Naomi Campbell Speaks About the Chanel Legacy

During a recent interview, longtime Chanel icon Naomi Campbell discussed the nostalgic ’90s inspirations of the brand’s Paris Fashion Week fall presentation.

 The performance took place on March 18, 2025, within the grand Grand Palais, “I love the artisan, the workmanship. They go back and look into the history of the DNA of the brand – that’s what they think of first and foremost. And then they create it, but with that twist on it. This show for me had a lot of things that reminded me of the ‘90s, and I loved the silhouettes, the skirt, the jacket, the skirt, and the pants together. Everything was very wearable.”

A layer of translucent silk framed several of the pieces, including diaphanous flounced capes that floated over iconic Chanel designs, flowing blouses draped overcoats, and tulle overlays that slightly twisted the lines of traditional tweed tailoring.

Her thoughts also turned to her friend, the late Karl Lagerfeld, whose vision shaped Chanel for many years. “I really miss his honesty,” she remarked.

Adding, “He had a soft spot, but he never sugarcoated anything. We always worked at night, and sometimes he’d tell me to stay over. It was such an incredible time. His presence is still felt, always.”

Beyond the clothing, Chanel’s diverse advancements were highlighted by Campbell. Chanel’s dedication to representation was further cemented last year when Lupita Nyong’o was appointed a house ambassador, “I have such respect for Chanel for being the first luxury brand to go to sub-Saharan Africa, to Dakar, which I got to witness.”

In 2022, the house held a historic Métiers d’Art exhibition in Dakar, marking the first time a significant luxury brand had a display in the area.  It started a program of continuous cultural interaction.  It wasn’t an isolated incident.  Chanel has maintained its involvement by sending craftsmen to Senegal and students to Paris, encouraging an innovative discourse.

 “That, to me, is action,” Campbell grinned. “I’m really proud that I got to witness that in my lifetime in this business.”

Throughout her modeling career, she has been outspoken about the bigotry she has encountered. She was not registered by a cosmetics firm until 1999, and despite her fame, she frequently earned fewer advertising assignments than her white peers. “I may be one of the top models in the world, but I in no way make the same money as any of them,” she stated in 1991.

She co-founded the Diversity Coalition to hold the industry responsible for its underrepresentation, and she has utilized her position to advocate for more diversity over the years. It appears that times are changing. Slowly but steadily.