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Tuesday 8 October 2013

'I thought, oh my god, they don't want me here!': Naomi Campbell on her nerves about her emotional return to the Versace catwalk


Naomi wears jacket by Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane; top by The Row; briefs by Dolce & Gabbana

'I want people to really understand what the world of modelling is about, and how hard we work,' says Naomi Campbell.
It looks like all the the hard work paid off: the supermodel, 43, looks better than ever in a shoot for The Edit net-a-porter's online magazine.
In the accompanying interview, she reveals the gruelling regime she undertook to prepare for a Versace show 14 years ago.

'For ten days prior… I just drank juice - carrot, ginger, pineapple - to cleanse,' she told the magazine.
Cambell returned to the fashion house, walking for Versace's Atelier AW13 Couture show.
The show was also a personal moment, reuniting her with the Versace family, 'It was emotional for me to do the show after 14 years,' she says. 'When I did my fitting in those amazing clothes, it was just overwhelming.'

But even supermodels feel insecure sometimes and Naomi admitted that when she walked onto the catwalk and the room was silent, she thought; ’Oh my God, they don’t want me here!'
In fact, her show-stopping entrance left the audience mute with admiration, instantly eclipsing models 25 years her junior. 
And although Naomi looks better than ever at 42, she does allow herself to indulge occasionally:'I'm not extreme about what I eat – I let chocolate and crisps come in at times. You have to allow the little things that make you happy.' 
She also attributes her physique to Pilates, which has become 'very important'.
In an accompanying set of pictures, Campbell looks in fierce in pieces by Oscar de la Renta, Gucci, Altuzarra, Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane, Michael Kors and Maison Martin Margiela.

Naomi Campbell looks fierce in pieces by Oscar de la Renta, Gucci, Altuzarra, Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane
Naomi Campbell looks fierce in pieces by Oscar de la Renta, Gucci, Altuzarra, Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane

Brought up by a single mother, Campbell studied ballet before beginning her stellar modelling career. 
'My mum is one of my main mentors… she always gave me the best advice,' she says.
Now it's Naomi's turn to be the mentor and she's enjoying it. 
'I like the mentoring aspect, as opposed to sitting in my chair and judging someone. It's really rewarding to see the models transformed and it makes me feel like I'm doing something right.'
The Face sees Campbell competing with fellow model judges, Erin O'Connor and Caroline Winberg, as they search for the next top supermodel, although she's much more interested in the advice and help she can offer as opposed to seeing her talent win.
She admits: 'Whether my model wins or not, she will have learned and we will have helped her – that's really why I came on the show.' 
Sweater by Maison Martin Margiela; belt by Alaia, available at www.net-a-porter.com
Sweater by Maison Martin Margiela; belt by Alaia, available at www.net-a-porter.com
Dress by Versus; sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti; earrings by Dominic Jones; ring by Monica Vinader
Dress by Versus; sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti; earrings by Dominic Jones; ring by Monica Vinader

There is no one better to offer such advice to young models; Campbell's life has been at the very core of fashion. 
She was spotted at the age of just 15 in London's Covent Garden, and from posing for the world's greatest photographers, such as Steven Meisel and Mario Testino, to walking for the late Yves Saint Laurent and befriending the likes of Azzedine Alaïa, she's thankful to all.
'I learned something from each and every one I worked with; their different styles and ways of how they wanted you to be,' she says.
Dress by Michael Kors; belt by Alexander McQueen
Dress by Michael Kors; belt by Alexander McQueen
The Face sees Campbell competing with fellow model judges, Erin O¿Connor and Caroline Winberg
The Face sees Campbell competing with fellow model judges, Erin O¿Connor and Caroline Winberg
  

Show them your tough side in a leather biker by Saint Laurent

Everyone needs a leather biker jacket. It's a wardrobe essential and whether you go designer or high street if you haven't got one then it's time to invest.
Naomi Campbell is of course rocking this Saint Laurent biker - how could she not look amazing. For a start she's Naomi Campbell and secondly it's a Saint Laurent jacket... a match made in fashion heaven. The actual biker is available to buy now at Net-a-Porter so if you've got a supermodel style budget then click through (right) to get your hands on it. It's super expensive but if you're looking for a really great investment piece you can't really go wrong - you'll wear this forever.
A leather biker adds all kinds of cool to whatever else you're wearing and can be relied upon to never go out of style. Wear with skinny jeans and a simple white tee or why not try our favourite look - a floor length evening dress with heavy leather as cover up. It's about mixing textures and playing with masculine and feminine and nothing looks more stylish but laid back than a tough jacket over a gorgeous gown. Try it, you'll like it!
For those with slightly less to spend on this wardrobe classic take a look at our high street finds below. Asos has some brilliant buys and New Look will give you a similar look for under £40. Just remember to put something on your bottom half - biker jacket and knickers is a look only Ms Campbell can get away with.
* PRICES MAY NOT BE AS ADVERTISED

Edit
Away from the modelling world, Naomi is dedicated to a number of charities; raising money for Haiti, Aids relief, Nelson Mandela Children's Fund for vulnerable children and Fashion For Relief, her own charity that she founded in 2005. 
She remains close to Nelson Mandela, who she describes as a huge inspiration, 'There will never be anyone like him again. When you meet him, you just get such a positive aura. It's incredible.' 
Campbell's work also extends to the underrepresentation of black models on the covers of glossy magazines and on the runway, 'There is still racism'. Although, she feels there has been some change in the industry for models, 'Now, it's very important to have a personality; it's not just about a pretty face any more.' Not that Campbell herself was ever 'just' anything; she has always been a personality.
Naomi Campbell was photographed by Nico for THE EDIT.
Jacket by Gucci; skirt by Haider Ackermann; earrings by Maiyet
Jacket by Gucci; skirt by Haider Ackermann; earrings by Maiyet
Jacket and skirt by Oscar de la Renta; top by Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane; pumps by Christian Louboutin; earrings by Roberto Cavalli; (right hand) ring and ring by Bottega Veneta; (left hand) ring by Maison Martin Margiela; belt by Valentino
Jacket and skirt by Oscar de la Renta; top by Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane; pumps by Christian Louboutin; earrings by Roberto Cavalli; (right hand) ring and ring by Bottega Veneta; (left hand) ring by Maison Martin Margiela; belt by Valentino



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