This woman represents an entire era. She became the embodiment of glamour, the muse of international designers and a disruptive force for fashion stereotypes. Yes, this is Naomi Campbell.
Every time she appeared in public, everyone talked about it with interest. Her personality was associated with excitement and flamboyance. But no one thought that behind this fantastic image was an ordinary woman who, despite disappointments and difficulties, was able to achieve happiness as a woman.
A childhood without a father
Naomi was born in London. Her mother raised the future star. Her father left her before her daughter was born. Her mother was not particularly interested in her child either, as she was involved in dancing and was often on tour. From an early age, the girl got used to relying only on herself.
At the age of 7, Naomi began studying choreography — a love instilled in her by her mother. Soon she became a student at the London Academy of Performing Arts. There she had to work beyond her strength, which helped Naomi develop a strong inner core.
Significant changes took place when she was 15. In Paris, she met a designer from Tunisia. Azzedine Alaïa became Naomi’s mentor and essentially took on the role of a father. He dressed her, fed her, taught her the rules of behaviour and introduced her to the world of high fashion for the first time. Campbell called him ‘my dad.’
The one who changed the rules
It took Naomi only a few years to become a recognisable star. Her legendary walk knocked everyone off their feet from the very first minute she stepped onto the catwalk. Famous designers such as Versace did everything they could to make Campbell the face of their brands.
Naomi was the first dark-skinned model to appear on the cover of Vogue. It seemed surprising and unthinkable. She proved that she could bring diversity and flair, which is why many brands were interested in working with her.
A spectacular fall and a new reputation
Success went hand in hand with a reputation for scandal. Everyone talked about how Naomi allowed herself to be late, react angrily and engage in passionate affairs.
One example is an episode in 1993. During a Vivienne Westwood show, Naomi fell off the catwalk, but instead of getting angry or apologising, she laughed. Campbell turned an awkward moment into something special that went down in fashion history.
However, brands also had their limits. The major agency Elite insisted on severing ties with Naomi because she was practically unmanageable.
Courts and addictions
Then people started talking about her as if she were an evil black panther. In 2007, the model was even forced to do community service after hitting an assistant with a phone. Campbell was not upset — she came to clean the street wearing designer clothes. Even this incident became a real performance, which contributed to her popularity.
The conflict with British Airways was the result of a ban.
Her inner demons were even stronger. When Gianni Versace, who was a close friend of Naomi’s, died, she began abusing illegal substances and alcohol.
In 1999, everyone found out about her addiction when she had to undergo rehabilitation. Naomi collapsed during a photo shoot, which was an alarming sign. As the model later admitted, illegal substances did not help her numb the pain, but only added to her fear.
Love and money
Since Naomi is a media personality, every detail of her personal life was known. She was in a relationship with Robert De Niro, who taught her how to hide her feelings from cameras and intrusive journalists. She wanted to have his child, but the actor himself was not interested in a serious relationship.
Then Campbell began a romance with Mike Tyson. She made the boxer famous and introduced him to Versace, but the relationship could not continue because the athlete was too quick-tempered and jealous.
The model’s chosen one was also Adam Clayton — they even planned to get engaged. Naomi was also seen in the arms of Leonardo DiCaprio and Badr Jafar, but her main love was Vladislav Doronin.
The Russian billionaire caused her a lot of pain. He became the only ex-boyfriend with whom she has no contact. All because of court cases, property division and mutual accusations.
In 2010, Campbell found herself back in court. The supermodel was in the news everywhere, all because of ‘blood diamonds.’ Charles Taylor was also involved in the case. Naomi allegedly received the jewellery for charitable purposes, but was that really the case?
The long-awaited motherhood
After 50 years of turmoil and pursuit, Naomi finally found peace. In 2021, she became a mother for the first time. Two years later, her second child was born. Campbell used the services of surrogate mothers.
The model claims that her children are her greatest treasure. It is thanks to them that she has re-evaluated her lifestyle and realised what her responsibilities are now. Now she thinks not only about her own reputation, but also about her daughter and son, who are growing up in the same environment as their celebrity mother. Naomi does not want their lives to become part of the show.
New love
In recent years, Mohammed Al Turki has been seen alongside the model. This man helped revive the Saudi Arabian film industry. They were brought together not only by love, but also by their interest in fashion, the film industry and charity.
Naomi has not commented on her new love, but a ring has appeared on her ring finger. Campbell also seems calm and peaceful, which indicates harmony and mutual feelings.
A true empress
She is now focused on her children and charitable projects. Scandals, intrigues and show business are behind her. Naomi plans to write her memoirs to tell more about her life.
At the moment, she is nothing like the ‘storm in human form’ she used to be. Fans are happy that Naomi has found an island of tranquillity and feminine happiness. She herself believes that the era of scandalous behaviour is in the past — she is no longer interested in it.
It can be said that this is her main victory. Not only did she emerge victorious from the celebrity race, but she also found the strength to create a real family.
