Tomorrow night Naomi Campbell will take to the catwalk for her sole appearance during this season’s fashion week. The supermodel, who was once a regular on the runway, is now much more selective in her job choices. ‘I’ll walk for my friends, if they ask me and don’t think I’m too old,’ she says when we catch up with her, ‘but really I just do it to raise money now.’
And, of course, the Fashion for Relief event is designed to do just that. Armed with a little black book that contains the numbers of every celebrity and designer you could wish to be acquainted with, Naomi has been pulling together star studded shows since 2005 that have raised millions. And this season the money is to be donated to Haiti. ‘I was speaking to Sarah (Brown) and we both do a lot of work with the White Ribbon Alliance. They already had someone out there because Haiti was in a bad state even before the earthquake, so it was an easy transition to choose them.’
There are three shows in total – the first was held last weekend in New York; the second is tonight’s London show; and the final event will be held in Russia. So far we’ve already seen everyone from Cilla Black to Agyness Deyn take part, and plenty of surprise appearances are promised for tomorrow’s show. ‘It’s amazing how everyone comes together and takes time out to collaborate on the project. It’s the best thing about putting the show together,’ says Naomi.
Is there anyone she’s still trying to get onto the catwalk? ‘Victoria Beckham! She’s been so generous and she’s given us a gorgeous dress, but I’d love for her to model. Now that she’s a fashion designer she’s so busy, but I know that when she has time she’ll come and walk for us.’
We have, of course, told you that Naomi is winning the Outstanding Contribution award at next week’s ELLE Style Awards. ‘I have such a connection with ELLE because it was the first magazine I ever worked for. I’m really excited and very nervous.’ We asked what she plans to wear but it’s a closely guarded secret.
The tickets for tomorrow night’s show have sold out, but Naomi has teamed up with Lotus to create eight exclusive Evoras Sports cars that will be auctioned off from 8am on Friday. Visit www.naomiforhaiti.com for all the details.
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