Naomi Campbell is showcasing her iconic style and runway presence at London’s V&A this week in a groundbreaking exhibition—the first of its kind dedicated to a model.
Titled “Naomi: In Fashion,” the exhibition explores the illustrious career of one of fashion’s most iconic figures. It highlights key looks she has worn, her significant influence on the industry, and her activism. Curated by former British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, the exhibition features glamorous dresses, towering heels, and a collection of Campbell’s fashion photographs and magazine covers.
The exhibition, opening to the public this Saturday, promises a captivating journey through Campbell’s impact on fashion and culture.
Sonnet Stanfill, senior curator of fashion at the V&A, emphasized to Reuters on Wednesday the disparity in exhibitions focusing on fashion designers and photographers versus models.
“In many exhibitions, models are often overlooked,” Stanfill noted. “Naomi Campbell’s extraordinary 40-year career exemplifies her pioneering role in the industry. She not only collaborates with top designers and photographers but also uses her platform to promote the careers of emerging creatives.”
Starting her career as a teenager, Campbell, 54, has graced the runways and campaigns of renowned fashion houses such as Versace, Chanel, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana, while also advocating for African designers.
She made history as the first Black model to grace the covers of French Vogue and Time magazine, and was also the inaugural Black model featured on the coveted September issue of American Vogue.
On display are iconic ensembles from renowned fashion figures like the late Gianni Versace and Azzedine Alaïa, alongside creations by African designers such as Kenneth Ize and Thebe Magugu.
Among the exhibits is the dazzling Dolce & Gabbana dress Campbell wore on her final day of community service at a New York sanitation facility. This followed her guilty plea for reckless assault after an incident involving her housekeeper over a pair of jeans. Also highlighted are the blue platform shoes from her memorable stumble on the runway at Vivienne Westwood’s Autumn-Winter 1993 show.
Running until April 6, 2025, the exhibition features written and audio reflections from Campbell herself, reminiscing on pivotal moments from her illustrious career. Additionally, visitors can experience a makeshift catwalk, offering them the chance to emulate Campbell’s iconic runway strut.
‘Rust’ armorer challenges conviction after Alec Baldwin trial tossed
In Los Angeles, the armorer for Alec Baldwin’s film “Rust” has filed a motion on Tuesday to overturn her conviction for involuntary manslaughter. This follows the collapse of Baldwin’s trial last week due to withheld evidence related to a fatal shooting on set.
During a rehearsal for the low-budget Western in October 2021, Baldwin held a revolver that discharged a live round, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring the film’s director. Hannah Gutierrez Reed, tasked as the film’s armorer, was responsible for providing dummy and blank rounds for the movie.
She inadvertently loaded the firearm with a live round, the source of which remains unexplained, leading to her earlier sentencing this year to 18 months in prison.
However, revelations during Baldwin’s trial in Santa Fe, New Mexico, exposed that law enforcement and prosecutors had withheld critical evidence regarding the origins of live rounds on set. Bullets possibly matching the one that killed Hutchins were never examined by the lead detective or disclosed to the defense.
As a result, Baldwin’s case was swiftly dismissed by the judge, who criticized the deliberate suppression of evidence as highly prejudicial.
Gutierrez Reed, formerly known as Hannah Gutierrez, had already been in the process of appealing her conviction before Baldwin’s trial. Her legal team has now filed an expedited motion seeking a new trial or dismissal of charges, citing severe and ongoing discovery violations by the state. The motion accuses prosecutor Kari Morrissey of deception to the court and involvement in concealing evidence crucial to the case, including reports from state firearms experts and an interview with a prop weapons supplier.
The motion argues that these actions have compromised the integrity of the judicial process and calls for immediate overturning of Gutierrez Reed’s conviction, asserting that justice demands it.
Eddie Murphy and Paige Butcher exchange vows in private ceremony.
Washington: Eddie Murphy and Paige Butcher have tied the knot! The beloved comedian and his longtime partner, Australian model Paige Butcher, exchanged vows in a private ceremony in Anguilla on Tuesday, July 9.
Their joyous union follows a romantic engagement that began in September 2018, as reported by People magazine.
The intimate wedding, attended by close family and friends, took place against the serene backdrop of Anguilla.
Paige Butcher looked stunning in a corseted gown designed by Mira Zwillinger, adorned with intricate lace details.
Eddie Murphy exuded elegance in a white Brioni suit, perfectly complementing the tropical setting of their special day, confirmed People magazine.
This marks the 64-year-old Emmy Award-winning actor’s second marriage. He was previously married to Nicole Mitchell Murphy, with whom he shares five children.
For 44-year-old Paige Butcher, this is her first marriage, solidifying their bond after welcoming their two children, 8-year-old daughter Izzy Oona and 5-year-old son Max Charles.
News of their nuptials emerged shortly after Eddie Murphy and Paige Butcher appeared together at the premiere of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F in Los Angeles on June 20. People magazine recently unveiled the details.
Joined by Murphy’s daughters Bria, Shayne Audra, and Bella Zahra from his previous marriage, the couple radiated happiness and anticipation ahead of their private ceremony.
Known for his devotion to family, Eddie Murphy has consistently expressed love and appreciation for his children and partner.
His ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ co-star Judge Reinhold shared insights with People magazine, describing Murphy as a committed family man, saying, “He’s crazy about his kids and his family. He’s a family guy at heart. Truly is. He really is.”
Eddie Murphy and Paige Butcher’s journey began in 2012, blossoming into a loving relationship that led to the birth of their daughter Izzy in 2016 and their engagement in September 2018, shortly before welcoming their son Max.
While Paige Butcher maintains a low media profile, glimpses of their relationship have surfaced during public appearances.
At the 2020 Golden Globes, Eddie Murphy affectionately described her as “wonderful” and “very, very sweet and romantic,” reflecting the deep bond they share.
In his acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Award, Eddie Murphy expressed gratitude to Paige Butcher and his children, emphasizing their unwavering love and support.
With a total of ten children, including his eldest sons Eric and Christian, and daughters Bria, Shayne Audra, Bella Zahra, Zola Ivy, and Angel Iris, Eddie Murphy’s family continues to grow stronger with Paige Butcher now officially by his side as his wife.
Judge tosses Alec Baldwin manslaughter case over withheld evidence
LOS ANGELES: Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial came to an abrupt halt on Friday when Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case, citing withheld evidence crucial to the fatal shooting on the set of “Rust.”
Presiding over the trial in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Judge Sommer revealed that bullets potentially connected to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, which could have benefited Baldwin’s defense, were not disclosed to his legal team by police and prosecutors.
The Hollywood star, facing a possible 18-month prison term if convicted, broke down in tears as the case was dramatically thrown out.
“The state’s intentional and deliberate withholding of this information constitutes conduct that, if not outright bad faith, certainly verges on it, revealing significant prejudice against the defendant,” stated Judge Sommer.
“The court determines that such conduct severely prejudices the defendant.”
During a rehearsal in October 2021, Alec Baldwin was handling a gun that discharged, fatally striking cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring the film’s director.
The movie’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, who loaded the weapon, is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter.
Baldwin faced the same charge, with prosecutors alleging he disregarded basic gun safety protocols and acted recklessly on set.
Representing Baldwin, celebrity lawyer Alex Spiro argued that the actor bore no responsibility for checking the firearm’s contents and was unaware it held live ammunition.
The defense also focused on undermining the police investigation. Spiro presented evidence on Thursday suggesting that live bullets possibly linked to the shooting had been handed over to the police but not disclosed to Baldwin’s legal team.
The bullets were handed over to police earlier this year by a “Good Samaritan,” a former police officer and a family friend of Hannah Gutierrez, the armorer on the “Rust” set. He informed police that these bullets matched the rounds responsible for Halyna Hutchins’ death.
Alex Spiro, representing Alec Baldwin, accused the police of intentionally withholding this evidence by not filing it under the “Rust” case, thereby depriving the defense of access to it. “It was a perfectly executed plan,” he asserted in court.
During questioning by Spiro, crime scene technician Marissa Poppell confirmed cataloging the bullets but stated she was instructed not to include them in the “Rust” case file.
Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey struggled to respond, admitting she had no prior knowledge of the bullets until recently. However, it was later revealed that Morrissey had been present during discussions where the decision was made not to include the bullets in the “Rust” case file. In a last-minute effort to salvage the case, Morrissey testified that the purportedly withheld bullets did not match the live rounds used on the “Rust” set and had been stored in Arizona until the day of the tragic incident.
Despite Morrissey’s assertions, Judge Sommer dismissed the case, citing significant doubts. The decision prompted emotional reactions from Baldwin and his family.
The case was dismissed with prejudice, indicating that Baldwin is unlikely to face further legal proceedings related to the shooting, according to University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias. “On the criminal side, I think it’s done. The prosecutors could attempt an extraordinary appeal, but I doubt any appellate court would support the prosecutor,” he commented.
“They were obligated to disclose the evidence, and they failed to do so,” Tobias added.
‘The Shining’ actor Shelley Duvall dies aged 75
New York: Shelley Duvall, the versatile actress renowned for her roles in “The Shining” and her collaborations with director Robert Altman, passed away Thursday at the age of 75.
According to her partner Dan Gilroy, reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Duvall peacefully passed away in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas, due to complications from diabetes.
Born on July 7, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, Duvall was discovered by Robert Altman, known for his distinctive characters and incisive social commentary, who cast her in the 1970 dark comedy “Brewster McCloud.”
The wide-eyed actress built a diverse repertoire, gaining recognition with her role in the 1975 film “Nashville” and continuing to portray memorable and eccentric characters, earning accolades such as at Cannes for her performance in the acclaimed 1977 drama “3 Women.”
Her career was closely intertwined with Altman, whom she praised for consistently offering her challenging roles. “None of them have been alike,” she remarked to The New York Times in 1977. “He has great confidence in me, trust, and respect, without imposing restrictions or intimidation, and I love him.”
However, it was her role as Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Shining” that catapulted her to prominence. Opposite Jack Nicholson, Duvall endured a grueling 13-month shoot under Kubrick’s demanding direction, famously spending hours each day in tears for the part.
In one particularly intense scene, Nicholson’s character tormented hers with a baseball bat, reportedly requiring 127 takes to satisfy Kubrick’s exacting standards.
Duvall also had notable appearances in Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” (1977) and starred alongside Robin Williams in Altman’s live-action adaptation of “Popeye” (1980). Later in the 1980s, she ventured into children’s programming.
Dan Gilroy, her longtime partner, remembered her fondly following their meeting on the set of the 1990 Disney Channel movie “Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Rhyme.” “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend has left us,” he expressed to The Hollywood Reporter. “After much suffering recently, she is now free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”
Kardashians, Mike Tyson join business magnates at Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant wedding
Mumbai: A grand family wedding hosted by Asia’s wealthiest individual, Mukesh Ambani, is set to unfold on Friday in India, culminating months of celebrations leading up to the event.
Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Reliance Industries Ltd. Chairman Mukesh Ambani, will tie the knot with Radhika Merchant at the Jio World Centre in central Mumbai. The guest list reads like a who’s who of global business and celebrity circles, with luminaries including HSBC Holdings plc Chairman Mark Tucker, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Chairman Jay Lee, and political figures such as former UK leaders Boris Johnson and Tony Blair expected to attend, according to sources familiar with the arrangements who requested anonymity.
Top executives like Amin Nasser of Saudi Aramco, Murray Auchincloss of BP Plc, Emma Walmsley of GSK Plc, and Jim Taiclet of Lockheed Martin are also among the invitees. Notably absent from the list are some high-profile names from the tech industry, including Meta Platforms Inc.’s Mark Zuckerberg, despite his presence at pre-wedding festivities.
The wedding festivities, curated by Mukesh Ambani’s wife Nita Ambani, are anticipated to feature about 1,200 guests, including Indian lawmakers and government ministers. The occasion will showcase hundreds of local dishes, reflecting the Ambani family’s hospitality and cultural flair, as reported by Bloomberg earlier this week.
Anant Ambani’s marriage marks a significant moment amid the Ambani family’s succession planning and wealth transition to the next generation. At 29 years old, Anant is set to lead Reliance’s burgeoning green energy initiatives as the conglomerate diversifies beyond its traditional fossil fuel roots. His sister, Isha Ambani, oversees the retail businesses, while elder brother Akash Ambani heads the group’s digital ventures.
The wedding follows 134 days of elaborate pre-celebrations, which included visits to the family’s private zoo, a luxury European cruise, a charitable mass wedding, and a star-studded musical event featuring Justin Bieber. The festivities began in March and attracted notable figures like Bill Gates, Larry Fink of BlackRock Inc., Sundar Pichai of Alphabet Inc., and Yasir Al Rumayyan, Chairman of Saudi Aramco.
As preparations for the wedding reach their peak, social media has been abuzz with images of the intricate invitations shaped like miniature temples adorned with gold idols of gods, symbolizing the opulence and spiritual significance of the occasion.
‘F1’ movie: Simone Ashley joins Brad Pitt in Formula 1 racing thriller
Simone Ashley, celebrated for her role in ‘Bridgerton,’ has landed a significant part in the upcoming Formula 1 racing film ‘F1,’ where she joins stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris.
Variety confirmed the news during filming at the British Grand Prix, where Ashley was seen alongside Idris over the weekend.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, best known for ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ ‘F1’ revolves around Brad Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 driver making a comeback in the sport. He takes on the role of mentor to rookie Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris) on APXGP, a fictional 11th team on the racing grid.
The film stands out by filming during actual Grand Prix weekends, providing an authentic backdrop as the fictional team competes against established giants in the sport, as reported by Variety.
Simone Ashley joins a stellar ensemble cast that includes Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, and Samson Kayo.
Details about Ashley’s role in the film have been kept under wraps, heightening anticipation surrounding her involvement.
The announcement of Ashley’s casting coincided with the debut of the first teaser for ‘F1’ during the British Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion and co-producer of the film through Dawn Apollo Films, emerged victorious.
‘F1’ is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Chad Oman, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Lewis Hamilton, in collaboration between Apple Studios and Formula 1.
Penned by Ehren Kruger, the screenplay promises a high-octane narrative slated to hit international theaters and IMAX screens on June 25, 2025, followed by a North American release on June 27, 2025, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, according to Variety.
For Ashley, ‘F1’ marks another milestone in her career following her acclaimed portrayal of Kate Sharma in ‘Bridgerton’ and her role as Olivia in ‘Sex Education.’
Her upcoming projects include starring in the psychological thriller ‘This Tempting Madness’ and executive producing and starring in the romantic comedy ‘Picture This’ for Prime Video.
‘Shrek 5’ confirmed for July 2026 release
DreamWorks Animation has officially announced the production of ‘Shrek 5,’ scheduled for release on July 1, 2026, marking the return of original stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz to their iconic roles.
Directed by Walt Dohrn, renowned for his contributions to the ‘Shrek’ universe with films like ‘Shrek 2’ and ‘Shrek the Third,’ and produced by Gina Shay and Chris Meledandri, ‘Shrek 5’ aims to continue the beloved saga that began with the 2001 original, as reported by Variety.
The new installment is poised to deliver a fitting continuation and conclusion to the series.
The announcement was made via DreamWorks Animation’s official channels, generating excitement among fans.
Eddie Murphy inadvertently revealed in June that he had already begun recording his lines for the film and hinted at a spin-off centered around his character, Donkey, according to Variety.
“We started months ago,” Murphy disclosed, adding, “I recorded the first act, and we’ll be finishing up this year. ‘Shrek’ is coming back, and Donkey’s going to have his own movie.”
The ‘Shrek’ franchise, initially a surprise hit in 2001, has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, garnering accolades such as an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for its inaugural film.
With subsequent entries like ‘Shrek 2,’ which reportedly earned nearly $1 billion globally, the series has remained a cornerstone of animated entertainment.
Chris Meledandri, overseeing the franchise’s revival at Universal Pictures, stressed the significance of retaining the original voice cast, integral to the charm and success of the series.
“Our challenge has been to create something that truly feels like more than just another sequel,” Meledandri commented in an interview, as cited by Variety.
The announcement of ‘Shrek 5’ arrives amidst the ongoing popularity of the franchise’s spin-off, ‘Puss in Boots,’ with recent installments such as ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ receiving critical acclaim and strong box office performance.
Harvey Weinstein faces new assault allegations ahead of retrial
Former film producer Harvey Weinstein is gearing up for a retrial in New York this autumn following the overturning of his 2020 conviction for rape and sexual assault. Prosecutors have indicated that additional alleged victims will step forward to testify against him, as confirmed by Variety.
Nicole Blumberg, Assistant District Attorney for Manhattan, revealed during a Tuesday hearing that several women who had previously remained silent are now willing to testify against Weinstein.
“Several women have come forward to say they were raped by the defendant in Manhattan,” Blumberg informed the court, describing the alleged incidents as involving “violent” and “trauma-inducing” behavior within the statute of limitations, according to reports from Variety.
The retrial follows a decision by New York’s highest court in April, which found Weinstein’s previous conviction flawed due to the inclusion of testimony from multiple women about incidents unrelated to the case.
Weinstein’s defense team, led by attorney Arthur Aidala, accused the prosecution of stalling tactics in preparing for the retrial while highlighting Weinstein’s health issues, which include fluid in his heart and lungs, spinal stenosis, macular degeneration, and severe diabetes.
Weinstein, appearing in court in a wheelchair, remains in custody due to a separate sexual assault conviction in Los Angeles, where he is serving a 16-year sentence. His extradition to California has been denied as he prepares to defend against new allegations in New York.
Jennifer Bonjean, Weinstein’s attorney handling his California appeal, expressed optimism despite the legal challenges, stating, “There is a lot of hope for my client.”
Variety confirmed that the next hearing in Weinstein’s case is scheduled for July 19.
‘The Devil Wears Prada’ sequel in works at Disney
Washington: Disney is gearing up to revive the beloved fashion-world dramedy ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ with a sequel in the works, as reported by Deadline.
Aline Brosh McKenna, acclaimed for her work on the original film’s screenplay, is reportedly in the early stages of crafting the follow-up. Originally released to critical acclaim in 2006 by 20th Century Fox, before Disney’s acquisition of the studio, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ became a box office sensation, grossing over USD 326 million worldwide.
Based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel, the film starred Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs, a young journalist thrust into the ruthless realm of high fashion as the assistant to the formidable Miranda Priestly, portrayed by Meryl Streep.
While specifics about the sequel are currently limited, discussions are underway to potentially reunite key members of the original cast and crew. Anne Hathaway, who portrayed Andy Sachs, had previously expressed reservations about the sequel, noting the evolution of digital media since the original film’s debut.
Director David Frankel, who helmed the initial production, is reportedly in talks to return, alongside producer Wendy Finerman. The participation of Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt, pivotal to the first film’s success, remains uncertain.
Aline Brosh McKenna’s involvement marks a significant return to the franchise for the screenwriter, known for her work on films like ’27 Dresses’ and ‘We Bought a Zoo,’ as well as her recent directorial debut with the Netflix rom-com ‘Your Place or Mine.’
The development of the sequel comes amid ongoing interest in revisiting iconic films from the 2000s era. The original ‘Devil Wears Prada’ not only propelled Anne Hathaway to stardom but also garnered Meryl Streep critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination.
Frequetly Asked Question
4What is Naomi Campbell’s exhibition about?
Naomi Campbell’s exhibition, titled “Naomi: In Fashion,” celebrates her iconic career as a model. It showcases key fashion moments she’s been a part of, her influence in the industry, and her activism.
Where is the exhibition being held?
The exhibition is hosted at the V&A museum in London.
When does the exhibition open?
The exhibition opened to the public on Saturday, [date], providing visitors a glimpse into Campbell’s glamorous world.
Who curated the exhibition?
The exhibition is curated by former British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, who selected Campbell’s fashion photos, magazine covers, and memorable outfits for display.
What can visitors expect to see at the exhibition?
Visitors can explore Campbell’s career milestones through her iconic fashion looks, including glamorous dresses, high heels, and contributions to fashion from renowned designers to emerging talents.
Why is this exhibition significant?
It’s the first exhibition of its kind dedicated to a model at the V&A museum, highlighting Campbell’s impact on fashion and her advocacy for diversity and emerging creatives.
How long will the exhibition run?
The exhibition “Naomi: In Fashion” is scheduled to run until [date], allowing ample time for fashion enthusiasts and admirers of Campbell to visit and appreciate her contributions to the industry.
Conclusion
Naomi Campbell’s exhibition at London’s V&A museum, titled “Naomi: In Fashion,” stands as a testament to her remarkable career and enduring influence in the fashion industry. Curated by Edward Enninful, the exhibition showcases Campbell’s iconic fashion moments, from glamorous dresses to high-profile magazine covers, highlighting her role as both a fashion icon and an advocate for diversity. As the first exhibition dedicated to a model at the V&A, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Campbell’s journey and impact, emphasizing her contributions to fashion and her support for emerging creatives. Scheduled to run until [date], the exhibition invites audiences to immerse themselves in Campbell’s world of style, elegance, and cultural significance.
