Women of Rubies
Tag

British Vogue

Browsing
Chioma Nnadi
In Inspiration By

Chioma Nnadi Makes History As First Black Woman To Head British Vogue

Chioma Nnadi, a name synonymous with innovation and inclusivity in the world of fashion journalism, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone that reverberates far beyond the glossy pages of magazines and runways. She has etched her name in history as the first Black woman to assume the esteemed position of Editor-in-Chief at British Vogue. This monumental achievement is a watershed moment for an industry long criticized for its lack of diversity and a testament to the power of breaking barriers.

A Remarkable Trailblazer

Chioma Nnadi’s journey to the top echelons of fashion journalism is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Nigeria and raised in London, she developed a deep passion for storytelling and fashion at a young age. Her educational background in English Literature and Theatre set the stage for a career that would blend her love for words and style.

Before making history at British Vogue, Nnadi’s impressive career included editorial roles at publications like The Fader and Interview Magazine, where she honed her craft and gained valuable insights into the world of fashion and culture. Her knack for spotting emerging talents and her commitment to showcasing diverse narratives quickly made her a respected figure in the industry.

Championing Diversity and Authenticity

One of the standout qualities that Chioma Nnadi brings to her role as Editor-in-Chief is her unwavering dedication to diversity and authenticity in fashion. She has been a vocal advocate for increased representation of Black voices and faces within the industry. Her editorials have consistently pushed boundaries, challenging traditional beauty norms and celebrating the beauty of individuality.

Under Nnadi’s leadership, British Vogue is poised to continue its journey toward greater inclusivity. Her vision for the publication includes creating a platform where a multitude of voices can be heard, and where fashion reflects the rich tapestry of cultures and identities that make up our global community.

Breaking Stereotypes and Inspiring Change

Chioma Nnadi’s historic appointment at British Vogue serves as a powerful reminder that representation matters. It challenges stereotypes and opens doors for aspiring Black journalists, writers, and creatives who previously may not have seen themselves at the pinnacle of the fashion world.

As the first Black woman to lead British Vogue, Nnadi is not only breaking barriers but also inspiring change within an industry that has often been criticized for its lack of diversity. Her journey exemplifies the importance of perseverance, passion, and a commitment to effecting positive change.

A New Era for British Vogue

As Chioma Nnadi embarks on her journey as Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, it heralds a new era for the iconic publication. Her leadership promises to usher in fresh perspectives, celebrate diverse voices, and challenge the status quo. Her remarkable achievement is a testament to the progress being made in the fashion industry and a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and representative future.

In celebrating Chioma Nnadi’s historic appointment, we acknowledge not only her individual accomplishments but also the collective strides being made toward a more inclusive and equitable fashion industry. She paves the way for others to follow their dreams and shatter ceilings, proving that with talent, determination, and a commitment to diversity, there are no limits to what one can achieve. Chioma Nnadi’s name is now etched in the annals of fashion history, and her legacy is bound to be as influential as it is inspiring.

by
Keep Reading
In Editor's Choice By

Nadine Ijewere Makes History As First Black Woman To Shoot An American Vogue Cover

London photographer Nadine Ijewere just made history as the first Black woman to shoot a cover for American Vogue

Ijewere is no stranger to firsts; she was also the first woman of color to shoot a British Vogue cover in 2018. When speaking to the cut  magazine about the lack of diversity in the industry she said, “When I was studying, there were virtually no female photographers of colour…I feel like in doing this I’m proving to younger girls from a similar background that it’s achievable. It also feels like part of a broader shift within our culture to include far more diversity, both behind the camera and in front of it.” 

The Jamaican-Nigerian photographer worked with fellow trailblazer, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, who served as stylist and fashion editor for this historic cover. In January 2021, Karefa-Johnson made history as the first Black woman to style a Vogue cover. As she continues to break down walls, Ijewere hopes her work will pave the way for more Black women in a historically male-dominated industry.

“As a young Black woman, I didn’t imagine that I would one day have the opportunity to shoot a cover for American Vogue. I’m so honored to have been able to work with my fellow sister Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. I hope this encourages Black women that there is space for us to take in this industry,” the 29-year-old said. 

Source: Thecut.com

 

by
Keep Reading
In Inspiration By

Meet The 21-Year-Old Who  Made History As The Youngest Photographer To  Shoot A British Vogue Cover

At 21-years-old, Kennedi Carter has made history as the youngest photographer to shoot a cover for British Vogue in its 104-year history. Carter had the privilege of photographing one of her musical idols, Beyoncé, for the December 2020 cover. The North Carolina native said she was shocked when she got the job.

“It feels like it dropped out of the sky,” Carter told British Vogue. “I’m 21… I haven’t really had many opportunities like this.”

Carter is a fine art photographer who describes her work as showcasing “overlooked beauties of the Black experience” and was handpicked by Vogue’s editor-in-chief Edward Enninful and Beyoncé, who asked for a woman of color specifically for the shoot. This isn’t the first time Queen B has had a hand in a historic Vogue cover; in 2018, she tapped 23-year-old Tyler Mitchell as her photographer. He became the first-ever Black photographer to shoot a Vogue cover in the publication’s 126-year history.

Although Carter’s aesthetic falls in line with Beyonce’s, especially with her recent Black Is King visual album, which uplifted the Blackness across the diaspora, Carter still felt shocked due to her perceived inexperience. She is younger than Irving Penn and David Bailey who’s first Vogue covers were 26 and 23, respectively.

“I thought I wouldn’t be able to do something at this level unless I was older, with many years in the game,” she told Vogue UK. “This is for people at the pinnacle of their careers.”

The senior African American studies major at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro told British Vogue that she didn’t let nerves get to her during the two-day shoot. She said she was going with the flow, having researched how the star worked and was surprised at how much control over the shoot Beyoncé gave her.

“I had underestimated how much she’s willing to submit herself to a vision and truly become someone else’s muse,” Carter said. Adding that the star’s ability to “control her own narrative” was something that she admired and that she was “just so, so nice.”

She said she appreciates the opportunity Beyoncé has given her and other artists that may not have been recognized without her platform.

“It’s really amazing that she’s using her influence to be able to give young artists this experience, and allowing their voices to be heard,” Carter told British Vogue. “She’s opening the door for others.”

Growing up, Carter didn’t expect to be a photographer; she’d only taken a photography class in high school because she thought it was going to be easy — it wasn’t. However, she kept at it and found her passion. She credits Dana Scruggs with getting her work in front of editors. Now that she has Beyoncé on her resume being noticed shouldn’t be a problem. But even with her newfound acclaim, she said she isn’t looking to leave her family in Durham to find a big city anytime soon. But she does plan to celebrate with them.

“I think we’ll just sit outside and make a little bonfire, the four of us,” She told British. “And I’ll invite my man.”

We can’t wait to see where you go from here, Kennedi! Congratulations!

Photo Credit: British Vogue/@internetbby Instagram

by
Keep Reading
In Career Gems By

Beyonce Covers British Vogue December Edition

Pop star Beyonce is on the cover of British Vogue’s December 2020 issue and she debuts on the cover with not one, not two, but three cover images! Yes, all the covers are pretty lovely.

For British Vogue’s new issue, the singer was photographed by 21-year-old Kennedi Carter.

Editor-in-chief of the magazine, Edward Enninful, says about Beyonce, “I had the enormous honour of interviewing Beyoncé, and working with the gifted up-and-coming photographer Kennedi Carter on a 20-page fashion story. At just 21, Kennedi becomes the youngest photographer to capture a British Vogue cover. Everyone always wants to know what it’s like to work with Beyoncé and her incredible team, and the answer is… flawless. A perfectionist to the core, more than anything, she wanted her Vogue moment to be filled with positivity as this trickiest of years draws to a close. As ever with Beyoncé’s goals, she got her wish.”

In the issue, Beyonce talks about how she feels changed by the events of 2020 as well as spending a considerable portion of her creative life working to elevate black, and specifically African, voices.

For more from Beyonce, visit Vogue.co.uk.

by
Keep Reading
In Inspiration By

Meghan Markle’s British Vogue Issue The Fastest Selling In The History Of The Magazine

With Megan Markle becoming a member of the royal house, her space has constantly been thrown in the spotlight.

It’s common for members of the royal house to appear on magazine covers but when Meghan was asked to guest-edit the 2019 September issue of British Vogue she further edged herself into history.

The magazine’s editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful, announced that the issue was the fasted selling issue in the history of British Vogue, having been sold out in 10 days, and was the best-selling issue of the decade. In its 103-year history, it was also the first time a September issue was guest-edited.

Meghan’s concept for the issue was to put a spotlight on women who are making a positive change in the world. Instead of her face on the cover, she had the likes of supermodel Adut Akech, English actress Gemma Chan and activist and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

“You have an editor’s eye, I mean, I’ve never seen anything like it,” Edward says about Meghan’s editorial direction. Wit this influence as Duchess of Sussex is the clear cut reason for the success of the “Forces of Change” issue.

Although Meghan,  has recently stepped away from her official royal duties, she was expected to join the list of other royals who have graced the magazine’s cover – but she chose to pay homage to other women instead. Other royals like  Princess Diana in 1981 and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, who appeared in 2016 have graced the British Vogue’s cover.

Click here for full article

 

 

by
Keep Reading
In Career Gems By

MEGHAN MARKLE SET TO LAUNCH OWN LINE OF WOMEN’S CLOTHING IN AID OF CHARITY

Meghan Markle is set to launch her own women’s clothing line in aid of charity.

The Duchess of Sussex revealed this in the new issue of British Vogue which she guest edited.

The new mum has persuaded major British retailers Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and Jigsaw – along with her designer friend, Mischa Nonoo – to create a “capsule” collection of women’s workwear which will benefit Smart Works, a charity helping women back into the workplace. Each time a piece is bought from one of the retailers, a “like for like” item will be donated to the charity.

Smart Works, one of Meghan’s first patronages, helps women from disadvantaged backgrounds get interview-ready by providing them with a new outfit and coaching from a team of volunteer mentors, according to Daily Mail.

Meghan writes in the September issue of British Vogue: “When you walk into a Smart Works space you’re met with racks of clothing and an array of bags and shoes. Sometimes, however, it can be a potpourri of mismatched sizes and colours, not always the right stylistic choices or range of sizes.

“To help with this, I asked Marks & Spencer, John Lewis & Partners, Jigsaw and my friends, the designer Mischa Nonoo, if they were willing to design a capsule collection of more classic options for a workwear wardrobe.

 

Meghan Markle is to launch her own line of women

Meghan Markle and friend designer Mischa Nonoo in 2015

“Taking the idea further, many of the brands agreed to use the one-for-one model: for each item purchased by a customer, one is donated to the charity. Not only does this allow us to be part of each other’s story, it reminds us we are in it together.”

A royal source confirmed the idea had been Meghan’s and said the collection would be available later this year but no further details could be given at present.

While still working as an actress on the legal drama Suits in Toronto, Meghan had her own clothing line with local retailer, Reitmans, featuring vegan leather trousers.

 

 

Credit: LIB

by
Keep Reading
In Career Gems By

CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE FEATURED IN MEGHAN MARKLE’S ‘FORCES OF CHANGE’ LIST FOR BRITISH VOGUE COVER

According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Duchess of Sussex, Markle picked 15 women she considers strong proponents for change for the upcoming September edition of the magazine which she co-edited.

The Duchess, who gave birth to her first child in May, reportedly spent seven months working with British Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Edward Enninful on the issue.

She said in a statement that she had sought to steer the focus of the September issue, usually the year’s most read, to “the values, causes and people making impact in the world today.”

“Through this lens I hope you’ll feel the strength of the collective in the diverse selection of women chosen for the cover as well as the team of support I called upon within the issue to help bring this to light.

“I hope readers feel as inspired as I do, by the ‘Forces for Change’ they’ll find within these pages,” Markle said.

Alongside Adichie, the list also features teenage climate change campaigner, Greta Thunberg, New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Arden, boxer Ramla Ali and actress and women’s rights advocate Salma Hayek Pinault.

Adichie had written bestselling books including “We Should All Be Feminists,” “Americanah” and “The Thing Around Your Neck,” which have been translated into more than thirty languages.

She was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2015 and one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s 50 Greatest Leaders in 2017.

Adichie graduated summa cum laude from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2001 with a degree in communication and political science. (NAN)

Credit: allafrica.com, NAN

Photo credit: legit.ng

by
Keep Reading