught her break when she was 15 years old in 1985. She has graced the covers of more than 500 magazines during her career, and has been featured in campaigns for Burberry, Prada, Versace, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino.
She was the first black model to appear on the cover of TIME magazine, French Vogue and Russian Vogue as well as the first British black model to appear on the cover of British Vogue. The runway was her domain as she showcased the collections of top designers, including Chanel, Azzedine Alaia, Christian Dior and Versace.
Related links
Post-Grad Stories
Post-Grad Stories is a thriving online platform of postgraduate voices. Here you can share thought-provoking experiences, practices, thoughts and articles about what matters to you.
Download the PDF Guide to writing articles for Post-Grad Stories.
UAL Post-Grad Community
Established in 2013, Post-Grad Community is an inclusive platform for all UAL postgraduate students to share work, find opportunities and connect with other creatives within the UAL and beyond. Find out more.