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 the 17th Annual Harlem’s Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards on Tuesday, Sept. 3 in New York City. When introduced by Wintour, 74, the Vogue editor-in-chief said she was “presenting tonight to someone who is often late,” per a video shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Wintour then passed things over to Samira Nasr, editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, who presented Campbell with the award. Per TMZ, Wintour left the event early to attend the US Open.
In her acceptance speech, Campbell seemingly addressed Wintour’s tardiness remark. “I want to say this. Everything is meant to work out the way it’s going to work out,” she told the crowd. “It wasn’t my choice to have the other lady. I would much rather have this,” Campbell said, gesturing to Nasr.
In videos from the event, the audience can be heard gasping in response.
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Despite the criticism, Wintour also called out many of Campbell’s positive attributes in her speech. Per USA Today, she said the model was “bold, bright and entirely, unquestionably herself.”
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Wintour also said of the honoree: “Naomi is honestly one of the most fearless people I know, a quality that was evident at the very, very start of her career when she began to speak the truth about inequality and injustice. And this was at a time when it was not so common to do so.”
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She continued, per USA Today: “Naomi’s bravery has benefited the entire fashion industry. Though, I can tell you that being on the receiving end of that fearlessness can be – oh what can I say? Quite exciting? But it’s her honesty that makes her so incredible to be around, a muse and inspiration for designers.”
Campbell had some kind words for Wintour in return. The model thanked the editor for taking the time “to come here and give me the award even though I wasn’t here” as well as for kickstarting her career.
“So thank you, Anna Wintour, for your support in my career from 1987, meeting a young Black girl from South London in British Vogue offices and taking a chance in giving me a shoot,” she said. “And so I thank you for your influence and your continuing support in pushing fashion forward also.”
