Watch: Naomi Campbell subtly calls out Anna Wintour in Fashion Icon Award acceptance speech

Campbell hinted at favouring Harper’s Bazaar’s Samira Nasr over “the other lady,” seemingly referencing Wintour.

Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour shared a notable exchange at the Harlem's Fashion Row Style Awards, ahead of New York Fashion Week. 

Campbell, the iconic British supermodel, received the Fashion Icon Award at the 17th Annual event on Tuesday, Sept. 3, in New York City.

When presenting Campbell, Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour remarked, "I’m presenting tonight to someone who is often late," according to a video shared on X (formerly Twitter).

Courtesy: @PopCrave on X

Wintour soon left the event to attend the US Open, handing the award presentation over to Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief, Samira Nasr.

During her acceptance speech, Campbell appeared to address Wintour's remark, stating, "Everything is meant to work out the way it's going to work out. It wasn't my choice to have the other lady. I would much rather have this," referencing Nasr's presentation. The crowd audibly reacted to her statement.

Despite the apparent tension, Wintour acknowledged Campbell's numerous accomplishments, calling her "bold, bright, and entirely, unquestionably herself," as per USA Today. 

Wintour also praised Campbell's advocacy for equality and her bravery in confronting industry injustices.

In return, Campbell expressed gratitude towards Wintour, thanking her for supporting her career from the beginning in 1987. "So thank you, Anna Wintour, for your support in my career... and your continuing support in pushing fashion forward," Campbell said.