Naomi Campbell shames Vogue for lack of diversity

British Vogue has no non-white workers

Naomi Campbell is one of the only two black models to have had a solo British Vogue cover in the past 15 years. Can you believe it?



She has recently criticised the lack of diversity among the workers of the fashion magazine, highlighting how a staff photo taken under former Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Shulman, showed a complete absence of ‘coloured’ members.

Shulman was replaced by Edward Enninful after stepping down at the beginning of August. In its 100-year history, the fashion magazine has never had a man, or a non-white person as an editor.



As the fashion industry has a long-established issue with race and diversity, it was no surprise that his appointment was announced by many as a moment of reckoning for the industry. However, the final picture of Shulman’s staff underlines how much Enninful may have to struggle.

Campbell took it upon herself to share the staff photo on her Instagram handle:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYGCHeFHW32/?hl=en&taken-by=iamnaomicampbell

This prompted an outrage on social media as the lack of diversity within the British Vogue staff was laid bare. Many users responded to the model’s post to express their thoughts on the situation:

“I didn’t realise there was such a lack of diversity behind a revered British institution. That’s quite shocking for 2017. Edward has his work cut out. Let’s hope he modernises and together let’s watch as profits grow as he makes the magazine inclusive to all colours,” stated one.



Another added, “Diversity and inclusive practices are a must especially in fashion … black and brown people’s cultural influence in fashion are innumerable and should be reflected in every aspect of the industry.”

Enninful began to announce a series of actions which could help correct the issue before his appointment in August. However, despite this, the new employees who will work with Enninful are still overpoweringly white.

PHOTO: HELLO!

Enninful has sworn that he will do everything in his power to rectify the situation. His time as Editor will see diversity embraced on the pages of Vogue and behind it.

Enninful was appointed as Office of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016 for services to diversity in fashion. Since being named Editor, Enninful has has promised to “change it from the inside.”

Campbell’s Instagram post was an eye-opener for people of the public and the fashion industry. The new Editor-in-Chief seems to have things under control and it seems as though we will see rectifications of the issue in the near future.

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