A compression catsuit and wrinkle-free trousers are among Campbell’s travel-friendly looks for Boss.
Naomi Campbell is known for being many things: supermodel, style icon, activist and, perhaps most amusingly, germophobe. Videos of her meticulously wiping down her airplane seat captivated social media followers in the summer of 2019 (well before the rest of us began doing the same thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic). But that’s Campbell; she’s unapologetically herself — much like the woman she’s targeting with the new Naomi x Boss collab. This travel capsule is designed for go-getters like Campbell who are always on the move, conquering both their personal and professional domains with grace and style but also with ease — hence the use of luxurious but liberating fabrics like cashmere and cupro. “I want them to feel comfortable, like their clothing is an extension of their true selves,” Campbell explains. A grey pinstriped suit is cut from stretch-infused wool with a wrinkle-free finish, and an oversized leopard-print track suit comes in a technical jersey — perfect for curling up in a business-class pod.
The idea for the collab spun organically from Campbell’s photo shoot for Boss’s Fall 2022 collection. “Moving beyond being a campaign face to co-creating a collection with Boss has allowed me to explore a whole new facet of my art,” she notes. Here is more from Campbell on her Naomi x Boss travel capsule.
What is the inspiration behind the collection?
“With the Naomi x Boss collection, I wanted to craft a travel capsule that spoke to the spirit of today’s modern and dynamic women — a woman who’s strong, independent and always on the go.”
How does the collection reflect your personal style and taste?
“The Naomi x Boss collection combines my personal style — which has been shaped by decades in the fashion industry — with something that has been a constant source of inspiration and growth for me: travel.”
What was the design process like between you and the Boss design team?
“My involvement in the design process was very hands-on and collaborative, and I enjoyed working closely with the incredibly talented Marco Falcioni, senior vice-president of creative direction at Hugo Boss, and the entire Boss design team. It was like a well-oiled fashion machine. We started with brainstorming sessions where I shared my vision, ideas and personal style inspirations. It was about merging my style with Boss’s impeccable craftsmanship and innovative spirit.”
What are the important qualities/features you wanted to include in the collection?
“Today’s woman has a million things on her plate, and the last thing she needs to worry about is her outfit, especially when on the go! We’ve incorporated technology into the fabric to make life a bit easier. Everyone knows I’m a bit of a germophobe, so of course we’ve added antibacterial properties to ensure freshness and cleanliness. There’s also an anti-crease feature, which means you move from one meeting to the next without worrying about wrinkles. Life can be rather demanding, and sometimes we all need a moment to de-stress. The track-suit set in the collection features a special print with proven anti-stress properties, promoting a sense of Zen and balance. In the end, we wanted to offer practicality without compromising on style, ensuring that every piece in the collection serves a purpose beyond just aesthetics.”
What is your favourite piece (or pieces) from the collection?
“Oh my, that’s like asking me to pick my favourite child. I love the entire collection. Each piece has its own unique charm, and together, they form a cohesive narrative of modern power dressing. But OK, if I had to pick, my favourite would be the compression suit. It hugs every curve, elongates the silhouette and exudes confidence. It’s a statement piece that’s perfect for those moments when you want to make an entrance and leave a lasting impression. The second would be the classic white button-down shirt. Now, this is an absolute wardrobe essential that every woman should have in her collection. It’s timeless, versatile and oozes effortless elegance. You can pair it with anything, dress it up or down, and it always looks impeccable.”
The collection features your personal mantra — dedication, determination and drive. Why are these three D’s so important to you?
“These three D’s have been my companions throughout my career, helping me navigate the ever-changing world of fashion and beyond. They’ve inspired me to break barriers, shatter ceilings and achieve things I never thought possible. So for me, these three words are not just a mantra; they’re a way of life, a philosophy that has guided me to where I am today, and I hope they can inspire others to pursue their passions with the same spirit.”
The colour purple appears as an accent, including jacket linings and the footbed of a flip-flop. Why did you choose this tone?
“Purple is associated with creativity and individuality as well as accepting oneself for who you are. It’s a colour that encourages self-expression and confidence, which aligns beautifully with the message we want to convey with the Naomi x Boss collection.”
Photography by NICK MERZETTI. Styling by ASHLEY GALANG. Creative direction by GEORGE ANTONOPOULOS. Hair by RYAN MCGOVERN for P1M.CA. Makeup by VERONICA CHU. Photo assistant: ALEJANDRO SILVA CORTES. Makeup assistant: CELINA BENIGNO. Model: BIBA ESAAD for NIWA MODELS.
This article first appeared in FASHION’s March 2024 issue. Find out more here.