For practically 4 a long time, Anna Wintour was Vogue. Her presence—a signature bob, a pair of sun shades, a quiet authority—symbolized not only a journal, however a worldwide style normal. Now, as Wintour shifts focus to her broader roles at Condé Nast and relinquishes a few of her day-to-day editorial management of U.S. Vogue, a query echoes: Who’s subsequent?
To some, this will likely sound like simply one other high-profile style job. However to those that perceive the load of Vogue within the tradition—notably in the way it has dictated, co-opted, and sometimes ignored Black cultural affect—this second feels seismic. Wintour herself hinted on the magnitude of this shift:
“Now, I discover that my biggest pleasure helps the following technology of impassioned editors storm the sector with their very own concepts, supported by a brand new, thrilling view of what a serious media firm will be,” she informed Vogue employees. “How thrilling will probably be to work alongside somebody new who will problem us, encourage us, and make us all take into consideration Vogue in a myriad of authentic methods.”
And if we’re speaking about authentic methods of pondering, it’s laborious to not ask…What if that somebody was Black?
Let’s be actual: Black tradition is the tradition. From the streets of Brooklyn to the runways of Paris, our affect echoes by each hemline, hairdo, and headline. So, what wouldn’t it appear like if somebody who understands that intrinsically—somebody who’s that—was the one main Vogue into its subsequent period? So if Vogue is really prepared for a brand new chapter, listed here are just some Black visionaries who couldn’t solely rise to the event however redefine it totally:
Chioma Nnadi
Presently, the top of editorial content material at British Vogue, Chioma Nnadi, has already made historical past as the primary Black girl to carry that place. Along with her background as editor of Vogue.com, she’s one of many few who really understands each digital and print luxurious areas within the U.S. and overseas—and is aware of easy methods to bridge them with authenticity and edge. To not point out how she’s already helped highlight Black stars like Erykah Badu, Zendaya, SZA, Rihanna, and extra in Vogue.
Nikki Ogunnaike
Presently editor-in-chief at Harper’s Bazaar Digital, Nikki Ogunnaike brings a refined, accessible editorial voice that merges popular culture with excessive style. She’s additionally a well-recognized face within the media panorama, trusted, revered, and with the vary to talk to everybody from the runway elite to your group chat.
Edward Enninful
A style icon in his personal proper, Edward Enninful broke limitations as British Vogue’s first Black and first male editor-in-chief. His imaginative and prescient reshaped the publication, as he actively labored to place Black girls to the forefront. Along with his upcoming transition from that position, the timing wouldn’t solely be poetic however highly effective.
Lindsey Peoples
From main editorial at New York Journal’s The Minimize to her days main the editorial group at Teen Vogue to co-founding the Black in Trend Council, Lindsey Peoples continues to usher in a brand new period of style journalism, one that’s rooted in id and energy with readability and conviction, with out sacrificing fashion. So who higher to steer Vogue into a brand new period?
Kahlana Barfield Brown
Former style and sweetness editor at InStyle and now a go-to professional throughout media platforms, Kahlana Barfield Brown is aware of easy methods to merge excessive style with streetwear, magnificence and tradition. She’s revered each by business insiders and audiences, giving her the power to convey a singular style-savvy fluency to Vogue.
Rajni Jacques
From her time as style director at Teen Vogue and Attract to intersecting style and expertise at Snapchat, Rajni Jacques’ expertise permit her to attach creativity, tradition, style and innovation.
