When I first got Yves Saint Laurent Couture, I didn't know how to take off a cape. I would ask Katoucha and Dalma - the real divas of the runway - 'Can you show me?' I've never been afraid to ask for help.
Naomi CampbellRead
Patrick Demarchelier was the one who got me my first Vogue cover. It was French Vogue - I think in ’87 or ’88. I think I was the first black model to be on the cover of French Vogue, which was shocking to me because when I asked them about it, they were like, "Oh, no. We’ve never had that before."
Interpretation
Naomi Campbell reflects on her groundbreaking achievement as the first black model on the cover of French Vogue.
In this quote, Naomi Campbell expresses her surprise and the significance of being the first black model featured on the cover of French Vogue during the late 1980s. It highlights the cultural and industry milestones related to representation and diversity in fashion, and serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for inclusivity in media.
In practice
In a speech about diversity in media, one might quote Naomi Campbell: 'I think I was the first black model to be on the cover of French Vogue.'
When I first got Yves Saint Laurent Couture, I didn't know how to take off a cape. I would ask Katoucha and Dalma - the real divas of the runway - 'Can you show me?' I've never been afraid to ask for help.
I feel very responsible for young models of colour. They come to me and tell me they're not getting jobs, and I do what I can to speak up for them.
I’ve been offered jobs by companies that supported apartheid many times in the 25 years of my modeling career, but I have never taken one of them. I have to refuse that money, because I’m not going to work against my people. They’ve suffered enough.
Why am I so determined to put the shoulder where it belongs? Women have very round shoulders that push forward slightly; this touches me and I say: 'One must not hide that!' Then someone tells you: 'The shoulder is on the back'. I have never seen women with shoulders on their backs.
I used to look back at pictures and cringe but actually I'm quite proud that I've had fun with fashion and don't always look perfect. The only regret I have is when I look at something I wore when I was very young and it obviously looks like it belonged to someone else.
These heels are candy for the feet; they’re for pleasure, not practicality.
Don't use expensive clothes as a screen for your personal doubts. Be proud of yourself
Nothing goes out of fashion sooner than a long dress with a very low neck.
Never, ever, ever wear anything you are uncomfortable in. Because that is what you'll project: 'I look like a fool.'
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