Naomi Campbell has opened up about her disappointment at the racism she experienced when a recent advert she fronted was refused by an Asian country, due to the colour of her skin.
The supermodel, who is one of the most successful British models… pretty much ever, revealed that although she was shocked by the discrimination, it only spurs her to keep going.
She told The Mirror: ‘It shocks me but it keeps my drive going. It keeps things in perspective that the work is never done. That’s why I don’t give up.’
Naomi, 49, has been a regular fixture on catwalks for the world’s most high-profile designers for the past 30 years, but has also turned down offers to walk in Paris Fashion Week shows due to the lack of ethnically diverse models.
She explained: ‘I didn’t feel the message was right. Diversity has to be balanced across the board for all races. It’s not about the money.
‘People forget that models are self-employed. It was insulting to take that for my race.’
Naomi launched the Diversity Coalition, a campaign to increase black and ethnic minority faces on the catwalk six years ago, as well as founding the charity Fashion For Relief in 2005.
Fashion For Relief organises catwalk shows to fundraise to help victims of worldwide disasters and this year’s show’s proceeds will go to Save The Children.
Naomi’s Diversity Coalition helped change the percentage of non-white models from just 15% to over 40% at last year’s fashion weeks, as well as working to ensure that all models are paid fairly, regardless of skin colour.
She explained: ‘I am very proud and happy but what’s next to come is that these models of diversity get the same pay cheque. It has to happen.
‘If you are doing the same work why aren’t you getting the same cheque? I went through that when I was younger and I compromised myself many times. But it shouldn’t be that way anymore.’
Despite her recent experiences in Asia, Naomi has said that she has seen progress in inclusivity, though more needs to be done. She said: ‘I see progress yes, as always more focus to be had.’
Naomi was also awarded the Icon prize at the 2019 Fashion Awards in recognition of her charity work as well as her contribution to the industry.
British Fashion Council chief executive Caroline Rush said of the award: ‘We cannot think of a more deserving recipient than iconic Londoner Naomi Campbell.
‘She has achieved exceptional work in the industry.Naomi represents female -empowerment, activism and glamour and her voice is used for great impact.’
Hear, hear.
Got a showbiz story?
If you’ve got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Naomi Campbell ‘didn’t feel comfortable in her body’ until only a few years and minds are blown
MORE: Liam Payne dating Duckie Thot? 1D star holds hands with model after Naomi Campbell split
