Edward Enninful’s tenure at British Vogue has been a truly revolutionary one – taking the fashion title from posh glossy to diverse, modern, inclusive trailblazer. So, his announcement in June 2023 that he would be stepping down as Editor-in-Chief after just six years stunned the fashion world. However, he is set to move to a new role in 2024, as Editorial Adviser of British Vogue, and Global Creative and Cultural Adviser of Vogue.

In a staff memo, Edward said he would “continue to contribute to the creative and cultural success of the Vogue brand globally”.

Black, gay and a working-class immigrant, Edward’s ascent to the very highest echelons of the fashion world is the stuff of fairytales. He is the first man, and the first black person, to hold the position of Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief and has worked hard to establish a strong new identity for the iconic publication.

In 2022, he published a Vogue issue to mark 50 years of London’s Pride Festival, saying: “Let me be clear: at Vogue we want to celebrate this community, to thank and to listen to them.” And he has continued to push the boundaries, with ground-breaking features using models with disabilities – such as actress Selma Blair, who lives with MS, and Ellie Goldstein, who lives with Down’s Syndrome. In October 2022, Timothée Chalamet became the first man to appear on the cover solo. In another inclusive first, the magazine was made available as a braille and audio edition.

In 2023, Edward attended the King’s Coronation. He has helped the Prince’s Trust with its work in Africa and worldwide as a global ambassador.

Edward’s applauded memoir, A Visible Man, was published in the autumn of 2022, recounting his incredible journey from Ghana via London to teen model and finally to global fashion guru.

Edward, who was awarded an OBE in 2016, received the BSME Editors’ Editor of the Year Award in 2021, in recognition of extraordinary individuals for their dedication and outstanding editorial contribution to magazines.