Naomi Campbell's style transformation

Fashion


Naomi Campbell's style transformation

By Stylist Team

11 years ago

One of the all-time greats of the fashion world, Ms Naomi Campbell, turns 44 today - although you'd never guess it from her incredible physique.

One of the original posse of ground-breaking "supers", Naomi was born in London on May 22, 1970. She began modelling at age 15 and has rarely been out of the spotlight since, strutting the catwalk for everyone from Vivienne Westwood to Jean Paul Gaultier.

Naomi's approach to fashion and life in general has always been fearless and she's never shied away from a challenge, whether that's showcasing an itsy bitsy Chanel bikini, schmoozing with world leaders such as Nelson Mandela or fronting out that infamous catwalk tumble.

Naomi was the first black female model to make the front cover of Vogue, was once engaged to U2’s Adam Clayton, appeared in Madonna’s infamous Sex book and dabbled in a singing career, a perfume launch and a reality TV stint, on top of all her modelling.

Come look back on her extraordinary career on the catwalk and beyond, from 1989 to today:

Photos: Rex Features

1975

Naomi aged five knows how to strike a pose, along with her dancer mum Valerie.


1989

At her home in Streatham in 1989.


1989

Working a pair of seriously large earrings at British Fashion Week, 1989.


1990

A major talent is born as Naomi sashays down the catwalk for Azzedine Alaia in Paris.


1990

Fashion-forward and unafraid in a red boa and floral tights at the Limelight Club, New York.


1991

Naomi's incredible body turns heads on Paris runway during AW91 fashion week.


1992

Working the look in Vivienne Westwood, a long-time friend of Naomi's.


1993

Getting up close and personal with a youthful-looking Jonathan Ross.


1993

Two supers become one as Naomi cuddles up to one of her oldest friends in the modelling world, Kate Moss.


1993

It's that moment... Naomi stumbles and falls over her ginormous "Super Elevated Ghillie" Vivienne Westwood heels on a catwalk in Paris, 1993.

At least she's still laughing.


1994

Another outing for Vivienne Westwood one year on is more successful for Naomi.

Only she could pull off this zany tartan gown, leg-warmers and headpiece combo.


1994

It's Chanel all the way, baby.


1995

Très chic.


1996

Naomi embraces her waxwork doppelgänger at Madame Tussaud's in London.


1997

Big hair and cleavage form a killer combination on the catwalk for Givenchy by Alexander McQueen in France.


1998

Naomi became close to South African president Nelson Mandela throughout his years in power and beyond - she attended the funeral of her "grandfather" last year.

She's pictured here with him at the Versace For Africa Show in Cape Town.


1998

Flaunting her enviable form in a golden two-piece and quilted coat on the Betsey Johnson catwalk in New York.


1999

With Amber Valletta, Kate Moss and Donatella Versace at Versace's party for Kate's 25th birthday in Paris.


2000

Working a pout on the catwalk for Julien MacDonald during London Fashion Week.


2002

Naomi's more than happy to give her bosom an airing (of sorts) for Jean Paul Gaultier in Paris, 2002.


2002

Possibly the most toned bikini body you will ever see - at the Rosa Cha swimwear show in New York.


2002

She even manages to look glam in a baseball cap - backstage at Victoria's Secret fashion show in New York.


2004

A vision in turquoise blue at the pre-Grammys gala in Los Angeles, 2004.


2004

Cosying up to Beyonce at the Brit Awards in 2004 (a very glamorous Brits ceremony indeed, by the look of things).


2006

Naomi joins Victoria Beckham at the New York Met Gala in 2006 (the theme that year was Anglomania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion).


2007

Looking elegant in a sleek bob at a Mont Blanc event in Chamonix, France.


2009

We love this tropical look for Issa at SS10 London Fashion Week.


2009

Some of the original supermodels strike back, as Naomi joins Eva Herzigova and Claudia Schiffer at a perfume lunch in Milan in 2009.


2011

Naomi in Alexander McQueen at the 2011 Met Gala in New York.


2013

Naomi is serene in white for the launch of a new series of reality TV model show The Face, in which she appears as a mentor.


2013

Looking hot for the Versace Haute Couture show at Paris Fashion Week 2013.


2013

Appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show last October, Naomi tries again to wear the towering Vivienne Westwood heels she tripped over on in 1993 - and this time she manages it without a falter.


2014

Working her catwalk magic for Philipp Plein in February this year.


2014

Showing some leg at the Vogue Festival in March.


2014

In a glorious grey gown by Roberto Cavalli at the TV Baftas in London earlier this month.


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