Naomi Campbell speaks about Chanel’s legacy of diversity

Long-time Chanel icon, Naomi Campbell, reflected on the brand’s Paris Fashion Week fall show’s nostalgic ‘90s influences in a recent interview.

The show unfolded inside the majestic Grand Palais on Tuesday.

“I love the artisan, the workmanship. They go back and look into the history of the DNA of the brand – that’s what they think of first and foremost. And then they create it, but with that twist on it. This show for me had a lot of things that reminded me of the ‘90s, and I loved the silhouettes, the skirt, the jacket, the skirt and the pants together. Everything was very wearable.”

Many looks were framed by a layer of sheer silk – flowing blouses draped over jackets, tulle overlays that subtly distorted the lines of traditional tweed tailoring, and diaphanous flounced capes that floated above classic Chanel silhouettes.

She also reminisced about her friend, the late Lagerfeld, whose vision defined Chanel for decades. “I really miss his honesty,” she said. “He had a soft spot, but he never sugarcoated anything. We always worked at night, and sometimes he’d tell me to stay over. It was such an incredible time. His presence is still felt, always.”

Beyond the clothes, Campbell emphasised Chanel’s strides in diversity. Last year, Lupita Nyong’o was named a house ambassador, further solidifying Chanel’s commitment to representation: “I have such respect for Chanel for being the first luxury brand to go to sub-Saharan Africa, to Dakar, which I got to witness.”

The house had a landmark Métiers d’Art show in Dakar in 2022, the first time a major luxury brand staged a show in the region. It launched an ongoing cultural exchange programme. It wasn’t just a one-time event. Chanel has continued its engagement by bringing students to Paris and sending artisans to Senegal, fostering a creative dialogue.

“That, to me, is action,” Campbell said, smiling. “I’m really proud that I got to witness that in my lifetime in this business.”

She has been vocal about the racism she has faced throughout her modelling career. Despite her prominence, she often received fewer advertising assignments than her white counterparts and was not signed by a cosmetics company until 1999. In 1991, she said, “I may be considered one of the top models in the world, but in no way do I make the same money as any of them.”

Over the years, she has used her platform to push for greater diversity, co-founding the Diversity Coalition to hold the industry accountable for its lack of representation.

Times, it seems, are changing. Slowly but surely.