Does Naomi Campbell really need to partner with a fast fashion brand?

There New York Fashion Week the first dispute has just begun, and the first dispute has already flared up. Naomi Campbellperhaps the most famous supermodel in the world, has announced a collaboration with English fast fashion brand Pretty Little Things. A decision that was not well received by critics and the public, also because it begs the question: does Naomi Campbell still need to be profitable?

Pop stars and supermodels: campaigns that spark controversy

On X (good old Twitter), many hypothesize about the economic problems of the top model. Beyond conjecture and contrary to Naomi’s statements to an American magazine sh (“I want to take part in raising the voice of marginalized black designers.“), the goal of such a collaboration is obviously to sell as much as possible. In fact, the chances of it being sold out are very high. Moreover, Campbell not only helped develop the collection, but also face. But why should a top model, an icon of haute couture, a muse of great designers cooperate with fast fashion brand? Campbell said he understood the criticism, but it didn’t seem to stop him from accepting the collaboration. Why just: money.

However, Pretty Little Things is not new for collections created with celebrities: among them we remember collections with Kylie Jenner, Little Mix and Molly-Mae Haig. So if a brand and its audience are aware of the impact that fast fashion has on people and the environment, a review can decide whether to identify with these values ​​and embrace sustainable lines and collections. That’s why it’s amazing to see such an icon as Campbell

take part in such a frankly problematic project.

When fashion meets fast fashion: precedents

On the other hand, we live in a period when there is no shortage of collaborations between fashion houses and fast fashion brands: here are just a few: Clarks collaborates with Zadar AND HM he has created capsule collections with Mugler, JW Anderson, Marni. There has been no shortage of supermodels (present and past) who have collaborated with fast fashion brands such as Kaia Gerber, now the face of Zara.

In addition, the news over the past few hours that Heron Preston he will collaborate with H&M, becoming a creative consultant, and in fact Preston will take on the creation of new seasonal capsule collections. Preston has also spoken publicly against the policies promoted by the Swedish brand over the years, highlighting the destructive impact of fast fashion on the world. Now, however, Preston’s task seems to be reduced to create sustainable seasonal collections: a bit of a paradox for a fast fashion giant.

Controversy also flared up in Italy after collaboration between Cecilia Rodriguez and Sheinfast fashion brand that became the subject numerous investigations in terms of environmental impact and working conditions, reports the Guardian. Criticism will certainly triple if the collaboration sees the protagonist. fashion symbol that he does not need to earn money uncritically, but can choose projects that bring career growth.