The cover features nine women from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. After 50 years of British Vogue, a black model was shown on the cover. For the first time ever in Vogue’s 102- year history, a woman in a hijab is seen on the front of one of their magazines. Halima Aden will be joined by other diverse models like Adut Akech, Radhika Nair, Yoon Young Bae, Faretta, Fran Summers, Vittoria Ceretti, Paloma Elsesser and Selena Forrest as the magazine launches the “New Frontiers” cover. All nine of these models have starred in significant fashion campaigns and walked for major brands.
“To me, they represent a new global idea that anything is possible,” says Edward Enninful, the magazine’s Editor in Chief.
Halima Aden and Adut Akech were born in the same refugee camp in Kenya, and now working at the top of their game in the fashion industry. How brilliant is that?
“One of the great positives of the past few months is the fashion industry finally embracing a concept that has defined my entire working life: diversity. When I say diversity, I want to be clear that it is never just about black and white for me. It’s about diversity across the board – whether that’s race, size, socio-economic background, religion, sexuality. That’s what I want.”
But it’s not just the front cover that is adopting this new energy. The magazine includes a collection of interviews with some big names like Zayn Malik, Zadie Smith, Sadiq Khan, Skepta, Naomi Campbell, and more.
Enninful, who also styled the shoot explained: ‘I just wanted them to feel empowered, so chose a careful palette of khakis, blacks, and creams so they’d feel ready for anything. Strong, powerful and poised for exciting futures.’
The magazine’s editor in chief really has brought this vision like a knight in shining armour. The cover comes after his debut issue in December featuring a close-up of Ghanaian-British model Adwoa Aboah.
Born in Ghana in 1973 before moving to London, Enninful landed his first fashion director job at i-D at the age of just 18! He is now being referred to as “one of the most talented and accomplished fashion editors in the world”.
Bravo Vogue!