Naomi Campbell. Pride Magazine. October 2013

MiSS CaMPBeLL

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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


Documents

Naomi Campbell. Pride Magazine. October 2013