Edward Enninful, the editor of Vogue, has made an indelible mark on the fashion industry and society as a whole. Born in Ghana and raised in Ladbroke Grove, Enninful brought a much-needed diversity to the magazine that will never be forgotten.
In 2008, Vogue Italia's all-Black issue sparked a movement for solidarity among Black people, urging them to support the edition. This caught Nels Abbey's attention, prompting him to purchase a fashion magazine for the first time in his life. The overwhelming response to the issue highlighted the lack of diversity in the fashion world, particularly its anti-Blackness.
Fast forward to Enninful's appointment as editor of British Vogue, and he faced backlash and unconscious racism. However, he persevered and transformed the magazine into a powerhouse of diversity and inclusivity. Enninful elevated British Vogue during a time of crisis for print media, while also addressing important societal issues such as race, disability, sustainability, and more.
Enninful's tenure saw the inclusion of marginalized voices in fashion and beauty journalism. Misan Harriman became the first Black photographer to shoot the cover of British Vogue, and influential figures like Yomi Adegoke, Bernardine Evaristo, and Afua Hirsch became regular features in the publication. Notably, Enninful's legacy extends beyond his own achievements, as he is passing the torch to Chioma Nnadi, another Black individual.
Enninful's final cover encapsulates the diversity he championed throughout his editorship, featuring an array of models, celebrities, and activists. From Naomi Campbell and Iman to Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey, and Victoria Beckham, the cover reflects the progressive impact Enninful had on Britain and the world. His influence on fashion and beauty journalism will be everlasting, leaving an indelible mark that cannot be erased.