Why Edward Enninful becoming the editor-in-chief of British Vogue is so important to black creatives in fashion
Savannah Small-Swaby
11 Apr 2017
It wasn’t too long ago that we were celebrating Edward Enninful’s OBE back in October last year. Now, less than six months later, the current Fashion and Creative Director of W magazine will be moving on to even bigger things as he takes over from Alexandra Shulman as the new editor of British Vogue.
Enninful’s appointment as British Vogue’s first male and black editor is a significant breakthrough for the fashion magazine, highlighting that they have the ability to move forward in a progressive and honourable way. With a CV that would keep you grinning from ear to ear, Enninful takes the seat at the Condé Nast publication with over 20 years of experience under his belt: from becoming the youngest Fashion Director at i-D magazine when he was only 18, to being Vogue Italia’s Contributing Editor in 1998. It was during his time at Vogue Italia that Enninful constructed the ‘Black Issue’, which went on to sell over 60,000 copies in the US, UK, and Italy alone.
When looking over Enninful’s past achievements, we couldn’t think of a better choice – but even we have to admit that there was an element of surprise (in the best way of course) that Vogue would continue to appreciate and recognise the talent that this man has. And thankfully they did. The inspiration that this will give black men and black women is a total game changer, encouraging diversity in the biggest way. When commenting on his recent appointment at British Vogue, Enninful states that it is his father who he is most excited to share this news with as “he immigrated to Ghana with my mother and six children”, perhaps suggesting that his appointment reaches and touches those farther than we think. If it wasn’t for Enninful’s roots, he wouldn’t be where he is today; the fact that he recognises this speaks volumes.
It is Enninful’s ability to identify with all races that will continue to make his appointment inspirational. In fact, in this month’s issue of W magazine, readers will be able to indulge in his politically themed ‘Supreme Court’ editorial, which sees models of different races dressed in the decadent vintage attire in front of a building. It is this cultural awareness, creativity, and love of people that will surely see Enninful’s work continue to shine to its fullest potential, now on an even larger stage.
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