Naomi Campbell Talks About What It's Like to Be an Original Influencer

The word "influencer" gets bounced around the fashion industry as often and superficially as "major." Bloggers, editors, YouTubers, models with a certain number of Instagram followers-they're all considered influencers. Two decades ago, however, the number of likes you got on a selfie wasn't a measure of influence, because the word "selfie" didn't even exist. To be a real tastemaker, there was a complicated set of factors that had to fall into place, and those who figured it out struck gold. Two of those people are supermodel Naomi Campbell and stylist Edward Enninful. Campbell needs no introduction, and if you know anything about fashion, neither does Enninful, but the pair is part of a rarified group of fashion's elite that's stayed consistent and relevant over the years while adapting with the times. Exhibit A: to celebrate Enninful's 25th anniversary in the industry, he collaborated with Beats by Dre (on a set of headphones so cool that you can't actually buy them, sorry) and Nick Knight (on the coolest fashion film I've seen in awhile). It's full of his friends-Kate Moss, Lara Stone, and Karlie Kloss, to name a casual few. "I like to use the word 'muse' because [these women] provide endless inspiration. When they happen to be friends, it's even better," he told me in a recent interview to promote the film. His pal-slash-muse Campbell was there to support, and we chatted about the changes in the industry they've witnessed over the course of their careers, their take on social media, and recent beauty obsessions. Read on for the full video and my conversation with two people who are more than just influencers-they're legends.