Advertisement
Just when you thought Met Gala 2025 couldn’t serve more heat, the pre-party drama is already red-hot, and it’s missing one of fashion’s most legendary faces. That’s right: Naomi Campbell, the runway queen and longtime Met Gala regular, will not be gracing the Met steps this year. And the reason? Allegedly, a serious fall-out with Vogue’s iron-fisted Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour. Yep, fashion’s ice queen may have just frozen Naomi out.
Met Gala 2025: So, what happened between Anna Wintour and Naomi Campbell?
According to reports from The Sun, Campbell’s absence isn’t by choice, it’s a full-on ban. Sources claim things went south between the two fashion titans at the 2024 Harlem’s Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards. Wintour was originally supposed to present Naomi with the Fashion Icon Award, but couldn’t resist a little shady jab, reportedly calling the supermodel “often late.” Cue awkward silence.
Not amused, Naomi responded in true diva fashion. Harper’s Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Samira Nasr took over award duties instead, and during her acceptance speech, Naomi threw some not-so-subtle shade, referring to Wintour as “the other lady” and making it clear she preferred Nasr for the job. Oof. That mic drop moment may have cost her an invite.
An anonymous insider didn’t hold back, saying, “You don’t insult the host and expect an invitation next year.” And considering Wintour’s known for having a memory like a steel trap and keeping a firm grip on the Met Gala guest list, that checks out. “If Anna wants you out, you’re out,” the source added. Brutal.
ALSO READ: Met Gala 2025: Guest list, how to watch, host, dress code and everything we know
How does the fashion world react?
Campbell’s no-show is already shaking up fashion circles, especially given how synonymous she’s become with the event over the years. For many, this feels like Wintour making it crystal clear who’s boss at the Met.
Interestingly, Naomi may have seen this coming. In a 2024 episode of her Being Naomi YouTube series, she hinted that last year’s Met Gala could’ve been her final appearance, saying she might be getting “too old” for the spectacle. Was it foreshadowing? Or just a graceful exit before the fallout went public?
Either way, her absence will be felt, and talked about. One thing’s for sure: if you’re coming for Wintour, you’d better not miss.