After seven groundbreaking years as the editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful is stepping down but not without leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion.
Enninful, a Ghanaian-born figure raised in Ladbroke Grove, brought diversity and inclusivity to the forefront of the iconic fashion magazine.
His successor, Chioma Nnadi, takes on the role of head of editorial content, becoming the first black woman to lead the magazine.
Enninful, in his new position as an editorial advisor, reflects on his journey of breaking barriers and reshaping the narrative in the fashion industry.
Enninful’s Fashion Journey
Edward Enninful, a British-Ghanina has emerged as a trailblazer in the world of fashion journalism, making history and reshaping the narrative of the industry.
Born on February 22, 1972, Enninful’s journey is marked by a passion for fashion and a commitment to breaking barriers.
Enninful’s early foray into the fashion world began at the age of 18 when he was appointed as the fashion director of i-D magazine. His innate sense of style, creative vision, and commitment to diversity quickly set him apart.
In 2008, a pivotal moment occurred that would foreshadow the transformative impact Enninful would have on the fashion landscape. The “Black Issue” of Vogue Italia, featuring exclusively black models, became a symbol of the need for greater diversity in the industry. Enninful played a role in this moment, further igniting his dedication to challenging the status quo.
“The scene is May or maybe June 2008, PO (pre-Obama). I was toiling away at my desk while dreaming of escaping my finance job in the City of London to become a successful writer (still working on the “successful” part). Out of the blue, I received a message on my BlackBerry, something about Vogue Italia using only Black models and “experts” predicting it would be the worst-selling edition ever … hence we, Black people had to go out en masse, and buy it. Before the day ended, I had received the same message, or a variation of it, dozens of times.”
In 2011, Enninful joined W magazine as the fashion and style director, further solidifying his influence in the high-fashion world. However, it was in 2017 that he made history by becoming the editor-in-chief of British Vogue.
This appointment marked a significant moment, as Enninful became both the first man and the first black person to hold this prestigious position.
How Enninful Promoted Diversity in Vogue
Enninful’s tenure saw a transformation in British Vogue, making it less white and more reflective of the real lives of ordinary people.
Under his guidance, the magazine embraced diversity, featuring models of various ethnicities, sizes, and backgrounds.
“I wanted to reflect what I saw here growing up, to show the world as this incredibly rich, cultured place. I wanted every woman to be able to find themselves in the magazine.”
The April 2023 vogue cover, titled “The New Supers,” featured non-white models, non-sample sizes, and a diverse range of individuals, challenging the traditional standards of glamour.
Enninful’s appointment as the first Black editor of British Vogue faced backlash, but he persevered, creating opportunities for outsiders in the industry.
Under his leadership, British Vogue became a platform for diverse voices, tackling issues such as race, disability, queerness, sustainability, and “wokeness.”
“You know, gay, working-class, Black. So for me it was very important with Vogue to normalize the marginalized, because if you don’t see it, you don’t think it’s normal.” – Enninful – Interview with Times Magazine
Misan Harriman, a photographer who transitioned from a recruitment agent to an Oscar-nominated director under Enninful’s tenure, became the first Black photographer to shoot the cover of British Vogue.
Enninful’s legacy is not just about fashion; it’s a testament to the impact a person of color can have in a position of power.
The moment made clear, to even a layperson, that fashion had a serious diversity issue. Put more precisely, fashion had an anti-Blackness issue, which would make it pretty much a conventional western industry or institution.”
His final cover, shot by Steven Meisel, features a diverse lineup, including Naomi Campbell, Iman, Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey, and Victoria Beckham.
Enninful challenged lazy prejudice around fashion and race, breaking stereotypes and showcasing black models in various roles beyond streetwear.
As Enninful passes the torch to Chioma Nnadi, his unique achievement lies in broadening the possibilities in fashion and beauty journalism. His legacy will be remembered as a blessing, opening doors for a more diverse and inclusive future in the world of fashion.
