Many months of speculation later and we finally know who will take over Edward Enninful as the head of British Vogue. Fashion journalist Chioma Nnadi has been appointed by publisher Condé Nast to fulfill this role; yet, with a title change from ‘Editor in Chief’ to ‘Head of Editorial Content’. This title change, as explained by The Guardian, “is not insignificant. Nnadi said her focus will be on “digital storytelling” and keeping Vogue “interactive” with readers – but it is also part of a shift that has seen the starry editors of Vogue’s European editions, who once filled the front rows, replaced by global heads after Condé Nast’s 2020 company-wide restructuring.’’ It seems that this is the next step in fashion publishing’s preparation to usher in a new era in which digital truly does reign and editors or ‘HODs’ are required to have a capacity to seamlessly navigate both arenas. Having mastered the digital realm running Vogue.com, it will be interesting to see how Chioma can converge this with her print-editorial responsibilities ahead.

A leading force in contemporary fashion journalism, Chioma is also an alumni of Vogue, having moved to New York in 2010 to work with Anna Wintour at the US faction of the publishing behemoth. Chioma will be leaving her already powerful role as running the US website and being one of the publication’s most senior writers. With a multiplicity of skills in fashion and seemingly strong relationship with Anna (the rift between Edward and Anna has been speculated as the nail in the coffin for his exit), this resolution seems to be a profound one. Least not as Chioma Nnadi will be the first Black woman to head British Vogue and through the example of her own work in the past, will certainly continue to forge on with Edward’s historical establishing of inclusivity, diversity and cultural authenticity as vital codes for British Vogue. This is incredibly exciting and suggests that Conde Nast, Vogue’s parent company, understands their responsibility and position within fashion, culture and publishing.

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