Campbell: 'Recession ups fashion racism'

Naomi Campbell has suggested that the ongoing economic downturn has given a boost to racism in the fashion industry.

The 39-year-old told The Sunday Telegraph that the recession has dented the progress made by last year's special edition of Italian Vogue dedicated to non-white models.

Campbell said: "This year, we have gone back all the way that we had advanced. I don't see any black woman, or of any other race, in big advertising campaigns.

"People, in the panic of the recession, don't dare to put a girl of colour in their campaign, full stop. Nor of any other race. It's a shame. It's very sad."

Designer Bruce Oldfield added: "It's absolutely true that black models will be not as popular for advertising companies and magazine covers as white girls. In a recession, it's probably doubly difficult for black girls to get a booking.

"In this climate, things are worse, but it is compounding a problem that already exists. Cover editors are going to choose white over black. Naomi is not far off the mark."

Earlier this year, Campbell described herself as "an exception" in the modelling industry as a black woman.