FASHION journalist, Chioma Nnadi has been named as the new editor of the world renowned British magazine Vogue.
Nnadi’s appointment also makes her the first black female head of the industry-leading fashion magazine. In an Instagram post, the London-born journalist said she is “honoured and excited to be coming home”.
The new head of British Vogue is replacing Edward Enninful, who spent more than six years breaking boundaries and championing diversity at the top fashion magazine.
Nnadi, 44, started her career in newspapers in the UK, before moving to New York and joining Vogue there.
She spent the next 14 years climbing her way up the ranks, eventually reaching the position of editor of Vogue.com.
Nnadi has interviewed stars including Rihanna and Angelina Jolie, and describes herself “first and foremost as a storyteller”.
But Enninful’s decision to step down last summer created a gap at the top of British Vogue, and Nnadi recently relocated back to the UK to take up the role.
Speaking to BBC News in Vogue’s new central London office, Nnadi – whose official title is head of editorial content – admitted to feeling the pressure.
“Absolutely,” she said. “But it’s exciting. It’s an exciting time.”
Enninful, who was a high-profile champion for greater inclusivity in the fashion industry, changed the tone at British Vogue.
Under his leadership, the publication featured an openly transgender woman (Laverne Cox) on the cover for the first time, as well as disabled models.
“I have a great deal of admiration for what he did, he was someone I looked up to,” Nnadi said. “So I know it’s big shoes to fill but I’m excited to take on that role.”
Journalist Sadiq Abdullateef and Author Yomi Adegoke also told BBC News they thought Nnadi would continue the work started by Enninful.
“I think it feels like a really exciting time, because I think the change that Edward has made, she is going to continue that legacy,” Abdullateef said.
Nnadi was born to a Swiss-German mother and a Nigerian father, who came to the UK to study in the 1960s.
British Vogue’s circulation is around 190,000, according to the latest Audit Bureau of Circulation figures. Despite the challenges facing the print industry, that figure has remained steady in recent years.
But it does still face challenges, including attracting new readers in an age of TikTok and Instagram.
Terry Newman, a fashion writer, said it’s “survival of the fittest” for media brands like Vogue at the moment.