Edward Enninful to be the First Black Male Leader of a Mainstream Women's Fashion Mag

Breaking a 100-year tradition of women being EIC at British Vogue, Edward Enninful is set to step into the role and replace Alexander Shulman on August 1st, Conde Nast reported Monday.

Would it be an overstep to say it's about time? I don't think so! This is so dope. I'm super happy for Edward and am equally excited to see what he brings to British Vogue.

Photo Credit: Business of Fashion

Edward's climb in the industry is so inspiring. His work in the fashion industry and for social change has been and still is so necessary. I loved getting to know his story. 

He was born in Ghana, along with five siblings, and raised by his mother who was a seamstress​ in the Ladbroke Grove area of London. He became a model for British magazine i-D at 16 after he was scouted while traveling on the Tube, London's subway system and called this experience his "baptism into fashion." By the time he was 17, he was assisting on photoshoots with stylists Simon Foxton and Beth Summers. In 1991, at 18, he took over Summers' job as i-D fashion editor, making him the youngest leader ever at a major fashion publication!

Photo Credit: i-D

After working for two decades at i-D, Edward worked for Italian Vogue, American Vogue and W. While at Italian Vogue, he spearheaded the "Black Issue" with the goal to end the "white-out the dominates the catwalk and magazines." That issue was amazing, filled with black models and stars killing it! To say I was gassed would be an understatement! Check out some of the images from the "Black Issue" below and see more here.

Photo Credit: Vogue Italia

It's no question that this man is a visionary! Edward is also credited with guiding a vast variety of fashion's biggest names on their ad campaigns, such as Christian Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Missoni, Giorgio Armani and Valentino, just to name a few. In 2014, he received the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator at the British Fashion Awards for his outstanding contributions. To take things a step further, in June of last year, Edward received an Order of the British Empire, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's annual birthday honors, for his service and efforts to diversify the industry.

Edward has a huge social media following and a network of peers that extends beyond those within the fashion industry. He is also known for being gracious and friendly, a breath of fresh air among fashion's upper echelon. Even with his positive demeanor, don't try him! He has been a force in calling out racism and calling for diversity and has no problems voicing how he feels, whether in increasing representation and visibility of black models and peers or in demanding his respect as a black man in this industry. The fight is never over!

I'm so excited to see Edward Enninful step into his role as Editor-in-Cheif at British Vogue! Congratulations are definitely in order. One more win for black people and an amazing example of representation of black fashion professionals in top positions!