EXCLUSIVE: Naomi Campbell hits back at critics of her new PrettyLittleThing range insisting ‘fashion shouldn’t discriminate’

Naomi Campbell has hit back at critics of her collaboration with online brand PrettyLittleThing, insisting that “fashion shouldn’t discriminate.”

Unveiling her new 90-piece collection on Tuesday in New York, where she took to the runway in an £85 sheer silver dress, the supermodel vowed to ignore “fast fashion” snobbery and stressed that outside influences have done. has never had any influence on her decisions as she says she will be at the forefront of positive change in the industry.

In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Naomi, who has worked with prestigious fashion houses such as Prada, Burberry and Yves Saint Laurent, revealed that a major factor behind the surprise deal with PLT and the fashion company’s owner, Umar Kamani, was her desire to create her own clothes. to design. , claiming that fashion brands typically don’t give models the chance, preferring celebrity names instead.

When her collaboration, which costs between £10 and £150 and is available in sizes 4-30, was announced in July, she received negative backlash from critics who claimed she was risking her reputation by campaigning for the brand that often emulates designer looks at a lower cost.

Naomi, 53, said: ‘I think this collection is fun, chic, sexy, vibrant and inclusive, and that fashion should not discriminate… who’s to say PrettyLittleThing won’t continue to collaborate with young creatives and lead and change in terms of sustainability, who knows. new beginnings.’

The mother-of-two says working with PrettyLittleThing has been an energizing experience after decades of wearing the designs of other fashion houses as she becomes the changing face of a new era.

She added, “I worked for everyone for years. It’s nice to do something for me.

“When they think of working with someone, they never come to the actual models, but mostly to the celebrities.

“There are a few other models who are into fast fashion, and they’ve been completely praised and adored and loved.

“I don’t think about other people when I say yes to something. When I understand it and see what it can be, then I commit myself to the things I do.’

When asked if she thinks there could be a second collection, she joked, “I’m going now wherever Umar goes…

‘But I’m always nervous when I do something in public… I’m happy, but let’s see how sales are going. From AZ… I care.’

The supermodel launched her range at the Cipriani location in Manhattan to A-list guests including Emily Ratajkowski, Winnie Harlow and Julia Fox, closing the show in the gown she created alongside Nigerian up-and-coming designer Victor Anate and Jamaica-bred Edvin Thompson. .

The collection, complete with tailored blazer suits, sparkling gold and silver dresses and statement jackets, including a striking leather trench coat worn by guest Julia Fox, could easily have been mistaken for “high-end” fashion pieces.

With a strong focus on inclusion, the range of stunning models featured women of various shapes, sizes and ethnicities.

Known as one of the original four supermodels, Naomi left the venue in awe as she closed the show in a dress that showcased her beautifully statuesque figure, floating down the catwalk with a walk perfected over years of Fashion Week shows.

Despite her five-decade career in fashion and her self-confidence, Naomi admits she still suffers from runway show nerves, but there was no sign of any anxiety as she glided down the runway on Tuesday night.

Naomi, who became the first black model to grace the cover of the fashion bible British Vogue in 1987, insists on working with close friend Umar, whose family owns the Boohoo Group, and the young creators of PLT will continue her involvement in raising a new generation of fashionistas.

And she hopes her new designs, which are perfectly crafted for the upcoming holiday season, will help people “feel good” post-pandemic.

She explained, ‘Umar and I met when my daughter was born.

“After what people have been through in recent years, they want to enjoy themselves and look and feel good.”

The supermodel, who says she ’embraces’ new challenges, welcomed her first child, a daughter in 2021, followed closely by a son in June this year.

And she reveals that her line with PLT has piqued the interest of her friends with teenage children, who were hoping for an invite to Tuesday’s glamorous New York event.

Naomi continued: “The past few days my friends have been calling me from all over the world, Rome, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, ‘oh my daughter is going to New York, please can she come’… the parents were calling me . I thought, “I haven’t heard from you in a long time.” It was amazing.

“It was a learning experience and I love doing these learning experiences, that’s what life is all about, challenges, challenges, I embrace challenges.”

The London-born star will soon be seen in the AppleTV+ documentary The Super Models alongside fellow runway icons Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington.

She admits making the show was “emotional” and fans will be thrilled with the end result.

Naomi added, “It was emotional making the show… you’ll see.

“It shows part of my career. Only so much fits in four episodes; it was very fun.’

• Naomi Campbell’s PrettyLittleThing collection is now available for purchase online