Would it be the start of New York Fashion Week without some type of mess? Last night, Harlem Fashion Row had its annual show where it showcases Black designers and highlights Black icons in the industry. On the list of award recipients was supermodel Naomi Campbell, who received the Fashion Icon Award. Anna Wintour was supposed to present Campbell with her reward, but instead, she threw shade at the supermodel who arrived late, fashionably late, of course.
“I am a very punctual person,” Wintour said as she stood onstage wearing her signature sunglasses. “I have the honor of presenting tonight to someone who is often late.” Campbell wasn’t present at the time, but Wintour had to leave (so she claims), thus causing programming to shift and instead having Samira Nasr, editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, present Campbell with her award. She opened her acceptance speech with an immediate clapback to Wintour. “I have to speak my truth, I’ve always been unapologetically truthful, right?” Campbell said. “I want to say this … everything is meant to work out the way it’s meant to work out; it wasn’t my choice to have the other lady. I’d much rather have this, so thank you,” referring to Nasr’s presentation of her award rather than Wintour’s. Ouch.
The shadiness caused awkward laughs among the audience. It’s only the start of fashion month and we’d imagine Campbell and Wintour, or should we say “the other lady,” will likely be front-row seatmates throughout the next few weeks at shows. Or maybe they will pull a Brad and Angelina at the Venice Film Festival and avoid each other the whole time. Our money is on Campbell.
