Arts, Culture and Sport
Ghanaian Edward Enninful appointed new British Vogue Editor
Ghanaian-born Edward Enninful has been named as the new editor of the British Vogue, making him the first black male editor of one of the most respected, and famous fashion magazines. The widely experienced 44 year-old, a former fashion model, and a renowned stylist will commence his duties on August 1, 2017 as the publication’s first male editor in its 101-year history. Congratulations on the appointment.
Ghanaian-born Edward Enninful has been named as the new editor of the British Vogue magazine, making him the first male editor, and first black male editor of the publication. Enninful, 44, was raised in Britain. He obtained a degree from Goldsmiths University, and has worked as a fashion model, and stylist.
In a statement announcing Enninful’s appointment Condé Nast International chairman and chief executive, Jonathan Newhouse said,”I am pleased to announce the appointment of Edward Enninful, OBE, as Editor of British Vogue effective August 1, 2017,”
“Edward is one of the most talented and accomplished fashion editors in the world.”
Vogue is widely regarded as the world’s number one fashion magazine, and a flagship product of the Condé Nast Empire. Its first issue came out over 120 years ago. Vogue is often called “the fashion Bible,” and it is always the first to give a full reviews of new beauty and fashion trends, setting new trends, discovering promising names and dictating highest standards.
Enninful is currently working as the fashion and creative director at W Magazine in New York, where he has worked since 2011, and previously worked for Italian and American Vogue. He will succeed longtime editor Alexandra Shulman, who announced in January that she would step down from her role in the summer.
Enninful revealed to the Vogue about the appointment excitement and how he’ll pass the good information to his father.
“I’m most excited to tell my father about my appointment. He immigrated to England from Ghana with my mother and six children. I grew up reading British Vogue – I am so honoured and humbled to be taking up the mantle of editor. I realise I am stepping into the shoes of a hugely respected editor in the shape of Alexandria Shulman, someone who has chosen to leave at the top of their game with a legacy of 25 years of success.” Enninful told the British Vogue.
Judging from the Catwalk Runway, Edward Enninful has broken the barrier to become the British Vogue Editor on a 100 years white dominated magazine. Photo: Leonardo Oliveira @LFMAKER/Twitter
From childhood career to global success
Enninful started his fashion career as a model in London at the age of 16 and by 19 years he was already fashion director for international publication, i-D magazine a position he held for more than two decades, a rare achievement few have made in the world of fashion management history.
Since his entrance into the fashion industry as a teenager, Enninful has charted his own trail as a successful model and remained a household name in the industry for decades.
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Enninful has also continuously used various platforms or opportunities to advocate for diversity, and inclusion. In 2008, he spearheaded the ‘Black Issue’ featuring black models such as Jourdan Dunn, and Naomi Campbell, this was a pioneering editorial issue in the Italian Vogue, which highlighted the celebrated black models in the magazine.
Awards and accolades
Enninful has received many accolades for his work. In 2016 he was appointed Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire(OBE) for his services and efforts to bring diversity in the fashion industry.
He has also worked alongside some of the biggest names in the fashion industry, including Giorgio Armani, Christian Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, Mulberry, Valentino, Calvin Klein, Fendi, Gucci, Hugo Boss and Missoni.
