Naomi Campbell has denied being banned from fashion’s biggest night.
The British supermodel, 54, addressed speculations of her ban following the September 2024 diss towards the Vogue editor-in-chief and Met host, 75, in a recent statement.
“Congratulations to Anna Wintour, the brilliant designers, the dedicated Met Gala team, and stunning attendees of tonight’s extraordinary celebration,” she wrote on social media ahead of the event.
She then continued regarding the theme, “I have to say, what perfect timing for the Superfine: Tailoring Black Style theme. It really celebrates how Black dandyism has shaped fashion and how fashion has been a way for Black people to express who they are and claim their power.”
Campbell then clarified that she was invited to attend and it was her choice not to go. “I was so honored to be invited to tonight’s big event, but regretfully cannot make it.”
“Even though I’m not there in person,” she added. “I’m with you all in spirit, carried by the legacy of my beloved friend, the late Andre Leon Talley. His commanding presence, vision, and belief that fashion is art helped shape what the Met Gala is presenting tonight.”
The model signed off with, “I can’t wait to see how everyone mixes African and European style traditions on those famous steps tonight! The creativity will be amazing. With all my love and admiration, Naomi Campbell.”
Campbell shared in a recent interview that she won’t be attending the event anymore because she feels “too old.”
“‘It is my last. I can’t… I’m too old. It’s too much for me, the anxiety,” the supermodel said in a YouTube video last week, referring to her 2024 gala appearance.
For the unversed, Campbell and Wintour’s feud sparked at the New York Fashion Week ceremony last September, where the Vogue head was assigned to present the supermodel with the Fashion Icon award.
Anna, who was reportedly leaving the event early, turned the blame on the supermodel by accusing her of being “often late” and left without presenting the gong to Campbell.
When the model came in, Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Samira Nasr presented the award to Campbell instead.
The runway star hit back at Wintour’s diss, saying, “I want to say this. Everything is meant to work out the way it’s going to work out. It wasn’t my choice to have the other lady. I would much rather have this,” Campbell said, gesturing to Nasr.
A diss comment under Campbell’s post from the night read, “Why are you always late? So disrespectful to everyone. #annawintour” to which, Campbell responded, “I was right on schedule for @harlemsfashionrow”
