Naomi Campbell is calling for big changes in the fashion industry.
The legendary supermodel, 50, appeared remotely on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” Tuesday, and was asked for her thoughts on Anna Wintour’s recent comments on Vogue’s lack of diversity.
In a June memo sent to her magazine’s staff, the 70-year-old editor-in-chief admitted to “hurtful and intolerant” behavior at Vogue.
“I want to say this especially to the Black members of our team — I can only imagine what these days have been like. But I also know that the hurt, and violence, and injustice we’re seeing and talking about have been around for a long time. Recognizing it and doing something about it is overdue,” Wintour wrote.
“I want to say plainly that I know Vogue has not found enough ways to elevate and give space to Black editors, writers, photographers, designers and other creators. We have made mistakes too, publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant. I take full responsibility for those mistakes.”
Concluded the editrix, “It can’t be easy to be a Black employee at Vogue, and there are too few of you. I know that it is not enough to say we will do better, but we will.”
Speaking with Andy Cohen, Campbell seemed hopeful for the glossy’s future. “I think things are about to change, don’t you?” she asked. “Things are about to change.”
“Everyone used to think that you liked being the token Black person in the room,” the supermodel continued. “It’s absolutely the opposite. I never did.”
Of the universal calls for the fashion industry to support and uplift creatives of color, she said, “It needs to change from the board room to the seat. It needs to go right from the top through. I’ve been saying this for years, and so I’m truly grateful and happy, finally, this is happening.”
Continued Campbell, “The way that it’s had to come out, for people to lose their lives, it’s very sad and my condolences to each and every one of those victims, [and] parents of those people that have gone. But this had to happen. This change had to happen.”