Naomi Campbell touched down in Thailand last week. Though the supermodel likely had time to explore the country’s sights, she arrived with a clear mission: to elevate the nation and thrust it into the spotlight of global fashion.

In a high-profile meeting at Government House, she sat down with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to strategise bold moves aimed at upgrading Thailand’s global fashion presence. The conversation centred on championing Thai talent—across all genders—on international runways, ensuring they are seen and celebrated worldwide. Through this collaboration, Thailand aims to nurture a new generation of supermodels who can represent the country’s distinctive beauty and style on the global stage, thereby enhancing its reputation within the international fashion community.

With a bold vision in hand, fashion royalty and living legend Naomi Campbell remains steadfast in her mission to elevate Thailand’s fashion scene. Let’s take a moment to honour her illustrious career, reflecting on some of her most iconic runway and fashion moments—testament to how fabulously she continues to captivate the world.

Azzedine Alaïa’s Leopard Print Ensemble (1991)

Campbell’s extraordinary bond with Azzedine Alaïa birthed some of fashion’s most iconic moments, but none are quite as unforgettable as her 1991 showstoppers. The famed leopard print ensembles from Alaïa’s Fall/Winter 1991 Ready-to-Wear collection are still etched in the annals of style history. Fast forward to late 2024 and those same prints have returned, reinvigorated and as daring as ever.

The Vivienne Westwood 9-Inch Platform Heels Moment (1993)

Naomi Campbell’s iconic fall during Vivienne Westwood’s Fall/Winter 1993 runway show is a memorable moment in fashion history. The ensemble she wore featured a white micro-mini skirt paired with a matching jacket. The supermodel tripped while wearing nine-inch platform heels but gracefully recovered and continued her walk.

Reimagining the Myth at the Thierry Mugler Show (1995)

Naomi Campbell’s iconic collaboration with Thierry Mugler at the Fall/Winter 1995 Haute Couture show made its mark on fashion with the standout Birth of Venus dress inspired by Botticelli’s masterpiece. The ensemble featured a sheer blush bodysuit adorned with paillettes and pearls, paired with a sculpted navy velvet skirt. The result was a striking visual—a gleaming pearl at the heart of a shell, with Campbell as the embodiment of this celestial design.

The Versace Chainmail Dress (1999)

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One of Campbell’s most memorable runway moments occurred at Versace’s Fall/Winter 1999 show, where she strutted down the runway in what would become an iconic chainmail dress. The metallic silver piece showcasing Versace’s signature chainmail construction became so legendary that it was later exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The dress embodied the perfect fusion of ’90s glamour and futuristic aesthetics.

The Angel in Gold Wings of Victoria’s Secret (2005)

At the 2005 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Naomi commanded the spotlight, gliding down the runway in mesmerising gold wings and satin lingerie. She became the embodiment of the brand’s seductive glamour, creating an iconic moment that captivated global audiences. Her presence was a cultural sensation in the history of the Angels.

The Valentino Pink Cape at the Met (2019)

At the 2019 Met Gala, Naomi Campbell graced the red carpet in a custom Valentino Haute Couture ensemble, designed by Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli. Created in response to the event’s Camp: Notes on Fashion theme, the look featured a feathered pink chiffon cape and a pleated gown with a daring plunging neckline. Fun fact: After the first fitting, Campbell felt the original design was missing that elusive wow factor. In a burst of creativity and lightning speed, Piccioli reworked the entire look, transforming it into the iconic dress we now know all within an astonishing 36 hours.

A Tribute to Gianni Versace (2017)

In 2017, marking two decades since Gianni Versace’s untimely passing, Donatella Versace masterfully curated a heartfelt tribute at Milan Fashion Week, uniting the iconic ’90s supermodels—Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Helena Christensen and Carla Bruni—for a runway reunion. The quintet strutted down the catwalk in bold metal mesh gowns, a defining element of Versace’s design language. The finale, brimming with emotion, served as a powerful homage to Gianni’s transformative influence on fashion, reminding us of his timeless impact on the industry.

As Campbell continues to break barriers and celebrate fashion’s rich heritage, her presence in Thailand will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for further innovation and recognition. The country’s creative landscape is poised to flourish, with Campbell’s influence shining a light on both local talent and global trends. As her journey in Thailand unfolds, it’s destined to ignite a wave of inspiration for the next generation of designers, models and artists, challenging the limits of fashion’s global potential.