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Naomi Campbell never enjoyed being the 'token Black person' of the fashion industry

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Model and Black Girl Magic Award Award recipient Naomi Campbell speaks on stage during the 2018 Black Girls Rock! Photographed by Gilbert Carrasquillo
Model and Black Girl Magic Award Award recipient Naomi Campbell speaks on stage during the 2018 Black Girls Rock! Photographed by Gilbert Carrasquillo
Gilbert Carrasquillo

Naomi Campbell is "truly grateful and happy" to see more racial equality in the fashion industry.

The 50-year-old supermodel has said she has "never" enjoyed being the beauty industry's "token Black person" and can't wait to see more Black creatives both on the runways and working for fashion houses.

READ MORE: Winnie Harlow says there is a 'lot of work to be done on diversity in fashion'

Naomi was speaking on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen after Vogue magazine's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour issued a statement to her staff apologizing for "hurtful" and "intolerant" behavior at Vogue, adding that they would do better in the future to elevate Black creatives.

“Everyone used to think that you liked being the token Black person in the room,” she said. “It’s absolutely the opposite. I never did. And it needs to change from the boardroom to the seat. It needs to go right from the top through,” she says.  

READ MORE: Lizzo talks diversity: 'I am brown, I am black, I am curvy, and I am perfect'

However, Naomi praised Anna for "fighting the powers-that-be" to get her on the cover of Vogue.

“Actually I think Anna Wintour has been very brave recently. She has admitted the fashion industry is too wasteful. And she also told me she had to fight with the powers-that-be to get me on the cover of US Vogue first time round, for which I am grateful,” Naomi adds.

Compiled by Futhi Masilela

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