Here's Why British Vogue's New Editor-In-Chief Matters

NEWLY APPOINTED EIC EDWARD ENNINFUL HAS STAGED A QUIET BLACK REVOLUTION FOR DECADES AND THE INDUSTRY HAS FINALLY CAUGHT UP

- Marquita Harris

In the ever-changing, privileged world of mainstream fashion, Black people, not just African-Americans, remain a rarity. Sure we’ve seen Black faces and bodies strewn across covers and pages of global fashion magazines; we’ve seen ourselves featured prominently in ad campaigns when a designer (generally European) decides we’re in season. Sure this all is true, but it doesn’t change the fact that our skin and bodies are purely ornamental. We are rarely, if at all, included as an essential component.

This was true in 1974 when Beverly Johnson made history as the fi rst African-American model to appear on the cover of American Vogue, and it’s just as true in the modern era. As recently as last year, ahead of New York Fashion Week, the Council of Fashion Designers of America—the watchdogs of the business—sent out an industry-wide email reminding designers to “add diversity” to their lineups. They needed a reminder … to cast people of color. Let’s let that sink in.