Flashes: April 25, 1997

CAMPBELL'S BLOOP Once a diva, always a diva. Naomi Campbell was at the center of the week's only controversy. The notoriously difficult model graced the catwalk at Todd Oldham's show and completed four trips down the runway and back without incident. But on her fifth appearance, in a sparkling tight white silk beaded ensemble with masses of fringe, Campbell stunned the crowd by retreating backstage after only a few tentative steps. She blamed it on the dress. ''It was too narrow, so I had to turn around and go back,'' said Campbell later. But designer Oldham, whose $4,500 shift got the shaft, later sniffed, ''It seemed to be all right in the fitting.'' More telling, Campbell did not return for the show's traditional finale, a walk down the ramp with the designer. ''I didn't see her afterwards,'' added Oldham. ''I don't know why she didn't make it.''