Model Naomi Campbell continues to speak out against racism in the fashion industry since she’s joined other fashion industry veterans to form an advocacy group called Diversity Coalition.
While not dishing out too many details, Campbell revealed in an interview with Net-a-Porter The Edit magazine, that stories from current models Jourdan Dunn and Joan Smalls, leave her “horrified”.
Campbell also shares her impression of former South African President Nelson Mandela, her tips for staying in shape, and the rewards of mentoring.
On mentoring: “I want people to really understand what the world of modeling is about, and how hard we work. I like the mentoring aspect, as opposed to sitting in my chair and judging someone. It’s really rewarding to see the models transformed and it makes me feel like I’m doing something right.”
On building relationships: “I learned something from each photographer I worked with, their different styles and how they wanted me to be.”
On racism in the industry: “I do think there is still racism. Joan Smalls and Jourdan Dunn and I speak with each other and, sometimes, I’m a little horrified with the things they tell me.”
On Nelson Mandela: “There will never be anyone like him again. When you meet him, you just get such a positive aura. It’s incredible.”
On how she stays in shape: Since I had my operation on my knee [in 2012, after being reportedly mugged], Pilates has become very important. I don’t want to build muscle, just to tone. I’m not extreme about what I eat – I let chocolate and crisps come in at times. You have to allow the little things that make you happy. For ten days prior to the Versace show, I just drank juice – carrot, ginger, pineapple – to cleanse.”
