Icon of the era ; 1990s

 Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell is an African-American supermodel, who rose to fame during the 90s where she walked for high profile brands such as Calvin Klein,  Versace and Gucci.

Naomi Campbell was born on 22nd May 1970 and is a British model, actress and businesswoman. She is better known as a pioneer for poc models such as herself, and how she helped evolve fashion standards in terms of race. 

Naomi was the first African American model known to be labelled as a ' supermodel', and in many interviews has attributed her success to the hardships she faced as she tried to break in to the fashion industry. As a poc model, she was subjected to a lot of internalised racism within the industry. She also faced a lot of issues around her body, as it wasn't the standard slim built model but more muscular and strong. Therefore she also helped normalise a more muscular body type on the runway, as well as normalising poc models. 

Naomi has continued to work against racism in the modelling world and has set up organisations that work to this day to prevent racism.

On the catwalk, Naomi was known for her walk which resembled 'a tiger stalking its prey' , she breathed life on the catwalks and created more of a show aspect than ever before. Her distinctiveness was what made her so in demand, despite racial barriers, in the end. 

Her style in the 90s was also iconic, with many trends she started still seen today. Her style is synonymous with the 90s aesthetic; wild, bold,full of life. 

She stayed bold with gingham two pieces and knee high socks, as styled by Vivienne Westwood and referencing a more punk glam culture. Shes also pictured in flapper style dresses with a 70s fro, mixing two decades of fashion together. Naomi was also known for referencing the African culture of her ancestors with bright jungle prints and colours, embracing a culture that was otherwise shamed. Overall, she remained a major figure throughout the 90s and is very much respected to this day.