“Having another lady was not my choice.” Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour settle scores on stage.

Is there water in the gas between Anna Wintour and Naomi Campbell? At least, this was the impression of the public who came to attend the 17th Fashion Show & Style Awards. The annual event organized by Harlem’s Fashion Row fashion agency was held on September 3 in New York. And this year, Naomi Campbell received the Fashion Icon Award. Two people took turns sitting at the desk to present him with this award. First, Anna Wintour. Behind his unmistakable sunglasses, the editor-in-chief of the American edition of the magazine. Vogue: opened hostilities by announcing. “Tonight I introduce someone who is often late,” prompting laughter from the gathering. Until now, it might have seemed like a joke between friends who knew each other well, because, after all, Naomi Campbell was indeed late. As Naomi Campbell would later recall in her speech, the fashion grandmother and runway icon have worked together since her debut in 1987. But the model’s answer will quickly clarify the situation. After Anna Wintour, Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Samira Nasr presented her award to Naomi Campbell. The latter responded on stage. “I want to say this. Everything has to happen as it should. Having the other lady was not my choice. I’d rather have this one,” he said, pointing to Samira Nasr.

According to the magazine TMZAnna Wintour had already left the event to attend the US Open. Therefore, the artistic director of Condé Nast did not listen to Naomi’s fierce comeback and collect surprised and amused reactions.

I don’t love you either

Despite this exchange of disagreements, the two women also shared some complimentary words and even deep thanks to each other. “Bold, brilliant and completely, undeniably herself,” is how Anna Wintour described Naomi Campbell USA Today . “Naomi is honestly one of the most fearless people I know, a trait that was evident from the very beginning of her career when she began speaking the truth about inequality and injustice. And this at a time when it was not so common, then he added: Naomi’s boldness has benefited the entire fashion industry. However, I can tell you that being in that fearlessness can be; oh what can i say quite exciting? But it’s his honesty that makes him an incredible person, a muse and a source of inspiration for creatives.”

Naomi Campbell, woman of fashion

In response, Naomi Campbell remembered that it was really she who scolded her today for her lack of punctuality, which put her foot in the neck. “Thank you, Anna Wintour, for supporting my career since 1987, when I met a young black girl from South London in the British offices. Vogue: and taking the risk of offering me a shoot, he declared. Also, thank you for your influence and constant support in promoting fashion.”

Anna Wintour isn’t the only one Naomi Campbell seems to have a strained relationship with. In a June 2024 interview, the model dropped another hint at the feud between her and her runway partner, Linda Evangelista. “The lack of sincerity annoys me, and so does the gratitude,” he declared at the time. Especially when you know you’ve gone out of your way to help someone and they can’t repay you. No simple thanks. It’s not so much anger as much disappointment.” Next