16 May 2011

Naomi rushes in fashion relief

Naomi Campbell said she had to hurry to organise her Fashion Relief For Japan event at the Cannes Film Festival to remind the world that earthquake victims still need help.

The supermodel has organised a fashion show at the historic Forville Market in Cannes, starring some of her A-list friends, followed by an auction, which includes artworks by Tracey Emin and Dennis Hopper, and a customised Lotus Evora.

Naomi said: "The theme of it is red carpet and we thought it was appropriate and this is something that you have to keep reminding people, that they still need help, so it had to be now.
"Fashion For Relief is something that's immediate, we do it as fast as we can - sometimes we've had seven days to plan a show, this time we've had six weeks. But you never know what's going to happen where. New Orleans we did in a week."

The show is being staged in collaboration with Vogue Italia and all funds raised will go to the Japanese Red Cross.

Naomi said she felt moved seeing images of the devastation caused in Japan by the earthquake, and wanted to help.

She said: "I just felt shock. I didn't believe what I was watching.
"The Japanese people are so strong and proud and resilient, and for this to happen to them is so terrible.

"I have been there many times - not since the earthquake, but I do hope to go soon. Japan has been a very important factor in my career and I love the country."
Naomi founded Fashion For Relief in 2005 with a show in aid of Hurricane Katrina victims, and so far the organisation has raised £4.5 million.