NEW YORK — It truly was a night to remember.

Naomi Campbell, the iconic supermodel, arrived fashionably late but still in stunning style to accept the Fashion Icon Award during Harlem’s Fashion Row’s Fashion Show and Style Awards. During her speech, she humorously acknowledged her tardiness while also taking a playful jab at Anna Wintour.

“I have to share my truth,” Campbell stated. “I’ve always been unapologetically honest, haven’t I? So why change that now at this point in my life?”

Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, commented on Campbell’s reputation for being late during her introduction, describing her as “bold, bright, and entirely herself.”

Campbell exuded her signature presence, confidently making her remarks as she accepted the award at this event, which unofficially kicked off New York Fashion Week, beginning on Friday (with some designers, like Ralph Lauren, starting early).

After a second introduction by fellow award recipient, Samira Nasr, the editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, Campbell began her speech with a smile.

“Yes, I am always late,” she joked, “but I trust in my higher power, and I’m grateful to be here tonight.”

Are Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour in Conflict?

During her speech, Campbell surprised the crowd with an unexpected remark, referring to her collaborator Wintour as “the other lady.”

“It means so much to be present here today in Harlem,” Campbell expressed. “Everything will unfold as it should. It wasn’t my decision to have the other lady here. I would have preferred this,” waving toward Nasr during her second introduction.

Earlier, Wintour had remarked, “I am quite punctual, and tonight I have the honor of presenting this award to someone known for being late.”

Wintour also stated, “Naomi is one of the most fearless individuals I know. This was clear from the start of her career when she began speaking out against inequality and injustice, a rarity at that time.”

“Naomi’s courage has significantly impacted the entire fashion world. Although, I can attest that being on the receiving end of that bravery is – how should I put it? Quite thrilling? But it’s her honesty that makes her such an inspiring presence, a muse for designers,” Wintour noted.

In her heartfelt address, Campbell also acknowledged Wintour, mentioning their collaboration on Campbell’s first Vogue cover.

“We must express gratitude to Anna Wintour, as she took the time to come and present me the award despite my absence,” Campbell commented. “Thank you, Anna Wintour, for believing in a young Black girl from South London back in 1987 at the British Vogue offices and giving me a chance. I appreciate your influence and your ongoing support in advancing fashion.”

Campbell expressed her gratitude for a multitude of Black models who paved the way for her success, mentioning icons such as Iman, Bethann Hardison, and Naomi Sims, along with her mother and grandmother.

“This honor belongs as much to them as it does to my daughter,” Campbell remarked. “I am sincerely thankful for this acknowledgment. I view this not as a personal gain but as a motivation to inspire action. While we’ve seen progress in our industry, there is still a significant journey ahead of us.”

Teyana Taylor praises Kanye and Pharrell in her success story from Harlem

Getting emotional, Taylor honored her late brother during the event, held at Grant’s Tomb in Harlem on a warm summer evening.

“It feels surreal to be accepting this award on my brother’s birthday. Rest in peace to him,” Taylor said. “This moment feels like divine timing, and I can feel him looking down with pride.”

Reflecting on her childhood, she reminisced about “skating down those concrete runways” of Harlem, showcasing her unique style from a young age, which fans of “My Super Sweet 16” will remember.

“Dressing up was a source of freedom for us; it fueled our creativity,” Taylor expressed, recognizing the influential figures in her journey. “My lord and savior positioned two major fashion icons in my path – Pharrell Williams and Kanye West.”

Lena Waithe and Tracee Ellis Ross honor Beyoncé’s tour stylist Shiona Turini and Harper’s Bazaar top editor Samira Nasr

Lena Waithe and Tracee Ellis Ross attended to celebrate Shiona Turini, who was named stylist of the year, and Nasr, who received editor of the year honors.

Ross praised her longtime friend (and humorously her possible “soulmate”), stating, “I’ve always believed that our world would benefit immensely from Samira having a larger platform to shape and express narratives through fashion, images, and stories. There’s no one better suited to head a magazine than her.”

Also in attendance were “America’s Next Top Model” star Jay Manuel, designer Sergio Hudson, the creative pair BruceGlen, and designer Megan Renee.

Last year’s fashion show and awards recognized Kelly Rowland with the Fashion Icon Award, while A$AP Rocky was honored with the Virgil Abloh Award.

“Legends aren’t solely made by individuals. They thrive within communities, fueled by movements and the resolve of those who aspire for something greater than themselves,” stated HFR founder and CEO Brandice Daniel.

This year’s HFR fashion show showcased collections from Black designers aiming to become the next big names in fashion:

• A. Potts showcased elegant fabrics in an array of dress styles, coordinating sets, vibrant blues, and shimmering details.
• Latouché displayed standout coats in bold colors like teal, red, and camel, along with reimagined power suits and office wear.
• Nicole Benefield Portfolio introduced an alternative to “Brat” green with a sophisticated muted lime tone leading their stunning womenswear collection.