London-born journalist Chioma Nnadi has been named the brand new head of editorial content material at British Vogue, changing famed editor Edward Enninful. Together with her appointment, Nnadi makes historical past as the primary Black girl in historical past to helm the long-lasting trend journal.
The Guardian experiences that Nnadi will tackle her new position beginning October 6. The 44-year-old media skilled is at present the editor of Vogue.com in addition to the host of “The Run-By means of,” the publication’s weekly podcast.
“I’m past excited and honored to have been appointed as British Vogue‘s Head of Editorial Content material. As somebody who was born and raised in London, the vitality of town — its boundary-pushing model and artistic scene — has formed the way in which I have a look at the world,” Nnadi stated. “Now, greater than ever, it seems like a second to look past borders whereas additionally celebrating the broad scope of what it means to be British. I’m wanting ahead to partaking a loyal and impressed digital neighborhood that’s energized by our entry, perspective and storytelling.”
Nnadi has labored at Vogue for 13 years, penning a number of the journal’s hottest cowl tales, together with options on Rihanna, Erykah Badu, and Michaela Coel.
“Chioma is beloved amongst her colleagues at Vogue and is an editor and author with an impeccable popularity—each right here and within the trend trade at giant,” stated Anna Wintour, chief content material officer and international editorial director of Vogue. “I can’t consider a extra worthy individual to comply with in [Enninful’s] footsteps than Chioma, who has confirmed herself adept at talking to our digital viewers and has discovered methods to increase Vogue’s attain, authority and affect throughout all of our platforms.”
For Nnadi, who grew up in Central London, it won’t solely be a homecoming however an opportunity to reconnect with the inspiration of her love for trend.
“After I began at Vogue, it was about having the newest new factor,” she stated. “Now, there’s a way of archival trend being simply as vital. I grew up going to Portobello Highway each single weekend, in search of classic clothes. That was earlier than it was tremendous cool to do it.”
As for range and the altering panorama of the style world, Nnadi believes basic progress has already been made.
“Issues have modified lots. After I began out, there was one different Black individual working within the constructing, and we each went to the identical school,” she stated. “It wasn’t the identical place it’s now. Clearly, issues of range and inclusion ought to at all times be on the agenda, but it surely seems like extra of an open dialog now, and that feels to me like progress.”
Whispers of Enninful’s departure started earlier this yr; nonetheless, however affirmation wouldn’t arrive till July. In a memo despatched to employees, the trend guru introduced his plans to maneuver into an “editorial advisor” position, signaling the top of his period of management at British Vogue, Fashionista reported. Enninful’s final situation might be launched in March 2024.
Nonetheless, his pleasure for Nnadi’s appointment was on full show throughout 2023 London Vogue Week. “I’m so thrilled that Chioma is becoming a member of British Vogue,” he stated. “She is a superb and distinctive expertise with actual imaginative and prescient who will take the publication to ever higher heights.”
