When it comes to throwing shade, there's no one better than Naomi Campbell. With the exception of the late Dorian Corey of Paris Is Burning, the act of throwing shade has basically been perfected by the supermodel. But being shady doesn't make someone a bad person, just a truth teller — a fairy godmother of sorts. Some cold, hard truths are colder than others, but there's almost always wisdom hidden beneath it.
If you've documented Campell's career as closely as we have, you've seen her grace magazines, television shows, movies, charities, and more to become one of the most experienced models of our time. All of that, in turn, means there's much more to her than the rumours we've heard, or the personas we see on The Face and Empire — untold wisdom, really.
In the slideshow ahead, find Naomi's sweeter side in the form of wisdom she generously shares at every chance. Underneath the check-your-lipsticks and the you're-an-idiots, it's in there.
Observe your enemy before you attack.
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You wouldn't walk around with the wrong lipstick on, now would you?
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You just can't. Somebody had to say it.
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Whether via phone or sucker-punch, you have to defend yourself somehow.
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Here, Campbell preps her young with a harsh dose of reality.
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Never be afraid to speak your mind and tell them how you really feel.
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Long gone are the head-to-toe up-down glances. Be as discreet and swift as possible.
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Don't. Do not ever.
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There's not future or past for Campbell. If you're nobody now, what are you?
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No matter what you believe in, never forget to thank who helped you get there.
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Know thyself.
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Sometimes all it takes is a look to let them know you're not here for it.
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Indeed, Naomi.
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A handy reminder that everyone has her own best interest at heart. It's a dog-eat-dog world out there.
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And finally, if you don't have anything nice — or, uh, useful — to say: Don't say anything at all.
Photo: Courtesy of Giphy.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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