New style editor digs deep
When it comes to the issue of race it is a topic that most try to evade due to historical relations and sensitivity most feel toward the subject. Edward Enninful, new style director for W Magazine, says the fashion industry has had to change its approach when it comes to blacks in the industry.
“The American fashion industry really has had to reassess its approach to fashion, particularly because Obama came into office. You know, for one of the most influential women [First Lady Michelle Obama] in the country to be black. I know that meant a great deal to a lot of black people in the fashion industry.”
Enninful expressed his feelings on this issue as well as his plans for W and thoughts on the fashion industry during a recent interview with the Huffington Post. He also says he sees many young blacks in fashion; making their own clothes, styling and photographing.
While talking about the future of W, Enninful discussed the possibility of using more black models.
“I feel that it’s all about education. The best photographers know how to light any color skin. If you’re good at styling, it’s like the first time, you know how to dress any body shape. I think if you’re really good at what you do, you can see outside the box.”
Education is very instrumental on the road to success, but unfortunately blacks, as well as Hispanics, are two times less likely to graduate college than whites; as referenced in the infographic below. More information can be found on fastcodesign.com.
Enninful was very instrumental with Vogue Italia’s first all black issue and said “The beauty of the black issue was that it was an all-black issue, but it wasn’t just a one-off. She [Franca Sozzani] continued to challenge the norm, which is the question that we’ve been talking about, and I feel that’s what we want to take from W as well. We want to make everybody a part of the after-party. Everyone’s welcome.”
Enninful started off as a model then quickly transitioned to fashion director of i-D Magazine and later contributed to Vogue Italia and worked on American Vogue with editor Anna Wintour; in which he says he will always have a soft spot for both the magazine and its editor.
As told on myfashionlife.com Enninful will reportedly replace current style director Alex White in April of next year. His vision for W was described in three words: reflection, projections and documentation.
Because of technology and the fast advancement of self produced products, i.e. YouTube, bloggers, Etsy and many other outlets, as well as the social development of future generations, the number of blacks in fashion will continue to increase and barriers will continue to be broken.
As Enninful said in his interview, “It depends on the level of vision a person has.”
What’s your take on the state of blacks in the fashion industry? Do you feel like it’s changing for the better and where do you see the future for blacks in the industry? Let us know below and on the Facebook page!
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