Chioma Nnadi has admitted she has “big shoes to fill” as the new head of British Vogue.
The Londoner is stepping in for former editor-in-chief Edward Enninful, who spent more than six years at the forefront of the magazine with a focus on championing diversity with its cover and contents.
“Obviously what Edward did was incredible, I’m only taking the conversation further,” Nnadi — who is the first mixed-race woman to take on the role — told BBC News regarding the continued need to champion diversity at the publication.
“Thinking about younger baby Chioma — thinking about what she would’ve thought — and it’s not something in my wildest dreams that I would’ve imagined for myself. And I know how meaningful it is for younger people to see people like me — who look like me — in a position like this,” she added.
Nnadi also said Vogue has become “much more diverse” since she started at the magazine more than 10 years ago.
“[FKA Twigs] someone whose music and style I’ve always loved. For me, she represents the modern British eccentric” the new editor-in-chief said about her debut issue featuring singer FKA Twigs on the cover.
Nnadi started her career in newspapers in the U.K., before moving to New York and joining Vogue, where she spent 14 years climbing the ranks before landing a job as editor of Vogue.com.
She has interviewed A-listers, such as Rihanna and Angelina Jolie. Nnadi describes herself “first and foremost as a storyteller.”
Nnadi said she “absolutely” feels the pressure of the role, but “it’s an exciting time.”
