Naomi Campbell to Be Honored With 2018 CFDA Fashion Icon Award

Following in the footsteps of Rihanna, Beyoncé, Pharrell, and Lady Gaga.

Naomi Campbell
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Model Naomi Campbell attends the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 4, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California.

Naomi Campbell

Though Naomi Campbell’s “icon” status was well established years ago, the supermodel’s far-reaching influence will be officially recognized this summer.

On Thursday, the Council of Fashion Designers of America announced Campbell would receive the highly coveted Fashion Icon Award at the June 4 CFDA Awards in Brooklyn. The legendary model expressed her gratitude for the honor, as well as all the support she’s received from the American fashion industry.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized by the CFDA with this year’s Fashion Icon Award,” she said in a statement to the CFDA. “Being from London, my personal style has always been tremendously influenced by both the dynamic, ever-changing nature of street culture and the music scene. I grew up in this industry and I’m forever grateful to the iconic American fashion designers who have supported me and celebrated me throughout my career.”

Nearly a decade after she made her first “public appearance” in Bob Marley’s 1978 “Is This Love” music video, Campbell landed a contract with Synchro Model Agency at the age of 15. She would go onto become one of the most recognizable faces in the industry, appearing on runways for Chanel, Versace, Valentino, and Victoria’s Secret. She was also the first black model to appear on the covers of Vogue Russia and France as well as Time magazine.

“From enfant prodige to Goddess of Fashion,” CFDA Chairwoman Diane von Furstenberg said. “Naomi represents beauty, activism and joie de vivre.”

Previous Fashion Icon Award recipients include Rihanna, Pharrell, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga.

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