British supermodel Naomi Campbell made her first appearance on a runway in the Arab world on May 29, 1999 in Beirut. Campbell, alongside 10 other foreign models, showcased the latest designs from a selection of Lebanese designers. Credit: Photo by OUSSAMA AYOUB/AFP via Getty Images

Lebanese fashion expert Hadiya Snoo shared an old photo of herself with international supermodel Naomi Campbell on her Instagram account, on the occasion of the latter's visit to Beirut in 1999.

Naomi Campbell is renowned as one of the world's top supermodels, and she visited Beirut as part of fashion week events.

Snoo commented on the photo recalling a funny incident, explaining that Campbell admired her dress by French fashion house Sonia Rykiel and asked to wear it before going on stage.

She wrote: 'I wish I could find that photo. Until then, I'm sharing this picture of us together.'

She lent her the dress and wore 'only a blazer'

In an interview with CNN Arabic, Snoo recalled the details of that day, explaining that she had previously met Campbell during Lebanese designer Elie Saab's show at Paris Fashion Week, but the Beirut meeting was different, as she was scheduled to conduct an interview with her on behalf of several media outlets.

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Snoo added: 'It was a busy week of fashion shows, and Naomi was the star of the event. She was preparing to open the show of jewelry designer Paolo Bongia, wearing a catsuit similar to the other models. The interview was scheduled backstage before the show, but the pressures of preparations prevented it.'

She added that she stayed backstage all day hoping for another chance to meet, before Campbell's assistant came to tell her that the model wanted to see her.

Snoo continued: 'When I entered her dressing room, she told me she really liked the dress I was wearing. I lent it to her without hesitation, and I stayed backstage wearing only a blazer while she went on stage wearing the dress.'

Naomi Campbell receiving a gift at her press conference in Bikfaya, east of Beirut, on May 28, 1999. Credit: Photo by OUSSAMA AYOUB/AFP via Getty Images

After the interview could not take place, Snoo asked Campbell to take souvenir photos instead, and the international model agreed. Later, Snoo became a liaison between Campbell and the audience, as friends and colleagues asked her to help them take photos with her.

Snoo then recalled another funny incident that occurred at a nightclub in Beirut after the show, when Campbell mistakenly thought she was filming her, which was not allowed, and accidentally hit her near the eye. But as soon as she realized the woman in front of her was Snoo, she quickly apologized and kept repeating: 'I'm so sorry.'

This experience revealed a different side of Campbell's personality to the fashion expert, who said: 'I found her to be a warm, respectful, humble, and very kind person. It also reminded me not to judge people based on rumors, because when you are one of the most famous women in the world, it can sometimes be difficult to maintain a sense of privacy.'

Naomi Campbell during a London Fashion Week show in September 2025. Credit: Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images

She added: 'When I saw her up close, I was struck by her walk, her presence, and the energy she exudes... everything about her seems natural and effortless, yet she is remarkably simple and naturally confident.'

Snoo revealed that the biggest surprise came just one season later, when she met Campbell again during a show by Saab in Paris.

She said: 'As soon as she saw me, she smiled, came over, and hugged me. She still remembered me. When you are a global star meeting thousands of people every year, remembering someone you met before is very special.'

As an image and style consultant, Snoo affirmed that Naomi Campbell's enduring presence in the fashion world is not only due to her beauty, but also to her self-confidence and strong personality, noting that her ability to maintain her influence over the years stems from her striking presence and lasting legacy. True stardom is not defined by years or passing trends, but by authenticity, confidence, and the presence one carries with them over time.

This story highlights the human relationships that arise behind the scenes of the fashion world, where simple moments can turn into lasting memories. It also underscores Beirut's status as a destination for international fashion shows during that period. The story reminds us that supermodels like Naomi Campbell can be spontaneous in their interactions outside the formal setting. The nightclub incident reflects a side of Campbell's spontaneity, as she immediately apologized after realizing her mistake.