Supermodel Naomi Camobell received an honourary award at the French Ministry of Culture event on Thursday.
Campbell, 59, got sentimental in her acceptance speech as she was awarded the green ribbon medallion.
Holding back tears, she thanked her supporters, saying: “To my family, you are my foundation and I thank you for your unwavering support.”
Campbell also mentioned her work-family in the speech, “I've also made a chosen family in this business of fashion, where some would say that we're very fickle. I can tell you that's not true.”
She continued, “To the mentors and collaborators who have guided me, your confidence in me has been invaluable.”
Concluding the speech, she dedicated her award to other black people in the fashion industry, “And to the aspiring models and creatives of our colour who have reminded me every day of the importance of representation and staying true to ourselves and yourself. I share this recognition with you.”
She credited The Order of Arts and Letters representing “a legacy of creativity and encouraging recipients to use their voices and spotlights.”
“I stand here, not just as Naomi Campbell the model, but as Naomi the advocate, the collaborator and most importantly, the grateful human being.”
The fashionista, who began her modelling career at the age of eight, opted for a classy black and white striped dress for the award ceremony of the Insignia of Knight Of The Order of Arts And Letters.