British Vogue

Background

British Vogue is the British edition of the American fashion magazine Vogue. The magazine is published monthly twelve times per year. Within the United Kingdom copies of the magazine come without the 'British' in the 'O' in the publications logo.

Circulation

Editors

History

Early years under Chapcommunal, Todd, and Settle (1916–1934)

During the World War I, Condé Nast (publisher of Vogue) dealt with restrictions on overseas shipping and paper shortages in the United States. To answer the problem the decision was made to launch a British edition providing Vogue coverage across the British Isles, with the American edition unable to be shipped to Britain.

Under the editor Elspeth Champcommunal, articles included 'society and sporting news ... Health and beauty advice ... travelogues ... and editorials', making a 'skilfully mixed cocktail'.

Dorothy Todd became editor in 1923 and was renowned for her boldness, especially blending the arts and fashion. Under her leadership the magazine shifted its focus from fashion to literature, featuring articles from Clive Bell, Virginia Woolf, Aldous Huxley, and more. However, the magazine also lost much of its audience due to these changes and she was replaced by Alison Settle in 1926.

Pre and post-war under Penrose and Withers (1935–1960)

Audrey Withers became editor of the magazine in 1940 (replacing Elizabeth Penrose Howkins who edited the publication from 1935 to 1939). During the World War II the magazine reported on events of the war. In 1944, Lee Miller was sent to Normandy by Withers to produce an article on wartime nursing; then following the Allied advance through Europe reporting on the liberation of Paris and Buchenwald concentration camp.

Under Anna Wintour and Liz Tilberis (1985–1992)

Anna Wintour served as editor-in-chief from 1985 to 1987 before taking over House & Garden, editing the magazine for only ten months before becoming editor-in-chief of American Vogue, a position she is still in.

Liz Tilberis then took over the magazine running the publication until 1992 when she joined Vogue's rival Harper's Bazaar in New York City as editor-in-chief.

Under Alexandra Shuman (1992–2017)

Under Alexandra Shulman the magazine drew over a million readers. Shulman developed collectors issues of the magazine such as the 'Gold Millennium Issue'. Shulman was also praised for her use of up and coming photographers like Mario Testino. Shulman pushed designers to stop using 'size-zero' models and attempted to 'change the face of fashion'.

In 2016, Shulman collaborated with photographer Josh Olins to shoot Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge on the cover of *Vogue'''s centenary issue. The photographs were subsequently featured in the National Portrait Gallery, London The magazine under Shulman was the subject of Richard Macer's behind-the-scenes BBC documentary, *Absolutely Fashion: Inside British Vogue'' (2016).

Current era under Enninful and Nnandi (2017–present)

Edward Enninful was confirmed as the new editor-in-chief of British Vogue on 10 April 2017. Condé Nast International chairman and CEO Jonathan Newhouse announced him as the successor to Alexandra Shulman, calling Enninful "an influential figure in the communities of fashion, Hollywood and music which shape the cultural zeitgeist", adding that "by virtue of his talent and experience, Edward is supremely prepared to assume the responsibility of British Vogue".

Enninful's first issue as editor-in-chief was 2017's December issue, featuring British model and activist Adwoa Aboah on the cover.

The magazine's September 2020 triple gatefold cover featured pictures of 20 activists often associated with the Black Lives Matter movement, including Marcus Rashford and Adwoa Aboah. The Activism Now edition was photographed by Misan Harriman and was the first British Vogue cover taken by a black man in the magazine's 104-year history (Nadine Ijewere was the first black female to take a cover photograph).

Actress Dame Judi Dench became the oldest person at age 85 to be featured on the June 2020 cover. In 2022, actor Timothée Chalamet became the first, solo male print cover star in the magazine's history.

In June 2023, Enninful announced his departure from the magazine and his last cover was the March 2024 issue.

Chioma Nnadi succeeded Enninful as editor, and was the first black woman to be head of editorial content at the publication.

Notes

References

References

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18. (4 May 2020). "Judi Dench, 85, is the oldest British Vogue cover star ever — see her photo shoot!".
19. Mzizi, Yola. (2024-02-08). "Edward Enninful's Final British Vogue Cover Features 40 Former Cover Stars".
20. Ferrier, Morwenna. (18 September 2023). "Chioma Nnadi to replace Edward Enninful as head of British Vogue". [[The Guardian]].