In a symbolic ceremony in Paris, Naomi Campbell is honored as a Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier de l’ordre des arts et des lettres), celebrating her profound impact on fashion and diversity.
Naomi Campbell’s enduring influence and her relentless advocacy for diversity in the fashion industry were celebrated in Paris, where she was knighted as a Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters. The ceremony took place on September 26, 2024, at the French Ministry of Culture, officiated by Minister Rachida Dati, amid the buzz of Fashion Week.
In August 1988, Naomi Campbell marked a significant milestone as the first black model to grace the cover of Vogue Paris. This pivotal moment, facilitated by Yves Saint Laurent after he learned of the magazine’s initial reluctance, changed the trajectory of her career and the fashion industry at large. Yves Saint Laurent’s bold stance against the magazine's oversight not only secured Naomi Campbell’s cover spot but also sparked a broader dialogue on inclusivity within the fashion realm.
Decades later, Naomi Campbell's achievements extend beyond her modeling feats. With over 500 magazine covers and a dominant presence on the catwalk, she has not only achieved supermodel status but has also used her platform to challenge and reshape industry norms regarding racial equality and representation.
Her partnership with legendary designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Azzedine Alaïa and her advocacy work through the Diversity Coalition highlight her commitment to pushing for systemic change. Since 2013, alongside model Iman and activist Bethann Hardison, Naomi Campbell has been vocal about the need for increased diversity in fashion, tackling issues head-on and calling out systemic racism within the industry.
Minister Rachida Dati, reflecting on Naomi Campbell’s career during the ceremony, praised her not only for her iconic status in fashion but also for her role as a “radical advocate” for change, blending fashion with potent political activism.
Naomi Campbell’s response to her knighthood is a poignant reminder of her journey and the barriers she has overcome. “I am a proud black woman, but I knew early on that to succeed, I had to give not just 100%, but 110%,” she stated. This resilience has positioned her at the forefront of the industry, a rightful place for someone who has been both a witness to and a catalyst for the evolution of the fashion landscape.
The recognition of Naomi Campbell as a Chevalier underscores her contributions to fashion and her vital role in advocating for equality and diversity within the industry.
Naomi Campbell’s enduring influence and her relentless advocacy for diversity in the fashion industry were celebrated in Paris, where she was knighted as a Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters. The ceremony took place on September 26, 2024, at the French Ministry of Culture, officiated by Minister Rachida Dati, amid the buzz of Fashion Week.
In August 1988, Naomi Campbell marked a significant milestone as the first black model to grace the cover of Vogue Paris. This pivotal moment, facilitated by Yves Saint Laurent after he learned of the magazine’s initial reluctance, changed the trajectory of her career and the fashion industry at large. Yves Saint Laurent’s bold stance against the magazine's oversight not only secured Naomi Campbell’s cover spot but also sparked a broader dialogue on inclusivity within the fashion realm.
Decades later, Naomi Campbell's achievements extend beyond her modeling feats. With over 500 magazine covers and a dominant presence on the catwalk, she has not only achieved supermodel status but has also used her platform to challenge and reshape industry norms regarding racial equality and representation.
Her partnership with legendary designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Azzedine Alaïa and her advocacy work through the Diversity Coalition highlight her commitment to pushing for systemic change. Since 2013, alongside model Iman and activist Bethann Hardison, Naomi Campbell has been vocal about the need for increased diversity in fashion, tackling issues head-on and calling out systemic racism within the industry.
Minister Rachida Dati, reflecting on Naomi Campbell’s career during the ceremony, praised her not only for her iconic status in fashion but also for her role as a “radical advocate” for change, blending fashion with potent political activism.
Naomi Campbell’s response to her knighthood is a poignant reminder of her journey and the barriers she has overcome. “I am a proud black woman, but I knew early on that to succeed, I had to give not just 100%, but 110%,” she stated. This resilience has positioned her at the forefront of the industry, a rightful place for someone who has been both a witness to and a catalyst for the evolution of the fashion landscape.
The recognition of Naomi Campbell as a Chevalier underscores her contributions to fashion and her vital role in advocating for equality and diversity within the industry.
Madeleine Cadoux
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