Supermodel Naomi Campbell covers the March 26, 2021 issue of Madame Figaro France, styled by Jenke Ahmed Tailly in ‘L'Odyssée de Naomi’. Campbell’s feature is focused on Lagos Fashion Week (Arise Fashion Week) and her position as the godmother of contemporary African design on the continent. Also featured in the fashion editorial are MTV VMA award winning choreographer Sherrie Silver, and models Alpha Dia and Ouz Dia.

Jenke Ahmed Tailly styles the cast in designs from the flamboyant Nicolas Lecourt Mansion, Marine Serre, MiuMiu, Pangaia, Prada, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, Zimmermann and more for bold and striking images by Ghanian artist Prince Gyasi, [IG] who typically works on an iPhone. His work is represented by NIL Gallery (pronounced Nile, like the river) in Paris. / Hair by Hos Hounkpatin; makeup by Pat McGrath

Naomi’s narrative references the ALÁRA Lagos Africa luxury concept store, designed by the pre-eminent architect David Adjaye, who describes his vision for West Africa’s first signature and lifestyle store.

Campbell reflects on her over 15-year commitment to African creatives working in Europe and America. Over the last three years, Naomi’s focus has broadened to include a major focus on expanding the reach and influence of Arise Fashion Week.

“At first, I participated as a special guest,” says Miss Campbell. But gradually, I felt the urge and the need to get more involved in this adventure, whether in production or casting, but also by inviting influential people from the fashion industry to Lagos. . The rest of the world has such a false perception of the African continent… It is important for me to change mentalities, to open people's eyes to the incredible culture, vitality and creativity of this continent. For that, people have to come to Africa. I feel at home there, so proud to be black. I spend part of the year in Nigeria. Everyone who comes to Arise Fashion Week loves the experience and the creative energy that comes with it. What they discover inspires them… ”

From the Madame Figaro feature: To the question: is there an African fashion?

“I don't see things through this lens. These designers happen to come from Africa, that's all. Why segregate them or project stereotypical interpretations on their creations? They are fashion designers, period. Just like the others, they should be dubbed in the main fashion capitals of the world. If I can be useful to move the lines, it is worth it that I invest myself as I do with all these young designers of the African continent. I am here so that they are included in the conversation, that they can be seen and recognized for their work, that they are given the same opportunities to express themselves as Western designers.