Each woman has appeared on a British Vogue cover during Edward Enninful’s term as editor-in-chief. Photograph: Steven Meisel
In the bustling days of May or June 2008, before the Obama era, the fashion world experienced a seismic shift. Vogue Italia announced an issue featuring only Black models, sparking a mix of scepticism and anticipation. The call to support this unprecedented move, whether a genuine plea for solidarity or a clever marketing ploy, resonated globally. Among the many who heeded the call was a young dreamer toiling away in a finance job in London. Little did he know that, a decade later, he would play a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of British Vogue.
Fast forward to approximately 10 years later, and British Vogue found its own transformative moment with the appointment of Edward Enninful as editor. A Ghanaian-born, British-raised individual with roots in Ladbroke Grove, Enninful brought a fresh perspective to the magazine. Having served as the stylist for the ground-breaking all-Black issue of Vogue Italia in 2008, he became the first Black person and the first man to hold the coveted title of editor at British Vogue.
Enninful's tenure was not without challenges. Britain, at the time, lagged the US in diversity milestones across various sectors, including media, politics, and culture. The appointment of a Black editor faced backlash, with comments like "It's as though we entered Crufts and the cat won." Despite facing unconscious racism, Enninful persevered, ushering in a new era for British Vogue.
Edward Enninful. Photograph: Isabel Infantes/PA
Under Enninful's leadership, British Vogue evolved into a trailblazer for diversity, tackling issues such as race, disability, queerness, sustainability, and the "wokeness" movement. His unique approach to fashion media helped the publication navigate a period of crisis for print media, attracting a broader readership while maintaining its essence.
Enninful's impact extended beyond the magazine's pages. He paved the way for ground-breaking achievements, including Misan Harriman becoming the first Black photographer to shoot the cover in the magazine's 104-year history. Renowned figures such as Yomi Adegoke, Bernardine Evaristo, and Afua Hirsch became regular features, representing a broadening of possibilities in fashion and beauty journalism.
Jodie Comer and Adwoa Aboah. Photograph: Ned Rogers
As Enninful steps down, his final cover showcases a diverse array of models, celebrities, and activists, symbolizing the transformative impact he had on British Vogue. The progressive changes he implemented will be remembered as a legacy, marking a chapter in British fashion that cannot be erased.
The reins are now passed to Chioma Nnadi, continuing the legacy of diversity and influence that Edward Enninful has embedded in the fabric of British Vogue.
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