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With the Christmas time approaching and a feeling of new beginnings around the corner, the anticipation for British Vogue’s December issue is building up. The newly appointed editor-inchief, and previous editor-in-chief of W Magazine, Edward Enninful, brings us a new version of the magazine. Enninful’s position as editor-in-chief itself, has already made history, what with being the first black and male editor of Vogue in 101 years. Vogue will always be setting the standard within fashion and carry the respect of those in the industry and outside, however Enninful’s approach attempts to modernise the magazine by tapping into the social media world of promotion and inclusion. Under Enninful’s leadership, appointments such as supermodel’s Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss and author Zadie Smith make this era of Vogue arguably the most inclusive it has ever been.
like a shop that you are not scared to walk into. You are going to see all different colours, shapes, ages, genders, religions. That I am very excited about. You are going to see less of models who don’t look so healthy”. It is important to note Enninful’s emphasis to consciously change the negative and discouraging aspects of the industry whilst performing as editor-in-chief. This rhetoric and motivation is however, part of a more general movement towards increasing representation in the industry.
Enninful’s desire to instigate change within the industry is another reason as to why Adwoa Aboah is the perfect model for this cover. Aboah herself self-created an organisation entitled Gurls Talk, where young women are encouraged to speak about the issues they face. More recently, there seems to be an emphasis on embracing and discussing what is usually dismissed, whether that be body This newfound sense of inclusion is perfectly image, mental health, addiction or sexuality. manifested through the December cover of Vogue. Vogue is now a magazine moving with the times, Supermodel and feminist activist Adwoa Aboah as opposed to a stagnant, less progressive magazine. graces the cover, embodying the quintessential elegance of a British Vogue model. Aboah’s An interview within the December issue that look is timeless and classic and takes up a calm, represents the inclusive nature of the ‘new Vogue’, peaceful and reassuring pose. Photographed by is Naomi Campbell’s interview with the Mayor of the esteemed Steven Meisel and make-up by the London, Sadiq Khan. During the interview, race, incomparable Pat McGrath, the look of British politics and economics were discussed, however Vogue is finally more inclusive. Aboah herself is fashion, Khan mentions, remains key to London’s of British and Ghanaian descent and represents, industry. He states, “One of the things I try to as a title on the cover states, Great Britain. There explain to the British government is this: even is an undeniable sense of empowerment to take if you don't understand the reason fashion and away from Enninful’s first Vogue cover. Prior to culture is important to the city we live in, there's Enninful’s appointment, British Vogue represented an economic case for it. One in six jobs in London a small part of who, and what is considered British. is in the creative industries. And you know what We can expect there to be pride, hope for more the biggest part of the creative industries is? inclusion, and of course creative takes on fashion. Fashion. It contributes tens of billions of pounds to our economy. You don't want to create a This December issue is not only significant in terms situation where talented people feel that the only of showing different representations of Britishness, way to fulfil their potential is by leaving. Or for but also different representations of gender, race, talented people overseas to not want to come here”. and size. In an interview with the BBC ahead of this issue’s release, Enninful stated, “Before I got the job I spoke to certain women and they felt they were The #NewVogue is inclusive, remains fashion not represented by the magazine, so I wanted to forward, and is more importantly the most create a magazine that was open and friendly. A bit accessible and relatable it has ever been.
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