Naomi Campbell then and now.Photo: Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty; Thierry Chesnot/Getty
Fifty-three years ago, fashion history changed forever with the birth ofNaomi Campbell. The British supermodel, born May 22, 1970, in London, would become a trailblazer for women of color in the industry. Her signature strut quickly catapulted her to stardom as she walked the runway for Azzedine Alaïa, Karl Lagerfeld and more.
Before it kicks off, take a look at some of Campbell’s standout style moments through the years.
01of 19Naomi Campbell in 1987Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Daniel SIMON/Gamma-Rapho via GettyDiscovered at just 15, Campbell quickly rose to fame after she signed to Synchro, landing the cover of BritishEllejust a few months later. Here, she was pretty in pink at a 1987 Karl Lagerfeld fashion show in Paris.02of 19Naomi Campbell in 1988Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Daniel SIMON/Gamma-Rapho via GettyPictured the following year in another Paris fashion show, Campbell made a compelling case for polka-dot swimwear (and, somehow, four hats stacked on top of each other).03of 19Naomi Campbell in the 1980sNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty"When I started out, I wasn’t being booked for certain shows because of the colour of my skin. I didn’t let it rattle me," Campbell wrote of her experiences with racism in the industry in hereponymous 2016 autobiography. “From attending auditions and performing at an early age, I understood what it meant to be black. You had to put in the extra effort. You had to be twice as good.“04of 19Naomi Campbell and the TrinityNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via GettyCampbell’s fast friendship and frequent appearances alongside fellow supermodelsEvangelistaandTurlingtonearned the ladies the nickname “the Trinity.“Here, the long-legged trio kicked up their heels with renowned fashion editor Polly Mellon at The Fashion Group International’s 6th Annual “Night of 100 Stars” in 1989.05of 19Naomi Campbell on the RunwayNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.The LIFE Picture Collection via GettyCampbell strutted her stuff in a red velvet robe and black lingerie in this luxe fashion show.06of 19Naomi Campbell in 1988Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/GettyAt 18, the supermodel turned heads at the Yves Saint Laurent 1988 Spring/Summer Ready-To-Wear show.07of 19Naomi Campbell and Kate MossNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Dave Benett/Getty ImagesCampbell and Kate Moss' friendship dates back to the early ’90s. Over the years, the two have been there for each other through the good, the bad and the very, very sheer.08of 19Naomi Campbell and Kate MossNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Dave Benett/GettyThe It Girls twinned in chainmail dresses and smoky eyes at the De Beers/Versace Diamonds Are Forever party in London in 1999.09of 19Naomi Campbell in 1987Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Pierre Vauthey/Sygma/Sygma via GettyWho needs an ornate chandelier when you’ve got Naomi to light up the runway? Decked in feathers, the young supermodel stole the spotlight at the 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Autumn/Winter show in Paris.10of 19Naomi Campbell in 1989Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.ARNAL/Gamma-Rapho via GettyCampbell debuted a chic cropped ‘do in the late ’80s, seen here on the runway for Chanel in 1989.11of 19Naomi Campbell and André Leon TalleyNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via GettyCampbell was close with lateVogueeditor André Leon Talley. Here, the friends cracked up at the Tanqueray Sterling Ball in 1989 in New York City.12of 19Naomi Campbell in 1991Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Guy Marineau/Conde Nast via GettyAfter her belongings were stolen on one of her early trips to Paris, Campbell was introduced to designer Azzedine Alaïa — who soon became a father figure to her, she recounted in her autobiography, excerpted inThe Guardian.“From then on, whenever I was in Paris, I stayed with Azzedine,” she wrote. Here in 1991, she wore one of the late designer’s iconic pieces — which alsocaught the eye of Kim Kardashian in 2018.13of 19Naomi Campbell and Cindy CrawfordNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Rose Hartman/Getty ImagesCampbellinterviewed her longtime paland fellow supermodel Crawford, pictured with her here in 1992, for the debut episode of herNo Filter with NaomiYouTube series.14of 19Naomi Campbell and Nelson MandelaNaomi Campbell with Nelson Mandela.ANNA ZIEMINSKI/AFP via GettyCampbell and former South African President Nelson Mandela, who lovingly referred to her as his “honorary granddaughter,” were captured in an emotional embrace during her 1998 trip, which saw her host a Versace fashion show in support ofMandela’s Children’s Fund.15of 19Naomi Campbell and ImanNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Patrick McMullan/GettyAmong her many famous friends in the industry is Iman, whom Campbell referred to as a “mother figure.” Here, the pair shared a smiling embrace in 1988.16of 19Naomi Campbell and Linda EvangelistaNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.The LIFE Picture Collection via GettyCampbell and BFF Evangelista shared a playful smooch in this 1991 shot.17of 19Naomi Campbell in 1997Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.PIERRE VERDY/AFP via GettyDripping in gold, all eyes were on Campbell’s barely-there ensemble during the Christian Dior 1997/98 Fall/Winter fashion show.18of 19Naomi Campbell and MadonnaNaomi Campbell and Madonna.Dave Hogan/Getty ImagesCan you believe it’s been 25 years since this photo was taken?! It would appear that Madonna and Campbell discovered the fountain of youth. The duo were all smiles at the 9th Annual Fire and Ice Ball in December 1998.19of 19Naomi Campbell in 1996Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.The fashion icon posed with her first book,Naomi, in 1996.
01of 19Naomi Campbell in 1987Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Daniel SIMON/Gamma-Rapho via GettyDiscovered at just 15, Campbell quickly rose to fame after she signed to Synchro, landing the cover of BritishEllejust a few months later. Here, she was pretty in pink at a 1987 Karl Lagerfeld fashion show in Paris.
01of 19
Naomi Campbell in 1987
Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Daniel SIMON/Gamma-Rapho via Getty
Discovered at just 15, Campbell quickly rose to fame after she signed to Synchro, landing the cover of BritishEllejust a few months later. Here, she was pretty in pink at a 1987 Karl Lagerfeld fashion show in Paris.
02of 19Naomi Campbell in 1988Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Daniel SIMON/Gamma-Rapho via GettyPictured the following year in another Paris fashion show, Campbell made a compelling case for polka-dot swimwear (and, somehow, four hats stacked on top of each other).
02of 19
Naomi Campbell in 1988
Pictured the following year in another Paris fashion show, Campbell made a compelling case for polka-dot swimwear (and, somehow, four hats stacked on top of each other).
03of 19Naomi Campbell in the 1980sNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty"When I started out, I wasn’t being booked for certain shows because of the colour of my skin. I didn’t let it rattle me,” Campbell wrote of her experiences with racism in the industry in hereponymous 2016 autobiography. “From attending auditions and performing at an early age, I understood what it meant to be black. You had to put in the extra effort. You had to be twice as good.”
03of 19
Naomi Campbell in the 1980s
Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty
“When I started out, I wasn’t being booked for certain shows because of the colour of my skin. I didn’t let it rattle me,” Campbell wrote of her experiences with racism in the industry in hereponymous 2016 autobiography. “From attending auditions and performing at an early age, I understood what it meant to be black. You had to put in the extra effort. You had to be twice as good.”
04of 19Naomi Campbell and the TrinityNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via GettyCampbell’s fast friendship and frequent appearances alongside fellow supermodelsEvangelistaandTurlingtonearned the ladies the nickname “the Trinity.“Here, the long-legged trio kicked up their heels with renowned fashion editor Polly Mellon at The Fashion Group International’s 6th Annual “Night of 100 Stars” in 1989.
04of 19
Naomi Campbell and the Trinity
Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Campbell’s fast friendship and frequent appearances alongside fellow supermodelsEvangelistaandTurlingtonearned the ladies the nickname “the Trinity.”
Here, the long-legged trio kicked up their heels with renowned fashion editor Polly Mellon at The Fashion Group International’s 6th Annual “Night of 100 Stars” in 1989.
05of 19Naomi Campbell on the RunwayNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.The LIFE Picture Collection via GettyCampbell strutted her stuff in a red velvet robe and black lingerie in this luxe fashion show.
05of 19
Naomi Campbell on the Runway
Campbell strutted her stuff in a red velvet robe and black lingerie in this luxe fashion show.
06of 19Naomi Campbell in 1988Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/GettyAt 18, the supermodel turned heads at the Yves Saint Laurent 1988 Spring/Summer Ready-To-Wear show.
06of 19
Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty
At 18, the supermodel turned heads at the Yves Saint Laurent 1988 Spring/Summer Ready-To-Wear show.
07of 19Naomi Campbell and Kate MossNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Dave Benett/Getty ImagesCampbell and Kate Moss’ friendship dates back to the early ’90s. Over the years, the two have been there for each other through the good, the bad and the very, very sheer.
07of 19
Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss
Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Dave Benett/Getty Images
Campbell and Kate Moss' friendship dates back to the early ’90s. Over the years, the two have been there for each other through the good, the bad and the very, very sheer.
08of 19Naomi Campbell and Kate MossNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Dave Benett/GettyThe It Girls twinned in chainmail dresses and smoky eyes at the De Beers/Versace Diamonds Are Forever party in London in 1999.
08of 19
Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Dave Benett/Getty
The It Girls twinned in chainmail dresses and smoky eyes at the De Beers/Versace Diamonds Are Forever party in London in 1999.
09of 19Naomi Campbell in 1987Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Pierre Vauthey/Sygma/Sygma via GettyWho needs an ornate chandelier when you’ve got Naomi to light up the runway? Decked in feathers, the young supermodel stole the spotlight at the 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Autumn/Winter show in Paris.
09of 19
Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Pierre Vauthey/Sygma/Sygma via Getty
Who needs an ornate chandelier when you’ve got Naomi to light up the runway? Decked in feathers, the young supermodel stole the spotlight at the 1987 Yves Saint Laurent Autumn/Winter show in Paris.
10of 19Naomi Campbell in 1989Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.ARNAL/Gamma-Rapho via GettyCampbell debuted a chic cropped ‘do in the late ’80s, seen here on the runway for Chanel in 1989.
10of 19
Naomi Campbell in 1989
Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.ARNAL/Gamma-Rapho via Getty
Campbell debuted a chic cropped ‘do in the late ’80s, seen here on the runway for Chanel in 1989.
11of 19Naomi Campbell and André Leon TalleyNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via GettyCampbell was close with lateVogueeditor André Leon Talley. Here, the friends cracked up at the Tanqueray Sterling Ball in 1989 in New York City.
11of 19
Naomi Campbell and André Leon Talley
Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Campbell was close with lateVogueeditor André Leon Talley. Here, the friends cracked up at the Tanqueray Sterling Ball in 1989 in New York City.
12of 19Naomi Campbell in 1991Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Guy Marineau/Conde Nast via GettyAfter her belongings were stolen on one of her early trips to Paris, Campbell was introduced to designer Azzedine Alaïa — who soon became a father figure to her, she recounted in her autobiography, excerpted inThe Guardian.“From then on, whenever I was in Paris, I stayed with Azzedine,” she wrote. Here in 1991, she wore one of the late designer’s iconic pieces — which alsocaught the eye of Kim Kardashian in 2018.
12of 19
Naomi Campbell in 1991
Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Guy Marineau/Conde Nast via Getty
After her belongings were stolen on one of her early trips to Paris, Campbell was introduced to designer Azzedine Alaïa — who soon became a father figure to her, she recounted in her autobiography, excerpted inThe Guardian.
“From then on, whenever I was in Paris, I stayed with Azzedine,” she wrote. Here in 1991, she wore one of the late designer’s iconic pieces — which alsocaught the eye of Kim Kardashian in 2018.
13of 19Naomi Campbell and Cindy CrawfordNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Rose Hartman/Getty ImagesCampbellinterviewed her longtime paland fellow supermodel Crawford, pictured with her here in 1992, for the debut episode of herNo Filter with NaomiYouTube series.
13of 19
Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford
Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Rose Hartman/Getty Images
Campbellinterviewed her longtime paland fellow supermodel Crawford, pictured with her here in 1992, for the debut episode of herNo Filter with NaomiYouTube series.
14of 19Naomi Campbell and Nelson MandelaNaomi Campbell with Nelson Mandela.ANNA ZIEMINSKI/AFP via GettyCampbell and former South African President Nelson Mandela, who lovingly referred to her as his “honorary granddaughter,” were captured in an emotional embrace during her 1998 trip, which saw her host a Versace fashion show in support ofMandela’s Children’s Fund.
14of 19
Naomi Campbell and Nelson Mandela
Naomi Campbell with Nelson Mandela.ANNA ZIEMINSKI/AFP via Getty
Campbell and former South African President Nelson Mandela, who lovingly referred to her as his “honorary granddaughter,” were captured in an emotional embrace during her 1998 trip, which saw her host a Versace fashion show in support ofMandela’s Children’s Fund.
15of 19Naomi Campbell and ImanNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Patrick McMullan/GettyAmong her many famous friends in the industry is Iman, whom Campbell referred to as a “mother figure.” Here, the pair shared a smiling embrace in 1988.
15of 19
Naomi Campbell and Iman
Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.Patrick McMullan/Getty
Among her many famous friends in the industry is Iman, whom Campbell referred to as a “mother figure.” Here, the pair shared a smiling embrace in 1988.
16of 19Naomi Campbell and Linda EvangelistaNaomi Campbell’s early modeling days.The LIFE Picture Collection via GettyCampbell and BFF Evangelista shared a playful smooch in this 1991 shot.
16of 19
Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista
Campbell and BFF Evangelista shared a playful smooch in this 1991 shot.
17of 19Naomi Campbell in 1997Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.PIERRE VERDY/AFP via GettyDripping in gold, all eyes were on Campbell’s barely-there ensemble during the Christian Dior 1997/98 Fall/Winter fashion show.
17of 19
Naomi Campbell in 1997
Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.PIERRE VERDY/AFP via Getty
Dripping in gold, all eyes were on Campbell’s barely-there ensemble during the Christian Dior 1997/98 Fall/Winter fashion show.
18of 19Naomi Campbell and MadonnaNaomi Campbell and Madonna.Dave Hogan/Getty ImagesCan you believe it’s been 25 years since this photo was taken?! It would appear that Madonna and Campbell discovered the fountain of youth. The duo were all smiles at the 9th Annual Fire and Ice Ball in December 1998.
18of 19
Naomi Campbell and Madonna
Naomi Campbell and Madonna.Dave Hogan/Getty Images
Can you believe it’s been 25 years since this photo was taken?! It would appear that Madonna and Campbell discovered the fountain of youth. The duo were all smiles at the 9th Annual Fire and Ice Ball in December 1998.
19of 19Naomi Campbell in 1996Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.The fashion icon posed with her first book,Naomi, in 1996.
19of 19
Naomi Campbell in 1996
Naomi Campbell’s early modeling days.
The fashion icon posed with her first book,Naomi, in 1996.
source: people.com
