Naomi Campbell, the renowned British model and actress, has amassed an estimated net worth of $80 million. Discovered at just 15 years old, Campbell rose to prominence in the modeling world, becoming one of the most influential and highest-paid supermodels of her time. In addition to her successful modeling career, she explored acting and music, recorded an R&B-pop album, and became involved in several charitable causes.
A Trailblazer for African Models
Naomi Campbell was one of the pioneering figures in the fashion industry, breaking barriers for models of African descent. She was among the top supermodels of the late 1980s and 1990s, working with the best designers and gracing the covers of leading fashion magazines. Her reputation extended beyond her professional work, though, as Campbell became known for her fiery temper. This volatile side of her personality led to several lawsuits, fines, community service obligations, and even being banned from a major airline.
A Career Defined by Success and Scandal
In addition to her status as a groundbreaking model, Campbell’s life has also been marked by scandal. She made headlines not only for her iconic fashion moments but also for her court-mandated community service in a Dolce & Gabbana gown and other controversial incidents, such as spitting on police officers. Despite these issues, Campbell remained one of the most sought-after figures in the modeling world, known for her extraordinary work ethic and unique beauty.
Naomi Campbell’s Early Life and Background
Born on May 22, 1970, in Streatham, South London, Naomi Campbell grew up in a modest household. Her mother, Valerie Morris, was a Jamaican dancer who raised Naomi on her own after her father left before Naomi was born. Naomi’s stepfather later influenced her last name, and she also has a half-brother, Pierre, born in 1985. With Afro-Jamaican and Chinese-Jamaican heritage, Campbell’s early life was shaped by her multicultural background. She spent some time in Rome where her mother worked and later moved back to London to study dance and theater at prestigious schools.
Campbell’s journey into the limelight began early. At the age of 7, she appeared in Bob Marley’s music video for “Is This Love,” and by age 12, she tap-danced in Culture Club’s “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya” video. At 15, Naomi was discovered by Beth Boldt, head of the Synchro Model Agency, while window-shopping in Covent Garden. She soon landed the cover of British Elle, launching her career. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Campbell was recognized as one of the top three models in the world and one of the original six supermodels, alongside Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, and Kate Moss.
A Supermodel in Demand
Throughout her illustrious career, Naomi Campbell appeared on over 500 magazine covers and broke major barriers for black models. She made history by becoming the first black model to appear on the cover of French Vogue, British Vogue, and Time magazine. In 1994, she published a book titled Swan, which was ghostwritten by Caroline Upcher. That same year, she released an album called Baby Woman, which was a commercial success in Japan, though it didn’t make an impact in the UK. Naomi later published more books, including Naomi in 1996 and Naomi Campbell in 2016.
Campbell’s career wasn’t limited to modeling alone. She appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including Zoolander, Girl 6, I Feel Pretty, American Horror Story: Hotel, and Empire. Her entertainment career extended to reality TV as well. As an executive producer and mentor on The Face series, Naomi helped guide the careers of young models in several countries. Additionally, she featured in music videos for iconic artists like George Michael, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, and Madonna, cementing her status as a pop culture icon.
Campbell’s personal life has been equally high-profile. She has had relationships with several famous figures, including actor Robert DeNiro, boxer Mike Tyson, and Russian billionaire Vladislav Doronin. She was previously engaged to U2 bassist Adam Clayton in the early 1990s and Formula One executive Flavio Briatore in the late 1990s and early 2000s. More recently, she began a relationship with Egyptian millionaire Louis C. Camilleri in 2017.
Struggles and Legal Battles
Throughout her career, Campbell has faced personal struggles, particularly with cocaine and alcohol addiction. She sought rehab treatment in 1999 and later took legal action against The Daily Mirror after they published a photo of her leaving a Narcotics Anonymous meeting. Despite her troubles, she remained an influential figure in the industry. However, her temper caused several legal battles, including accusations of assault between 1998 and 2009, which led to multiple convictions, fines, and community service mandates.
Campbell’s impact extended beyond the fashion world into activism, particularly around racial bias in the industry. She has been vocal about the need for greater representation and equality for black models and was a key member of the Diversity Coalition formed in 2013. Along with Iman and Bethann Hardison, she advocated for diversity on the runway. Naomi has also worked with various charities, such as the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Breakthrough Breast Cancer, and We Love Brazil, which fights poverty in Brazil.
Beyond her advocacy for diversity, Naomi Campbell has worked tirelessly for many causes. She established Fashion for Relief in 2005 to raise funds for victims of natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, the Mumbai terrorist attacks, and the Haiti earthquake. In 2008, the organization hosted a charity gala to support organizations like Save the Children and Time’s Up. Her charitable contributions earned her recognition, including an honorary patronage from Trinity College’s University Philosophical Society in 2009.
Real Estate and Lavish Lifestyles
Campbell’s wealth and fame have afforded her luxurious real estate, including a stunning mansion in Moscow built by her ex-boyfriend Vladislav Doronin, worth £109 million. The property was put up for sale at £78 million after their split. Doronin also gifted Campbell a 25-bedroom vacation home on Cleopatra Island in Turkey, known as the “Eco-House Horus,” a sustainable property shaped like the Egyptian Eye of Horus. Naomi also invested in real estate in New York, purchasing a Manhattan duplex for $4 million in 2005, which she sold for a profit the following year.
Legacy of an Icon
Naomi Campbell remains an enduring figure in fashion, media, and activism. From her groundbreaking modeling career to her activism for racial equality and charity work, Campbell’s influence continues to resonate. Though she has faced challenges and controversies along the way, her legacy as one of the most successful and influential supermodels of all time remains intact.
