Naomi Campbell fires back at Anna Wintour's tardiness remark with humour

Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour had an awkward exchange at the Harlem's Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards on September 3. 

Wintour, introducing Campbell as the recipient of the Fashion Icon Award, made a pointed comment about Campbell's tardiness, saying she was honouring someone "who is often late."

Wintour then promptly handed over the presentation duties to Samira Nasr and exited the event early to attend the US Open.

In her acceptance speech, Campbell seemingly addressed Wintour's tardiness remark. "I want to say this. Everything is meant to work out the way it's going to work out," she told the crowd.

"It wasn't my choice to have the other lady. I would much rather have this," Campbell said, gesturing to Nasr.

Although Wintour's introduction of Campbell included a comment about her tardiness, she also praised the model's strengths, describing her as "bold, bright and entirely, unquestionably herself."

Wintour also said of the honoree: "Naomi is honestly one of the most fearless people I know, a quality that was evident at the very, very start of her career when she began to speak the truth about inequality and injustice. And this was at a time when it was not so common to do so."

She continued, per USA Today: "Naomi's bravery has benefited the entire fashion industry. Though, I can tell you that being on the receiving end of that fearlessness can be – oh what can I say? Quite exciting? But it's her honesty that makes her so incredible to be around, a muse and inspiration for designers."