Edie Campbell

Edie Campbell – Life, Career, and Voice

Delve into the life and career of Edie Campbell: from rising teenage model to outspoken voice in fashion, equestrian achiever, and writer. Discover her journey, impact, and words.

Introduction

h Blanche “Edie” Campbell (born 25 September 1990) is one of England’s most recognized fashion models and a striking figure of intellectual and creative pursuit. More than a face on magazine covers, she’s used her platform to address industry ethics, champion causes, and explore passions such as equestrianism and art. Her trajectory exemplifies how a model today can be both an icon and a conscience.

Early Life and Family

Edie Campbell was born in London, England, growing up in the Westbourne Grove / Notting Hill area. Olympia Campbell, who is also a model.

This combination of creative and analytical family roots helped lay a foundation for Edie’s multi-faceted approach to modeling, art, and speaking out on social issues.

Education and Intellectual Pursuits

Even as modeling beckoned early, Edie maintained a commitment to formal education. She attended St. Paul’s Girls’ School in London. First Class Honours degree in the History of Art from the Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London.

Her academic interests are not merely credentials: she has written for publications like The Spectator, Women’s Wear Daily, Holiday, and Love Magazine, connecting her modeling world with ideas and critique.

Modeling Career & Milestones

Breakout & Relationships with Big Brands

Edie’s modeling career began to take shape when she was photographed by Mario Testino for British Vogue in her mid-teens.

She has since appeared in campaigns for major luxury labels such as Chanel, Burberry, Hermès, Christian Dior, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Runway Highlights & Honors

Edie has walked for fashion houses including Chanel, Dior, Burberry, Hermès, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Valentino, Louis Vuitton, and many others.

One of her career-defining moments came when she closed the Chanel Spring/Summer 2012 couture show as the “bride”—a major symbolic honor in couture circles.

In 2013 she was named Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards (BFA) in London.

She also opened or closed multiple major runway shows—e.g., opening Marc Jacobs, Jil Sander, Louis Vuitton; and opening/closing Burberry.

Beyond Modeling: Voice, Ethics & Advocacy

In November 2017, Edie Campbell made headlines by penning an Open Letter on Model Abuse published in Women’s Wear Daily. In it, she challenged the fashion industry’s culture of silence around abuse and called for accountability among those who enable misconduct.

She has also engaged publicly in dialogues on fairness, body politics, and ethics within fashion.

Equestrian Passion & Other Interests

From childhood, Edie has been an avid equestrian. dressage, showjumping, and cross-country riding.

In July 2011, she competed (and won) in the Magnolia Cup, an all-ladies charity horse race at Glorious Goodwood, becoming the event’s first winner. See the Storm in 2014.

In December 2013, she also took part in the Gucci Masters equestrian event.

Her life currently includes living in Northamptonshire, in a home designed by her architect mother, with her horses.

Personal Life & Values

Edie is known for balancing her high-fashion presence with intellectual honesty, advocacy, and authenticity. She is open about body image, integrity, and pushing the fashion industry to do better.

Her sister, Olympia Campbell, likewise has a public presence and has shared views about feminism and modeling ethics.

Though she keeps much of her personal life private, media reports have linked her to writer Hanna Hanra in recent years.

Edie has also served as a Young People Ambassador for The Reading Agency, and supports youth programs involving reading and writing.

Lessons & Legacy

• Voice with Influence: Edie demonstrates that modeling is not just a visual medium, but a platform through which issues—such as abuse, representation, integrity—can be addressed.

• Intellect & Image: Her academic pursuits and writing show that depth and style can coexist.

• Passion Persisted: Her equestrian dedication affirms that models can have serious secondary vocations or lifelong passions.

• Ethical Accountability: Her public statements and critique of industry culture encourage other professionals to speak out.