Magazine

Edward Enninful Appointed Editor-In-Chief Of British Vogue

By Donovan | April 14, 2017 0 Comments

This comes as a shocker and I never foreseen this happening, but I am so excited right now.

Editor, stylist and creative director Edward Enninful has been appointed the new editor-in-chief of British Vogue. Condé Nast International chairman and chief executive Jonathan Newhouse announced Alexandra Shulman‘s successor earlier in the week, calling Enninful “an influential figure in the communities of fashion, Hollywood and music which shape the cultural zeitgeist“, adding that “by virtue of his talent and experience, Edward is supremely prepared to assume the responsibility of British Vogue.”

Last January, DM Fashion Book announced that Shulman stepped down after 25 years at the publication (see it here). What’s even more exciting is that Enninful will be the first male to edit the publication in its 100-year history. He will begin on August 1 and report to Newhouse.

“Edward is an exceptionally talented stylist who will no doubt bring an exciting new creative aesthetic to the magazine,” said Shulman. “Every Vogue editor arrives with their own range of talents and experience and Edward is very known, respected and liked within the fashion industry. I look forward to finding out his plans as soon as possible and working with him over the next few months of transition so that British Vogue continues to be the leading magazine in this market.”

Ghanaian-born Enninful spent his childhood in London where, aged 16, he was model-scouted and his fashion career began. Not long afterwards, he made the acquaintance of i-D founders Trish and Terry Jones and started assisting the publication, becoming the youngest ever fashion director for an international publication when he was promoted not long after, aged 18. His career to date has seen him work for Italian Vogue, American Vogue and most recently W Magazine, as well as consult on countless high-fashion campaigns. He has also worked with top photographers including Steven Meisel, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, Craig McDean, Mario Sorrenti, and more.

In 2014, Enninful was awarded the Isabella Blow Award for fashion creator of the year by the British Fashion Council and just last year was granted an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Her Majesty the Queen.

“By virtue of his talent and experience, Edward Enninful is supremely prepared to assume the responsibility of British Vogue,” said Newhouse in a statement. “Please join me in wishing him the best in his new position.”

“I grew up reading British Vogue – I am so honoured and humbled to be taking up the mantle of editor,” he told us this afternoon. “I realise I am stepping into the shoes of a hugely respected editor in the shape of Alexandra Shulman, someone who has chosen to leave at the top of their game with a legacy of 25 years of success.”

“British Vogue is a great magazine with a legacy of creativity and innovation,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to produce an exciting beautiful magazine for its readers.”

DM Fashion Book‘s founder Donovan said, “As a little kid growing up in the projects in Camden, New Jersey, I didn’t have many options but fashion and basketball were the two things that kept me off the streets. I also used my education as a way out and knew one day I would work for a prominent magazine. @taiiasmartyoung believed in me and saw my vision. She allowed me to be her intern at XXL magazine. Once I left XXL, I went on to work at Universal Music Group/Republic Records, then launched my own website, DM Fashion Book (formerly www.donbleek.com) because I felt like it was a lack of diversity in the fashion industry. I dreamt one day that a man who looks like me could take up the mantle of editor at a respectable, iconic and prominent fashion publication and this week that dream came true. Edward immigrated to England from Ghana with his family. It doesn’t matter where you come from, your dreams are still valid.”