“Models of colour are not a trend, we are here to stay,” Naomi Campbell shared when asked about her thoughts on how recent fashion months have been of racially diverse with around 40 percent of castings going to models of colour presented on couture shows. Beyond her work in fashion, she has used her celebrity for fundraising and non-profit initiatives across humanitarian work in Africa, from supporting infrastructure projects to advancing women’s rights and promoting the local fashion industry. In 1997, Nelson Mandela named Campbell an “honourary granddaughter” for her activism.
To South Africans, Mandela is best remembered as “Madiba” or “Tata,” the beloved activist who fought to end apartheid and, after decades of imprisonment, became the country’s first black president. Today marks the 26th anniversary of Freedom Day in South Africa, a day that commemorates the first democratic elections held in the country on April 27th, 1994. Besides its citizens, it calls on all traditional leaders, interfaith, and all government spheres to take the opportunity to reflect on the day.
Here, BAZAAR rounded up some of the best quotes from the independence leader as well as personal anecdotes that Naomi Campbell has shared as she learned a few life lessons from Mandela.
Comments