By Benedict Smith
Naomi Campbell has said she turned down an invitation to the Met Gala amid rumours of a rift with Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
The supermodel, who has previously attended the exclusive celebrity event at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art more than a dozen times, said she “regretfully cannot make it” to Monday night’s event without saying why.
Naomi Campbell, pictured at the 2024 Met Gala, declined an invitation to attend this year.Credit: Variety via Getty Images
There is speculation of a rift between the two women after Wintour last year appeared to take a swipe at Campbell, noting that she had turned up late for a prize-giving ceremony.
Nevertheless, in a message on social media she passed on her congratulations to Wintour, calling Monday night’s event an “extraordinary celebration”.
Campbell’s absence from the gala, where this year’s theme is Tailoring Black Style, is seen as significant for a supermodel who became the first black woman to appear on the covers of French Vogue and Time.
She made the announcement hours before the gala began.
“Congratulations to Anna Wintour, the brilliant designers, the dedicated Met Gala team, and stunning attendees of tonight’s extraordinary celebration,” Campbell wrote on Instagram.
“I was so honoured to be invited to tonight’s big event, but regretfully cannot make it.
“Even though I’m not there in person, I’m with you all in spirit, carried by the legacy of my beloved friend, the late [fashion designer] Andre Leon Talley.
“His command, presence, vision and belief that fashion is art helped shape what the Met Gala is presenting tonight.
“I can’t wait to see how everyone mixes African and European style traditions on those famous steps tonight! The creativity will be amazing.”
In September, Wintour noted that Campbell had arrived late while speaking at the Fashion Row Fashion Show and Style Awards in Harlem, New York.
“I am a very punctual person and I have the [honour] of presenting tonight to someone who is often late,” Wintour said, and was reported to have left before the 54-year-old model arrived to receive her Fashion Icon Award.
Samira Nasr, the Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief, was left to present the prize to her instead.
Campbell appeared to hit back in her own speech after receiving the award, saying: “It wasn’t my choice to have the other lady [Wintour]. I’d much rather have this one.”
According to Page Six, her comment prompted gasps from the audience, prompting Campbell to reply that she was “unapologetically truthful”.
Nevertheless, Campbell thanked Wintour for supporting her career.
“We must still say thank you to Anna Wintour as she did take the time to come here and give me the award, even though I wasn’t here,” she said.
“So, thank you, Anna Wintour, for your support in my career from 1987, meeting a young black girl from South London in British Vogue offices and taking a chance in giving me a shoot.
“And so I thank you for your influence and your continuing support in pushing fashion forward also.”
Campbell has attended 17 Met Galas, making her first appearance in 1990.
Telegraph, London
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