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Icon. Diva. Super. Mentor? Could fashions notoriously ery enfant
terrible be going soft around the edges? Hardly. Naomi Campbell
talks to Gloria Ogunbambo about what it takes to be The Face, why
tough is the only kind of love shes interested in and why her
crusade against racism in fashion is far from over.
Well obviously not, Naomi Campbell remarks, with a languid
gesture that suggests to me that the answer to my question should
be, well obvious. The question being, whether her status as one of
the worlds most instantly recognisable women requires that she be
in full-on glamour mode at all times. Considering the fact that her
fi ve-foot-ten frame is currently encased within the unexpectedly
casual get-up of black exercise leggings, hoodie, sandals and
trucker hat, Im guessing thats a no. I like the transformation, but
when Im not working you know, I just want to be easy and thats
it.
Upon my entry into the room, she politely smiles, greeting me in
her transatlantic twang and fi xing me with a gaze that suggests
that whatevers about to come out of my mouth had better be good.
Simply put, Miss Campbell is all about business. Any attempt on my
part, no matter how trivial, to gain even the teensiest bit of
insight into the inner workings of her personal life is well and
truly rebuffed; much less any talk concerning her relationship, or
lack thereof as the case may be, with Russian billionaire Vladislav
Doronin. If were to believe tabloid reports, the two are currently
on a break
how very Ross and Rachel. An innocuous enquiry about her most
extravagant purchase is met with a curt, I wont disclose that. I
never disclose things like that. Ever. Despite her reticence to
open up about her personal life, the one issue that she has no
problem speaking out about, and extremely passionately at that, is
the fashion worlds ongoing refusal to make the industry not only
more diverse but, heaven forbid, actually refl ective of the
society we live in.
Now, this isnt the fi rst time that Campbell has made noise
about the rampant racism that
will see you now
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Im not going to discriminate. Im here to give all models an
opportunity regardless of
race, colour or creed.
will see you now
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persists in the fashion world, but over the last few months,
that noise has grown into an almighty din that is becoming
increasingly harder for the fashion industry elite to ignore. In a
now infamous Channel 4 interview that aired on the eve of this
Septembers London Fashion Week, Campbell blasted the industry that
made her a household name calling it guilty of racist acts, and
shockingly, even more racist than it was in her 1990s hey-day. The
honorary granddaughter of South African humanitarian Nelson Mandela
might not share his non-confrontational style, but shes definitely
been bitten by the activism bug, teaming up with fashion activist
Bethann Hardison and fellow model Iman to throw every ounce of her
influence behind the Diversity Coalition campaign to tackle the
problem head on. Furious that black, as well as other minority
ethnic model sightings were of the blink-and-youll-miss them
variety in the New York and London catwalk presentations of many
designers, Campbell refused to take the fact lying down, releasing
an offenders list that named and shamed the likes of Victoria
Beckham, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang and Donna Karan.
Its that same commitment and dedication to the cause, thats seen
her become the unofficial, fairy godmother of sorts to black models
in the industry, her already established position affording her the
freedom to speak up when they cant. British model Jourdan Dunn in
particular, cant say enough about Campbells steady support
throughout her career. I love Jourdan, she coos, but do I think
things are improving at a good rate? No. Thats a big part of me
doing the show. Im not going to discriminate. Im here to give all
models an opportunity regardless of race, colour or creed.
The show, the globe-straddling, Streatham-born, supermodel is
referring to is of course, upcoming reality series The Face.
Pitching itself somewhere in between the drama and entertainment
value offered by The Voice and, the dog-eat-dog, every person for
themselves mentality of The Apprentice, the show on which Campbell
does double duty as both mentor and executive producer puts wannabe
models through their paces (not to mention the wringer), drawing on
their mentors years of experience within the fashion world, in a
race to land a coveted modelling contract with make-up giant Max
Factor. Following a successful first run stateside, this month,
Campbell, flanked ably by fellow models and friends Caroline
Winberg and Erin OConnor, launches the show for UK audiences,
something shes extremely excited about. Im happy to be bringing the
show here obviously, because Im from here. Ive rejected a lot of TV
shows in the past, because I just thought thats not who I am and I
really like my privacy. After meeting with [TV executive] Elizabeth
Murdoch, I knew it was a go. I like shows where someone gets a
chance in life.
With nearly three decades of experience under her belt and, a
much keener understanding of the peaks and pitfalls of the fashion
world than most, in an industry that venerates youth and beauty,
affording the clothes hangers acting as
Breaking Down a DivaTo keep my skin looking youthful I use Dr
Sebaghs products serums and creams and especially, when the
weathers warmer, a scrub. I also drink a lot of water. Its quite
simple actually. Nothing magical.
When my hair needs to be on-point I go to Johnnie Sapong if Im
in London or I fly in Lorenzo whos from Milan. It really depends on
what country Im in.
In my make-up bag youll find Not much. I use a lot of Nars,
Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier and Kevyn Aucoin products. Personally, I
dont like to put a lot of make up on when Im not working; I think
skin has to breathe. Alex Babsky often does my make up.
My guilty pleasure is chocolate, I love a plain Galaxy bar.
My must have beauty tip would be drink lots of water. Boring, I
know.
My favourite place is in the air. Im a gypsy. England is my home
first and foremost but I do like travelling around the world and I
never seem to tire of it.
I maintain my enviable physique with yoga and I try to eat
really well lots of fish.
Shoes or bags? Both.
My favourite designers labels are Alexander McQueen, Alaa,
Versace and on the high street, Topshop for fun things.
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Im competitive and sometimes
that means I do go off. I dont want
to lose and if that happens, I dont take it
lightly.
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P
cogs in its wheels a notoriously brief shelf life, Campbell has
managed to defy fashions fickle revolving door to remain en faveur.
Having met her, its not difficult to see why. Sure, her razor sharp
cheekbones, flawless skin, impossibly honed limbs and plump lips
may well have granted her access, but its steely determination,
unwavering focus, a near indomitable aura and a tight-knit support
system that have helped keep her firmly within fashions magic
circle. (I dont listen to just anyone: I take advice and criticism
from people I know and respect. Ive made my circle smaller and, I
dont have obsessive people around me and if they are obsessive,
they soon find their way out the door.) Its this same froideur that
makes her simultaneously terrifying and fascinating and, above all
else, one fiery glamazon of a mentor.
Im tough love. My girls call me drill sergeant because I do get
what I want out of them. The way I see it, in the end when theyre
victorious, theyll think it was all worth it. Im competitive and
sometimes that means I do go off. I dont want to lose and if that
happens, I dont take it lightly. After being granted an exclusive
preview of the series first two episodes, I dont at all doubt that
fact. One of Campbells first straight-to-camera moments sees her
declare, without the faintest flicker of emotion, I tell it
like
it is. I dont want to be friends with my girls. Talk about
setting the tone. On another occasion, which sees all three judges
go in for the same girl, after listening patiently to fellow
mentors Erin and Caroline as they make their cases, she coolly
states, I want you. I always get what I want. Needless to say, the
end result is a victory for Team Naomi. Similar incidents aside,
immediately casting the supermodel in the archetypal pantomime
villain role would be an undeserved oversimplification. And
besides, in that regard at least, she faces some stiff competition
from an increasingly insidious Caroline Winberg. The many side-eyes
and tongue-lashings administered by Campbell arent reserved solely
for her band of hopefuls, but every other hopeful, and at times
their mentors too. While certain conclusions can be drawn, nobody
can doubt Naomis commitment to the cause and her desire to make
sure that the right girl, (someone with drive, focus, determination
and who can impress the client) is crowned The Face.
Thrust into the spotlight after being scouted during a shopping
trip in Londons Covent Garden, dance aficionado Campbell, who
studied ballet at Italia Conti and appeared in the video for Bob
Marleys Is This Love embarked upon her journey to superstardom at
the tender
age of 16, trading in innocent, adolescent crushes and
obligatory boy-band obsessions for travelling the world, glamorous
couture and the fast-paced, hedonistic party life. Does she ever
feel that for worldwide fame and success shes had to sacrifice
non-material things like marriage or children perhaps? Does she
ever regret missing out on lost moments like birthdays, weddings,
or christenings? No, she says with little to no hesitation. I think
there is a sacrifice you have to make. When you make a commitment
to something you have to honour it, even if you miss out on other
things. I think work has been a saviour to me.
Luckily for the twelve good-looking plucky hopefuls on The Face
looking to follow in her hallowed footsteps, every moment in her
career has accumulated to the 27 years of experience that shes now
choosing to share with those keen to learn the tricks of the trade
straight from the master and that includes that legendary, sinuous
slink. I love what I do and after all these years I still want to
be constantly tested and challenged and push myself. To be able to
have the opportunity to do this show; to share my experiences with
young aspiring models, Im happy to be in this place right now.
Considering the positive response to the show across the Atlantic
(casting has already started for season two), I wonder how she
hopes her native Brits take to it. I want them to feel and, to see
that the show is authentic, and whether youre a model or not I
think as a woman you will take something away from this show, and
apply it to your life. Anything else? Yes. Dont mess with Team
Naomi. You have been warned.
When you make a commitment, you have to honour it, even if you
miss out on other things.
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The Face starts September 30th at 9pm on Sky Living HD
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