Internationally famous model Naomi Campbell's debut collection for fashion brand Boss includes items with an antibacterial coating, a nod to her bacteriophobia, the Guardian reports.
The supermodel partnered with the German business for a 40-item collection, starting at £60 and going up to £745, which covers everything from suits to sweatshirts, inspired by Campbell's "fast-paced lifestyle".
"These are items that reflect my own lifestyle. I'm always on the go, always ready for the next adventure, but I never compromise on style," she explained.
Having worn see-through suits from Alaïa and posed in Valentino Couture feathers on the steps of the Met Gala while an assistant fanned her, it's little surprise that Campbell's debut collection for Boss is aimed at travellers looking for practical pieces.
In 2019, a video of the British supermodel armed with latex gloves and antibacterial wipes while cleaning her business class seat on a flight to Dubai went viral on social media. Later, during the pandemic, she was filmed walking around the airport in a white hazmat suit with a hood and face mask.
Although Campbell is more used to private jets than commercial airlines, it seems she is still familiar with the dreaded curse of travel - wrinkled clothes. As a result, during the design process, she stipulated that the double-breasted jackets and coordinating pants be made of wool with a stretchy texture and anti-crease coating.
There are also figure-hugging black leggings with matching long-sleeved tops inspired by Campbell's own travel uniform, which she says helps improve circulation. The pockets of the jackets and vests are lined with a special fabric that can block electromagnetic frequencies and prevent contactless card fraud.
The two-piece loungewear set consists of a hoodie and loose-fitting sweatpants covered in a leopard-print motif in purple or ivory, which Campbell says has "proven anti-stress properties by promoting a sense of zen and balance." And just in case you forget who the real "boss" is, the T-shirts and hoodies are signed with Campbell's face print.
Appointed in 2022 as an ambassador for Boss, a separate brand of Hugo Boss, Campbell has previously fronted several campaigns for the brand. The collection marks a shift to a new role as a collaborator, which Campbell says allows her to "explore a whole new aspect of my art."
This isn't the first time Campbell, 53, has stepped into the role of fashion designer. Last year, Campbell was widely criticized for her collaboration with fast fashion brand PrettyLittleThing (PLT), a subsidiary of British company Boohoo Group, on an 82-item collection.
Campbell's collection for Boss, whose parent company celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, follows previous sell-out partnerships with the NFL and Khaby Lame, a 23-year-old Italian influencer of Senegalese descent who holds the title for the most followers in the world on TikTok. It's all part of a broader brand refresh that sees Boss ditching its formal suits to attract younger consumers.
This year is shaping up to be an important one for Campbell. In June, the V&A will open the Naomi exhibition, dedicated to the Croydon-born model. This is the first time a model will be the focus of an exhibition at the museum. / BGNES