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British Vogue hires first male editor, Edward Enninful

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Iconic fashion brand Vogue announced this week that Edward Enninful would serve as the editor of their British magazine. This is notable not only because Enninful will become the magazine's first male editor, but also the first black editor of a mainstream UK fashion magazine. Ghana-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.

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Future British Vogue Editor, Edward Enninful

Enninful, who is a vocal advocate for diversity in fashion and counts Naomi Campbell as a close friend, replaces former editor Alexandra Shulman, who stepped down in January 2017 after 25 years in the position. Shulman said of her replacement: “Edward is an exceptionally talented stylist who will no doubt bring an exciting new creative aesthetic to the magazine. 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.”

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Current British Vogue Editor, Alexandra Shulman

Condé Nast International’s chairman and CEO Jonathan Newhouse announced the appointment on Tuesday (April 11), stating that Edward was “supremely prepared to assume the responsibility and an influential figure in the communities of fashion, Hollywood and music which shape the cultural zeitgeist.” Following the announcement, Enninful himself told Vogue that he grew up reading the magazine, which he says has “a legacy of creativity and innovation” and was “honoured and humbled to be taking up the mantle of editor.”

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Enninful receiving his OBE with friend Naomi Campbell

While the fashion industry has long recognised Enninful's talents (he was awarded the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator at the 2014 British Fashion Awards, one of many plaudits), the British monarchy has also acknowledged his contribution to fashion, making him OBE last October. He will begin his new role as Editor of British Vogue on August 1. What do you guys think having Edward at the helm will mean for Britain's largest fashion magazine and the fashion industry as a whole? Please feel free to discuss in the comments below.

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British Vogue May 2017 Cover

Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance writer and musician from Kidderminster in the UK.

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