Once hailed as a philanthropic marvel, Fashion For Relief ran up hefty expenses and left charity partners angry

Five years ago, a glitzy charity fundraising gala in the British Museum organised by the model Naomi Campbell was commonly accepted to be a triumph. It was the toast of London fashion week and a powerful showcase for Campbell’s philanthropic mission to raise money for young people in poverty.

Awash with celebrities (Naomie Harris, Pierce Brosnan, the rapper Skepta and Alexa Chung) and wealthy paying guests, it combined a catwalk show with a charity auction of art (drawings by Matisse, Dalí and Tracey Emin, a signed Warhol print), jewellery and luxury watches.

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