Naomi Campbell is…well, Naomi Campbell. Not only does she still kill it on the runways as a fashion legend, but the supermodel has walked for just about everyone under the sun: Chanel, Dior, Alaia, Versace, and more. She is one of the original OGs of modeling, amongst the other greats like Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Clauda Schiffer, Linda Evangelista, and I support Kate Moss and Helena Christensen.
She was the first black model to appear on the covers of French Vogue, Time, US Vogue’s September issue (1989) as well as the recipient of countless fashion awards. So when Nars Cosmetics posted a photo of Naomi and revealed that she is the newest face for its Spring 2019 campaign.
Photographer and founder of the brand, François Nars, said on Instagram, “Naomi is a living icon and brings such strong personality to the camera. She and I are like family. I have known her since the very beginning of her career. From the start, I have admired her, her beauty, and her style.”
But that wasn’t what confused me — I just wanted to know how this supermodel with a 30-plus career, top of the game, has never been asked to front a beauty campaign. It’s especially strange given the fact that it was because of Naomi that Nars expanded their shade range (and y’all know I love me some Nars). So she’s been a muse for brands for years, yet because of racism in the industry, she is JUST now getting a campaign?
“‘I’ve never done one for anyone,” Naomi told Evening Standard back in 2017. “People say, Oh you’ve got beautiful skin’ and yet I’ve never done one.’ Why? She gives me a look that says, ‘You know why.’” In that interview, there was other points of discussion, like the appointment of Edward Enninful to British Vogue and how important that is. “‘Of course he is also a man of colour, but it was nice to read The New York Times, which just said ‘a man’. We’re very proud, it’s never happened before. It’s historic. It’s an absolute landmark.’ She adds that she can also start enjoying British Vogue, which until now, ‘I’ve not been a big reader of’.”
Nevertheless, I look forward to seeing Naomi continue to be a barrier-breaking woman who is working to create change for us all.
