Honouring her contribution to the industry
British supermodel Naomi Campbell is one of the most recognisable figures of the fashion industry. From the runway to the front covers of international magazines, her iconic and fierce style made her a fashion icon of the nineties. Now, the 49-year-old English beauty will receive the Fashion Icon award at The Fashion Awards 2019, the British Fashion Council has confirmed.
Naomi will be honoured for her incredible contribution to the fashion industry and her impressive career, as well as her philanthropic work. The news was announced by BFC chief executive, Caroline Rush, during a glamorous cocktail reception at The Ritz in London. She said: “We cannot think of a more deserving recipient than iconic Londoner Naomi Campbell, she has achieved exceptional work in the industry.”
Naomi represents female empowerment, activism and glamour and her voice is used for great impact. We are thrilled to present the Fashion Icon award to Naomi and acknowledge her for her remarkable contribution to the global fashion industry, and we look forward to celebrating with her in London in December,” she continued.
The Fashion Icon is a major award and one of the Special Recognition allocates given by the British Fashion Council to celebrate outstanding contributions to the industry. Previous recipients include iconic designer Donatella Versace, who was presented with the accolade in 2017. Naomi has one of the most prominent modelling careers, with more than 30 years of experience under her belt. She started walking down the runway from an early age, when she was scouted by an agent after school in Covent Garden. Over the years, she has been on more than 500 magazine covers and has starred in campaigns for the world’s biggest brands – from Burberry and Chanel to Prada, Louis Vuitton and Versace.
Not only that, but the Brit has also been known for her charitable work. She first started working with the late South African President, Nelson Mandela in 1993. Four years later, he named her his “honorary granddaughter” for her endless activism. Moreover, in 2013, Naomi launched the Diversity Coalition campaign, with the aim of addressing racism in the fashion industry, and headlined the Forbes Woman Africa’s Leading Women Summit earlier this year, promoting her passion for female empowerment in Africa.
