British Vogue has appointed its new editor ending months of speculation sparked in the wake of Edward Enninful’s resignation – which came amid rumours of a power struggle with Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour.
Chioma Nnadi said she was “beyond excited and honoured”, to be made British Vogue’s head of editorial content, succeeding the outgoing Enninful who enjoyed a six-year tenure as both its first male and first Black editor.
British Vogue’s decision to appoint the 44-year-old journalist of Nigerian and Swiss-German descent will likely ensure the increased visibility of ethnic minority models and diversity within the publication’s pages, something Enninful is credited with championing.
Following her appointment, London-born journalist Nnadi has become the first Black woman to lead the legendary fashion magazine since its inception in 1916.
Nnadi, who is currently based in New York, was notably absent from this week’s glitzy Vogue World event, which was billed as the UK’s answer to the Met Gala. She will take up her new role in the London office on 9 October.
Announcing Nnadi’s appointment on Monday 18 September, Wintour praised her as “an editor and writer with an impeccable reputation”, describing her as a “beloved colleague” who would focus as much on music and culture as she would fashion.
Wintour added: “Chioma is beloved among her colleagues at Vogue, and is an editor and writer with an impeccable reputation – both here and in the fashion industry at large.
“I’m so grateful to Edward Enninful for everything he’s accomplished at British Vogue, and we’re all looking forward to a productive and creative relationship with him in his new role.
“I can’t think of a more worthy person to follow in his footsteps than Chioma, who has proven herself adept at speaking to our digital audience and has found ways to extend Vogue’s reach, authority, and influence across all of our platforms.
Chioma Nnadi has been appointed British Vogue’s head of editorial content, succeeding the outgoing Enninfu— (Stefan Ruiz/Vogue)
“She is passionate about fashion, music and culture, and I couldn’t be happier that she will be leading our editorial and creative teams in London.”
Enninful’s reign as head of editorial content comes to an end after six years, with the Ghanaian-born British editor set to move to an advisory role in 2024.
He is credited with making the magazine more diverse and inclusive, and for reimagining what it means to be a British Vogue cover star – turning the spotlight on activists, frontline workers, as well as a “new vanguard of disabled talent” for this year’s May issue.
Enninful described Nnadi as a “brilliant and unique talent with real vision” in a statement.
Born to a Nigerian father and Swiss-German mother, Nnadi grew up in central London and credited the city’s “boundary-pushing style and creative scene” as a key influence.
Nnadi said: “I’m beyond excited and honoured to have been appointed as British Vogue’s head of editorial content. As someone who was born and raised in London, the energy of the city – its boundary-pushing style and creative scene – has shaped the way I look at the world.
“Now, more than ever, it feels like a moment to look beyond borders while also celebrating the broad scope of what it means to be British. I’m looking forward to engaging a loyal and inspired digital community that is energised by our access, point of view, and storytelling.”
She began her journalism career as a features writer at the Evening Standard, before moving to New York to work for indie style magazine Trace. Her journey at Vogue began as a writer in 2010. Rising through the ranks, she was then promoted to fashion news director and, most recently, editor of Vogue.com.
Nnadi has also overseen digital coverage of flagship Vogue events, including the Met Gala and the inaugural, glitzy Vogue World event last week.
Vogue World was attended by fashion’s elite along with some of the biggest names in music, film and television, including Stormzy, Sienna Miller, Leonardo DiCaprio, James Corden and Harriet Walter.
