Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour shared a seemingly tense moment ahead of New York Fashion Week.
The British supermodel, 58, was honored with the Fashion Icon Award at Harlem’s Fashion Row’s 17th Annual Fashion Show & Style Awards on Tuesday (September 3) in New York City. When introduced by Wintour, 74, Vogue editor-in-chief said she was “introducing someone tonight who is often late,” according to a video shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Wintour then passed things on to Samira Nasr, the editor-in-chief Harper’s Bazaar, who presented Campbell with the award. According to TMZ, Wintour left the event early to attend the US Open.
In her acceptance speech, Campbell appeared to address Wintour’s remark about the delay. “I want to say this. Everything should work out as it works out,” she told the crowd. “It wasn’t my choice to have another lady. I’d rather have this,” Campbell said, gesturing to Nasr.
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In videos from the event, the audience can be heard sighing.
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Despite the criticism, Wintour called out many of Campbell’s positive qualities in her speech. She told USA Today that the model was “bold, bright and completely, unquestionably herself.”
Naomi Campbell at the Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards, September 3, 2024.
Theo Wargo/Getty
Wintour also said of the recipient of the award: “Naomi is honestly one of the most fearless people I know, a quality that was evident at the very, very beginning of her career when she began to speak the truth about inequality and injustice. And that was at a time when it wasn’t was usual.”
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She continued, per USA Today: “Naomi’s bravery has benefited the entire fashion industry. However, I can tell you that being on the receiving end of that fearlessness can be — oh, what can I say? Pretty exciting? But her honesty is what makes it so amazing that is nearby, a muse and inspiration for designers.”
Campbell had some kind words for Wintour back. The model thanked the editor for taking the time to “come here and give me an award even though I wasn’t here,” as well as launching her career. “So thank you, Anna Wintour, for supporting my career since 1987, meeting a young black a girl from south London at the offices of British Vogue and taking a risk by giving me a shoot,” she said. “Thank you for your influence and your continued support in pushing fashion forward.”
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Source: HIS Education