While the fashion world buzzes with anticipation for this year’s Met Gala, one legendary face won’t be making her usual grand entrance—and it’s not because she wasn’t invited.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell, 54, who’s walked up those iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art steps more than 20 times, has chosen to sit this year out.
Contrary to recent rumors that she’d been banned due to ongoing tension with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, a source close to Naomi said that she did receive an invite but decided to skip the event on her own terms.
“I’m Too Old for the Anxiety,” Naomi Admits
In a candid moment on her YouTube channel, Naomi opened up about why she’s stepping away from the event.
“It is my last,” she said of the 2024 Gala.
“I can’t… I’m too old.
It’s too much for me, the anxiety.”
Reflecting on her long run at fashion’s most high-pressure night, she said she’s unsure how many times she’s attended—20 or 21—but either way, it’s been a lot.
She sounded like someone who’s had her fill of the chaos that comes with red carpets, cameras, and couture deadlines.
Past Tensions With Anna Wintour Spark Speculation
Of course, fans and insiders couldn’t ignore the drama that’s been brewing between Naomi and Anna.
Their public friction dates back to last September during a New York Fashion Week event honoring Harlem’s Fashion Row.
Anna Wintour, known for her sharp timing, made a jab at Naomi’s notorious tardiness while presenting.
“I have the honor of presenting tonight to someone who is often late,” Anna quipped.
And true to form, Naomi arrived so late that Anna had already left.
The award ended up being presented by Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Samira Nasr instead.
When Naomi finally got on stage, she didn’t hold back.
Referring to Samira, she said, “It wasn’t my choice to have the other lady, I’d much rather have this one.”
The crowd was stunned.
Naomi Has Been a Vogue Icon for Decades
Despite their rocky dynamic, it’s impossible to deny Naomi’s deep-rooted relationship with Vogue.
She’s graced the cover of the fashion bible a staggering 66 times, including a historic 1989 appearance as the first Black woman featured under Anna Wintour’s reign.
Yet, even decades of front covers don’t seem to be enough to patch things up between the two fashion titans—at least not for now.
Instead of Couture, Naomi Opts for Quality Family Time
While the red carpet will roll out without her, Naomi has been focusing on something far more personal: her family.
Last month, she shared rare and heartfelt photos from a sun-soaked holiday in the Maldives with her two young children.
In one snap, she posed in a pale yellow bikini aboard a boat at sunset.
In another, she cuddled with her three-year-old daughter while watching the sun dip below the horizon.
Later, her 22-month-old son joined in for a sweet family dinner moment.
Life With Her Children Takes Center Stage
Naomi became a mother for the first time at age 50.
She confirmed both her daughter and son were born via surrogate and has intentionally kept their names out of the public eye.
She spoke openly about how much her children mean to her, telling The Times, “My babies are everything to me.
It’s made me fear for the future.”
When asked if she’s raising them alone, she proudly shared that she is—and happily so.
“I’m a single mother of a single mum,” she said, adding that she was never searching for a father for her kids.
Her focus is solely on being there for them, especially for those meaningful moments, like their first day of school.
A Fashion Icon Redefines Her Priorities
With her Met Gala streak ending and priorities shifting toward motherhood and wellness, Naomi Campbell seems to be entering a new, deeply personal chapter.
While her presence will be missed at fashion’s biggest night, her fans are cheering her on for making the choices that feel right to her.
