September 18th 2023.
London-born journalist Chioma Nnadi has been named the new head of editorial content at British Vogue, replacing famed editor Edward Enninful. With her appointment, Nnadi makes history as the first Black woman in history to helm the iconic fashion magazine.
The Guardian reports that Nnadi will take on her new role starting October 6. The 44-year-old media professional is currently the editor of Vogue.com as well as the host of “The Run-Through,” the publication’s weekly podcast.
Nnadi expressed her excitement over the news, noting that as someone born in London, the city's creative energy has shaped the way she looks at the world.
"I'm beyond excited and honored to have been appointed as British Vogue's Head of Editorial Content. As someone who was born and raised in London, the energy of the city — its boundary-pushing style and creative scene — has shaped the way I look at the world," she said. "Now, more than ever, it feels like a moment to look beyond borders while also celebrating the broad scope of what it means to be British. I'm looking forward to engaging a loyal and inspired digital community that is energized by our access, point of view and storytelling."
Nnadi has worked at Vogue for 13 years, penning some of the magazine’s most popular cover stories, including features on Rihanna, Erykah Badu, and Michaela Coel. Anna Wintour, chief content officer and global editorial director of Vogue, praised Nnadi's appointment, saying she is "an editor and writer with an impeccable reputation—both here and in the fashion industry at large."
For Nnadi, who grew up in Central London, it will not only be a homecoming but a chance to reconnect with the foundation of her love for fashion.
"When I started at Vogue, it was about having the latest new thing," she said. "Now, there’s a sense of archival fashion being just as important. I grew up going to Portobello Road every single weekend, looking for vintage clothing. That was before it was super cool to do it."
Nnadi also commented on the progress that has been made on diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry.
"Things have changed a lot. When I started out, there was one other Black person working in the building, and we both went to the same college," she said. "It wasn’t the same place it is now. Obviously, matters of diversity and inclusion should always be on the agenda, but it feels like more of an open conversation now, and that feels to me like progress."
Whispers of Enninful’s departure began earlier this year; however, confirmation would not arrive until July. In a memo sent to staff, the fashion guru announced his plans to move into an “editorial advisor” role, signaling the end of his era of leadership at British Vogue.
Despite his departure, Enninful was ecstatic about Nnadi's appointment. During 2020 London Fashion Week, he praised her for being a "brilliant and unique talent with real vision who will take the publication to ever greater heights."
Nnadi's first issue as head of editorial content at British Vogue will be released in March 2024. Her appointment marks a new era for the fashion magazine and the fashion industry as a whole.
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