Few models have the career longevity of the perptually gorgeous, seemingly-aging-backward Naomi Campbell. She’s been a fixture in the industry since I was in elementary school, still walks in runway shows with some regularity and is still beloved by fashion people as one of a dying breed of bad-girl models.
Now that Campbell also has a supporting gig on the fabulous Empire, which will return to FOX next month, we decided it was high time we took a dip into the photo archives to investigate her taste in bags. Below, check out our findings.
Alexander McQueen Skull Clutch
$569 via 6pm.com
As you might expect, Naomi goes to a lot of super-swank fashion events, including the Met Ball. This year’s theme was in celebration of Alexander McQueen.
Alexander McQueen Python Squeeze It Clutch
Shop Alexander McQueen via Net-a-Porter
Naomi also carried McQueen to the late designer’s funeral.
Balenciaga City Bag
$1,835 via Balenciaga
Because Naomi has been so famous for so long, she has quite the impressive paparazzi archive. She also had quite the impressive Balenciaga collection when the brand’s bags were super hot.
Balenciaga First Bag
$1,685 via Balenciaga
This was also a bag from that era.
Balenciaga Suede First Bag
Shop Balenciaga via Neiman Marcus
This was a variation on the Classic First that Balenciaga only made for a limited time during the line’s heyday.
Balmain Pierre Leopard Bag
Shop Balmain via farfetch.com
By my estimation, basically every supermodel older than 27 was assigned one of these bags at some point.
Bottega Veneta Cabat Tote
Shop Bottega Veneta via Neiman Marcus
Naomi is often able to avoid paparazzi, but the airport is the great equalizer for us all.
Burberry Banner Tote
$1,495 via Nordstrom
As far as “affordable” bags in Naomi’s collection, this Burberry tote is as close as you’ll get.
Burberry Suede Fringe Bucket Bag
$2,795 via LUISAVIAROMA
Admittedly, I’m a bit distracted trying to squint at all the diamonds on Naomi’s wrists and hands.
Céline All Soft Bag
This style was only made by Céline for a couple seasons and was under-appreciated the entire time.
Céline Luggage Tote
Naomi tends to stick to muted or neutral colors, but when it comes to brights, I guess we all should go hard or go home.
Chanel Metallic Fringe Shoulder Bag
An underrated use of a luxury bag: shielding one’s visage from the swarming paparazzi.
Chanel Quilted Camellia Metallic Shoulder Bag
When it comes to most brands, Naomi seems to prefer seasonal styles to the classics. After all, everyone already has the classics.
Dolce & Gabbana Rosalia Shoulder Bag
$2,995 via Barneys
This shoulder bag looks kind of awkwardly fat to sit under the arm, but I supposed functional concerns aren’t all that high on your list when you have a gaggle of assistants and security personal around you at all times.
Fendi 3Jours Tote
$2,800 via Net-a-Porter
On the other hand, this bag is a fairly practical airport option.
Fendi Beaded Mini Baguette Bag
$1,700 via Saks
In the vast majority of event photos I found of Naomi, she wasn’t carrying a clutch; a bag this distinctive for a red carpet is a detour for her.
Fendi Micro Peekaboo Bag
$1,550 via Nordstrom
Unless the red carpet event in question centers around a brand’s bags, of course.
Fendi Shearling Be Baguette Bag
$2,613 via mytheresa.com
Naomi seems to be particularly fond of Fendi, and I’m guessing that has something to do with the brand’s history as a furrier. Naomi is also fond of fur.
Givenchy Obsedia Bag
$2,990 via Saks
I know this is a silly photo, but it was the only one available where the bag was clearly visible.
Hermès Birkin
And now for the Birkin portion of our show.
Hermès Birkin
This will be a significant portion.
Hermès Birkin
Naomi has a lot of Birkins.
Hermès Crocodile Birkin
She even has crocodile Birkins!
Hermès Crocodile Birkin
At least two of them, to be exact.
Hermès Crocodile Kelly
As well as a crocodile Kelly.
Hermès Travel Birkin
Remember when Naomi had to do community service in NYC and came in fashion costume every day? This was from that week.
Loewe Amazona Bag
Shop Loewe via Neiman Marcus
J.W. Anderson has changed the Amazona in his time at Loewe, but I still miss this version.
Louis Vuitton Bohemian Monogram Cheche Bag
If I were wearing Alaïa and carrying this Louis Vuitton bag, I’m sure I would look similarly carefree.
Louis Vuitton Denim Speedy Bag
A denim Speedy has largely the same effect.
Louis Vuitton Miroir Speedy Bag
Seeing one of the Louis Vuitton Miroir bags always snaps me back to a very specific time. A time in which they were often paired with velour track suits.
Louis Vuitton Mizi Vienna Bag
If we may focus on me for a second: this is my favorite Louis Vuitton bag of all time.
Louis Vuitton Monogram Empreinte Clutch
Naomi is partial to anonymous little black clutches, but this one has some clear branding.
Louis Vuitton Monogram Stripe Pouch
Her collection of seasonal Louis Vuitton bags from the Marc Jacobs era is probably a sight to behold.
Louis Vuitton Quilted Silk Monogram Clutch
Her Little White Dress collection seems as though it would be similarly impressive.
Louis Vuitton Neo Eden Bag
I’ve always been partial to this line; the stripes tone down the monogram just enough.
Alaia Snakeskin Bag
Shop Alaïa via Net-a-Porter
We’re not 100% certain this bag is Alaïa, but it certainly looks like the designer’s handiwork, as well as being well-represented in Naomi’s closet.
This is another bag that has us a little stumped–let us know in the comments if you recognize it.
Mulberry Neely Leopard Tote
Shop Mulberry via Net-a-Porter
Most famous Brits have at least one Mulberry bag in their closets. Gotta support the home team, after all.
Tom Ford Box Clutch
Shop Tom Ford via Neiman Marcus
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” goes doubly for attending fashion shows.
