You’ve seen the photos. Maybe it was on a grainy Pinterest board or a high-end gallery wall in a friend’s Brooklyn loft. Two of the most famous women in the history of fashion, huddled in a bathroom, making the most mundane room in the house look like the peak of 90s glamour.
We need to talk about the "Naomi and Kate OB toilets" phenomenon.
Honestly, if you search for these terms, you aren't going to find a plumbing fixture brand or a new line of ceramic hardware. You won't find a "Naomi" model with dual-flush technology or a "Kate" bidet. Instead, you're looking at a specific slice of pop culture history that has somehow become a staple of interior design. It’s about the iconic imagery of Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, specifically photos taken in bathrooms that have been dubbed "OB" (original black-and-white) prints.
The Story Behind the Shot
The 1990s were a weird, wonderful time for fashion photography. It was the era of "heroin chic" and raw, unpolished intimacy. Photographers like Ellen von Unwerth and Mario Sorrenti wanted to move away from the stiff, plastic perfection of the 80s.
They took the supermodels of the world—the "Supers"—and put them in "ugly" places.
One of the most famous images features Naomi Campbell sitting on a toilet, shaving her legs or brushing her teeth, captured by Von Unwerth in 1994. It was part of a series for Naomi’s short-lived music career (remember the album Baby Woman?). Another shot features Kate Moss, looking disarmingly young and vulnerable, often in similar "behind the scenes" bathroom settings.
✨ Don't miss: Where Can I Sell My Clothes and Actually Make Money?
When people search for Naomi and Kate OB toilets, they are usually looking for these specific vintage prints to hang in their own bathrooms. It’s a bit of a meta-joke: putting a photo of a supermodel in a bathroom inside your bathroom.
Why the "OB" Matters
In the world of art collecting and high-end decor, "OB" usually refers to Original Black-and-white or "Official Brand" prints.
- Aesthetic: The high-contrast monochrome hides the "grime" of the setting and turns a toilet into a throne of cool.
- Nostalgia: The 90s are having a massive resurgence. People want that "unfiltered" look that existed before Instagram filters actually existed.
- The "Cool Factor": It signals that you don’t take your home decor too seriously, yet you know your fashion history.
The Intersection of Fashion and the "Loo"
Why are we so obsessed with seeing celebrities in the bathroom? W Magazine recently explored this, noting that the bathroom is the last frontier of true privacy. When a photographer like Von Unwerth or Sorrenti captures Naomi or Kate there, it feels like we’re seeing something we aren't supposed to.
It’s the "Meta-Theatre of Intimacy."
👉 See also: 5 ft 8 inch in cm: The Math and Why Your Doctor Might Be Rounding Up
Take Alessandro Michele’s recent work for Valentino. He staged a whole show in a faux public bathroom. He basically argued that the idea of an "authentic self" is a myth, but the bathroom is where we come closest to it. By hanging a Naomi and Kate toilet print, homeowners are trying to capture that raw, "undressed" energy.
Common Misconceptions
- Is it a brand of toilet? No. If you try to buy a "Naomi OB Toilet" from a plumbing supply store, the clerk will think you’ve lost it.
- Is it "Off-Brand"? Sometimes "OB" is used by online resellers to mean "off-brand" or unofficial reproductions of these famous photos.
- Is it just one photo? Actually, there are dozens. The most famous is Naomi on the toilet in lace lingerie, but there are also shots of them smoking in dive bar bathrooms or Kate Moss curled up in a bathtub.
How to Style These Prints Without It Looking Tacky
If you’re looking to join the trend, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.
Don't just tape a grainy print to the wall. Because these images are so iconic, they need a bit of "weight" to them. Use a heavy black frame with a wide white mat. This creates a gallery feel that contrasts with the "gritty" subject matter of the photo.
Also, consider the lighting. These black-and-white images pop best under "cool" LED lighting or natural window light. If your bathroom uses warm, yellow bulbs, the print might look muddy rather than "vintage."
Where to Find Real "OB" Style Prints
- Etsy and Specialty Print Shops: This is where most people get their "Naomi and Kate" fix. You can find "museum quality" giclée prints that won't fade in the humidity of a bathroom.
- 1stDibs: If you want an actual signed Ellen von Unwerth or Mario Sorrenti, be prepared to pay thousands. These are "investment pieces."
- Vintage Magazines: Scouring old issues of i-D or The Face from the 90s can yield original pages that look incredible when framed.
The Final Word on Bathroom Icons
At the end of the day, the obsession with Naomi and Kate OB toilets is about more than just a piece of paper on a wall. It’s about a specific moment in time when fashion felt dangerous, spontaneous, and a little bit messy.
If you want to bring that vibe into your home, focus on the quality of the print and the history of the photographer. Don't just settle for a low-res download. The magic of these images is in the grain, the shadow, and the absolute confidence of two women who could make even a public stall look like a palace.
💡 You might also like: Erotic sex for women: Why we’re finally moving past the cookie-cutter fantasy
Actionable Next Steps:
- Identify the Shot: Decide if you want the "Naomi Shaving" (Von Unwerth) or "Kate in the Tub" (Sorrenti) aesthetic.
- Check the Resolution: If buying online, ensure the seller specifies a "GSM" (grams per square meter) of 200 or higher for the paper.
- Frame it Right: Use a moisture-sealed frame if it’s going near a shower to prevent the "OB" print from warping over time.