She’s a supermodel, philanthropist, and now, a doctor.
A day after walking Balenciaga’s star-studded Paris couture runway, Naomi Campbell marched to receive a Ph.D. in London. Last week, the supermodel earned an honorary doctorate from the University of the Creative Arts (UCA) for her contributions to global fashion.
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Now 51 years old, the London native began modeling on the eve of her 16th birthday. In her decades-long career, Campbell has been on the cover of over 500 global magazines and starred in campaigns for the world’s biggest houses, like Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Versace. In 2019, she received the British Fashion Council’s Icon Award.
After tearfully receiving the degree, Campbell shared her gratitude on Instagram. “Graduation Day, I’m beyond words of gratitude and emotion to receive such an honor from [UCA],” she captioned with images from the ceremony.
Demanding inclusivity
“Thank you for the warm embrace class of [2020, 2021, and 2022]. You are our future creatives, and cannot wait to see your contribution to the world. Thank you, President and Vice-Chancellor Bashir Makhoul.” Campbell also thanked her mother, fellow model Valerie Morris-Campbell, and her newborn daughter Rachel Avery.
In an interview with BBC’s Sophie van Brugen, while still wearing her cap and gown, Campbell offered wisdom. “You have to trust your gut. You have to because you do know what it is for you. But of course, you need confirmation from other people—but deep down, you know.
Opening doors
During her ceremony speech, Campbell took the opportunity to demand inclusion within the fashion industry. “Everyone is equal; everyone is qualified,” she firmly stated.
Campbell was the first Black model to appear on the cover of TIME magazine and international Vogue editions, such as Russia and France, the September issue of American Vogue, and the first British black model to appear on the cover of British Vogue.
The veteran model has also used her industry to help victims of global issues. In 2005, she founded Fashion for Relief, which organized fundraiser shows for victims of Hurricane Katrina (2005), the India terrorist attack (2009), and earthquakes in Haiti and Japan (2010 and 2011).
Banner photo from @Naomi on Instagram.
