Edward Enninful, editor of British Vogue during a recent interview said that despite rejections he faced early on his fashion career, he’s never shied away from his race or sexuality.
In a candid interview with gay magazine Attitude, Enninful said: “It’s very important to me, I’ve never shied away from being black or gay…I want young kids to know It’s OK to be who you are.”
The former fashion stylist recounted times when he was turned down for modelling jobs because he was black.
Enninful, who faced employment rejections as young as 16 at the hands of casting agents said he was told designers were “not looking for a black model this season” and felt that he was “not meant to be there” when he attended some castings.
He told the magazine: “It was my first experience of rejection because I looked a certain way.”
The 46-year-old’s experiences appear to have fuelled his determination to do what he can to make sure that young people of colour see themselves represented in places that have historically ignored them.
Enninful’s appointment at the prestigious fashion title has been heralded as a win for diversity.
His latest issue, which features Rihanna as the cover star, is historic as it is the first British Vogue September issue to have a black cover star.
September issues are the most important in the calendar of monthly fashion publications.
They are usually the editions with the highest number of pages and mark the transition to Autumn/Winter wardrobe and trends.
Photo Credit: Darren Gerrish via Vogue.co.uk
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