The editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful, has revealed that he will be stepping down from his role after a groundbreaking six-year tenure.
While this news may come as a surprise to many, Enninful’s departure is not a farewell but a transition to an even more influential position within the world of fashion.
At the age of 51, Enninful will assume the role of Vogue’s global creative and cultural advisor, a newly-created position aimed at propelling the brand to new heights on a global scale.
This prestigious role will not only allow him to continue his invaluable work within the Vogue family but also grants him the freedom to embark on external projects, solidifying his status as an industry luminary.
As the first black man to hold the helm of this iconic fashion magazine, Enninful shattered barriers and revolutionized the industry, leading with a vision of inclusivity and diversity.
Under his editorial stewardship, British Vogue showcased a series of trailblazing covers, including groundbreaking features that celebrated disabled models such as Selma Blair, an inspiring actress living with multiple sclerosis, and Ellie Goldstein, a courageous 21-year-old model with Down’s syndrome.
In a heartfelt interview last year, Enninful shared the inspiration behind his very first cover in December 2017, which prominently featured the stunning mixed race model, Adwoa Aboah.
His aim was to reset “the image of modern Britain” and craft a visual narrative that reflected the vibrant multicultural society in which we live.
Enninful remarked, “It was important to create a cover that represented the Britain of today, a multicultural society where everyone was welcome – where my family was welcome.”
Throughout his tenure, Enninful curated a roster of cover stars that defied expectations and challenged norms.
From the remarkable Timothée Chalamet, the first man to grace the cover in October 2022, to the iconic Dame Judi Dench, who became the oldest star to adorn British Vogue’s cover in June 2020 at the age of 85, Enninful consistently pushed the boundaries of what it means to be Vogue-worthy.
Notably, he also helmed the influential “Forces for Change” issue in September 2019, guest-edited by the Duchess of Sussex, which featured climate activist Greta Thunberg as the cover star.
Enninful’s commitment to amplifying voices extends beyond the world of celebrity. In a poignant move, he dedicated an issue to the courageous front-line workers in London during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Additionally, he spearheaded the Vogue activism issue in September 2020, featuring the influential footballer Marcus Rashford, in a powerful collaboration with photographer Misan Harriman, making him the first black male photographer to capture a British Vogue cover.
Beyond his remarkable accomplishments in the fashion realm, Enninful has also played a pivotal role in philanthropy and humanitarian efforts.
Last month, he attended the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, representing British Vogue and supporting the King’s charity, the Prince’s Trust, as a global ambassador for their work in Africa and worldwide.
Enninful tireless advocacy for inclusivity and his personal experiences with racism and being a black gay man had sparked conversations and inspired change throughout the industry.
But his courage in sharing his struggles with racism, alcoholism, and familial estrangement made him not only a transformative figure but also a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges.
The news of Enninful’s new role as Vogue’s global creative and cultural advisor has been met with excitement and anticipation.
British Vogue’s contributing European sustainability editor, Dana Thomas, expressed her thrill, stating, “This gives him more freedom to do what he does best, and what clearly brings him joy, which is the creation of beauty.”
In a heartfelt memo addressed to the Vogue staff, Enninful expressed his gratitude to editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and Roger Lynch, the chief executive officer of Condé Nast, publishers of British Vogue, for their unwavering support.
He assured the team that he would continue to contribute to the creative and cultural success of the Vogue brand globally in his new capacity while seizing the opportunity to engage in broader creative projects.
