Edward Enninful, the visionary editor-in-chief of British Vogue, has announced his departure from the esteemed fashion magazine after a transformative six-year journey. While bidding farewell to his role, Enninful will transition into a newly-created position as Vogue’s global creative and cultural advisor, focusing on expanding the brand’s reach on a global scale.
As an editorial advisor to the UK title, Enninful will maintain a connection with British Vogue. However, his new role will offer him the opportunity to take on external projects and explore creative ventures beyond the magazine’s scope. Additionally, Enninful will play a vital role in the recruitment process to find his successor, ensuring a smooth transition for the iconic publication.
Enninful made history as the first black man to hold the top position at British Vogue, leaving an indelible mark on the fashion industry. Under his leadership, the magazine broke barriers and championed inclusivity and diversity. Notably, British Vogue featured its first disabled models, including actress Selma Blair, who lives with multiple sclerosis, and Ellie Goldstein, a remarkable 21-year-old model with Down syndrome.
Throughout Enninful’s tenure, British Vogue produced memorable editions that pushed boundaries. One such edition featured actor Timothée Chalamet as the first male cover star in October 2022. Enninful’s vision extended beyond traditional representation, aiming to reshape the image of modern Britain. The December 2017 cover featuring mixed-race model Adwoa Aboah served as a powerful statement, celebrating a multicultural society where everyone is welcome.
Enninful’s influence reached beyond the pages of the magazine. His vast network and celebrity friendships led to notable collaborations, such as the September 2019 edition “Forces for Change,” which was guest-edited by the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.
A vocal advocate for inclusivity in the fashion industry, Enninful prioritized diversifying his staff at British Vogue, striving for a more inclusive and representative team. He fearlessly shared his personal struggles with racism, being a black gay man, and overcoming challenges such as alcoholism and a 15-year estrangement from his father.
Dana Thomas, British Vogue’s contributing European sustainability editor, expressed delight at the news of Enninful’s transition. She praised his immense influence and leadership in inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability—the three pillars that Enninful identified as fundamental to British Vogue.
In a memo sent to Vogue staff, Enninful expressed his gratitude to editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and Roger Lynch, the chief executive officer of Condé Nast publishers, for their unwavering support. He affirmed his commitment to continue contributing to the creative and cultural success of the Vogue brand globally in his new capacity. Enninful’s expanded role will grant him the freedom to embark on broader creative projects while remaining connected to the Vogue brand.
Enninful’s departure marks the end of an era at British Vogue, but it also signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the esteemed editor. His innovative and groundbreaking approach to fashion journalism has left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring countless individuals and redefining the standards of inclusivity and diversity.
As Edward Enninful embraces his role as Vogue’s global creative and cultural advisor, the fashion world eagerly anticipates the impact he will continue to make on a broader scale. His unique vision and unwavering commitment to promoting diverse voices and perspectives have set a new standard for fashion publications worldwide.
Enninful’s legacy at British Vogue will be remembered for its remarkable achievements, including the introduction of disabled models and the celebration of multiculturalism in the magazine’s pages. His collaborations with influential figures like Meghan Markle have further amplified the importance of representation and social change within the fashion industry.
Looking towards the future, British Vogue will embark on a search for a new editor-in-chief under Enninful’s guidance. The selection process will undoubtedly be fueled by the aspiration to find an individual who can build upon Enninful’s accomplishments and continue the magazine’s trajectory of innovation and inclusivity.
While Enninful’s departure marks the end of an era, it also signifies a new phase of creative exploration for one of the fashion industry’s most influential figures. As he continues to contribute to the global success of the Vogue brand and pursue diverse creative projects, Edward Enninful will undoubtedly leave an enduring legacy as a trailblazer, advocate, and visionary within the fashion world and beyond.
