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A Visible Man
Edward Enninful has lived an extraordinary life.
Here, for the first time, he shares the remarkable, inspiring story of his journey from a childhood bedroom in Ghana overlooking firing squads, to 1990s London - becoming the youngest-ever fashion director of i-D magazine at just eighteen years old. Now the first Black editor-in-chief of British Vogue, he has created game-changing images of everyone from Beyoncé to Meghan Markle, Kate Moss to Oprah Winfrey, Adele to Rihanna, and many more stars he now counts as friends.
A Visible Man is the story of a husband, son, brother, friend - and icon. Taking us from the neon thrills of Soho clubs to nights spent on friends' sofas, this is the story of Edward's phenomenal grit and of failures, loss, coming out, joy, hedonism, fame, love, heartbreak, sacrifice, ill health and era-defining achievements. It's the story of one man's revolutionary mission to change how we see the world, showing how unwavering passion and perseverance can allow anyone to make their mark - just like he did.
Here, for the first time, he shares the remarkable, inspiring story of his journey from a childhood bedroom in Ghana overlooking firing squads, to 1990s London - becoming the youngest-ever fashion director of i-D magazine at just eighteen years old. Now the first Black editor-in-chief of British Vogue, he has created game-changing images of everyone from Beyoncé to Meghan Markle, Kate Moss to Oprah Winfrey, Adele to Rihanna, and many more stars he now counts as friends.
A Visible Man is the story of a husband, son, brother, friend - and icon. Taking us from the neon thrills of Soho clubs to nights spent on friends' sofas, this is the story of Edward's phenomenal grit and of failures, loss, coming out, joy, hedonism, fame, love, heartbreak, sacrifice, ill health and era-defining achievements. It's the story of one man's revolutionary mission to change how we see the world, showing how unwavering passion and perseverance can allow anyone to make their mark - just like he did.
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First published September 6, 2022
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About the author
Edward Enninful
7 books30 followersEdward Enninful is editor-in-chief of British Vogue and the European Editorial Director for Vogue. As a lifelong advocate for diverse voices, Edward spearheaded "The Black Issue" at Vogue Italia which featured only Black models. He eventually rose to become the fashion and style director of W Magazine. In 2017, Edward became editor-in-chief of British Vogue, making him the only Black person to serve in this role in the history of Vogue. Born in Ghana, he currently resides in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
September 12, 2022
This is a fascinating memoir which charts Edward (Asiamah) Enninful’s journey from his birth in Ghana to becoming Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue. This is a powerful story of using key positions to break down barriers and promote diversity and inclusivity. The cover perfectly matches the contents - this is one impressive man. I find the autobiography inspirational, what he achieves at an incredibly young age for example, becoming fashion director at i-D at 18! Yes, 18! His work ethic is truly phenomenal which inevitably leads him not only to becoming a rising star in the world of fashion but grants him the ability to make important statements. An example of this is his determination to represent black people in his fashion shoots and in magazines which you would think in this day and age would be representative of all but isn’t necessarily so. He encounters resistance but is proved right. He encounters racism on his way up, some of which takes my breath away in shock and makes me feel sad. However, he is an example along with figures such as Naomi Campbell that everyone can be at ‘the centre of the universe’ and do it on your own terms and in his case, by the efforts of yourself. I really enjoy too, the insights into the fashion world from the late ‘80’s, the things that influence him and how he finds his style.
Overall, this has been a interesting and insightful read. He writes with warmth, sensitivity and honesty and comes across as an immensely likeable man.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Overall, this has been a interesting and insightful read. He writes with warmth, sensitivity and honesty and comes across as an immensely likeable man.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
September 13, 2022
This isn't gossipy, it isn't full of celebrity insider stories, it's not particularly sophisticated in writing style - but what makes this so worth reading is Enninful's version of the 'immigrant story' and the fact that his vision is always that of a Black gay man at the cliff-face of the fashion and magazine industries, both notoriously white until very lately with no more than lip service paid to the prominent exceptions: Naomi Campbell, Iman, Alek Wek.
There's a lovely down to earth quality about Enninful's story, with a real warmth as he recalls his Ghanian middle-class family forced to become refugees in London after a political regime change in Ghana saw his father's cousin and his wife gunned down by opponents and Enninful's own military father named a target. His love of street fashion and music, his effortless intelligence, his mother's tailoring business all feed into his falling into modelling, then jobs styling for fashion shoots before he eventually becomes Editor-in-chief at Vogue.
Enninful pulls no punches in terms of his politics: Thatcher and, more recently, Brexit, Trump, the Tory lurch to the right, BLM, all get covered as much through his trepidation as a Black gay man who's had his fair share of racial and sexual profiling as anything. And it's hopeful remembering his politicisation of Vogue such as the 'I am an immigrant' campaign they ran in defiance of Trump and resurgent right-wing nationalism. It's clear that Enninful sees his role as a responsibility as well as an opportunity, something that has driven traditional Vogue in a whole new radical direction.
Nevertheless, this is no easy sunny story. One of the well-timed closing anecdotes is of Enninful entering Vogue House and being accosted by a white security guard who bellows: 'LOADING BAY... DELIVERIES GO THROUGH THE LOADING BAY.' He may be Editor-in-chief but he's still being racially profiled even within the corporate world that has seemingly embraced him.
Thanks to Bloomsbury for an ARC via NetGalley.
There's a lovely down to earth quality about Enninful's story, with a real warmth as he recalls his Ghanian middle-class family forced to become refugees in London after a political regime change in Ghana saw his father's cousin and his wife gunned down by opponents and Enninful's own military father named a target. His love of street fashion and music, his effortless intelligence, his mother's tailoring business all feed into his falling into modelling, then jobs styling for fashion shoots before he eventually becomes Editor-in-chief at Vogue.
Enninful pulls no punches in terms of his politics: Thatcher and, more recently, Brexit, Trump, the Tory lurch to the right, BLM, all get covered as much through his trepidation as a Black gay man who's had his fair share of racial and sexual profiling as anything. And it's hopeful remembering his politicisation of Vogue such as the 'I am an immigrant' campaign they ran in defiance of Trump and resurgent right-wing nationalism. It's clear that Enninful sees his role as a responsibility as well as an opportunity, something that has driven traditional Vogue in a whole new radical direction.
Nevertheless, this is no easy sunny story. One of the well-timed closing anecdotes is of Enninful entering Vogue House and being accosted by a white security guard who bellows: 'LOADING BAY... DELIVERIES GO THROUGH THE LOADING BAY.' He may be Editor-in-chief but he's still being racially profiled even within the corporate world that has seemingly embraced him.
Thanks to Bloomsbury for an ARC via NetGalley.
August 4, 2022
When I tell you this was a joy to read! I also cried 8 times (of happiness for once!) while reading in large part on the plane, trying to surreptitiously wipe my eyes.
Enninful immigrated to Britain from Ghana as a young boy under a strict father and was recruited as a teenager to model. What opened up for him from there was full speed ahead and was a thrill to be a part of.
Editor of i-D, working with famed photographers, style icons, supermodels, the most famous editors in chief. I will not name drop the many famous names because it felt like a wonderful surprise to get an inside glimpse.
But what swept me up the most was Enninful's championing of Black women in an industry that routinely tries to block or hide behind an 'economic justification' saying that Black women won't sell, they can't exude this look or so on, which time and time again Enninful rammed head on and showed how wrong this racist thinking is. It was such a joy to get a front seat to see how much of a world changer he has been.
5 star memoir
Enninful immigrated to Britain from Ghana as a young boy under a strict father and was recruited as a teenager to model. What opened up for him from there was full speed ahead and was a thrill to be a part of.
Editor of i-D, working with famed photographers, style icons, supermodels, the most famous editors in chief. I will not name drop the many famous names because it felt like a wonderful surprise to get an inside glimpse.
But what swept me up the most was Enninful's championing of Black women in an industry that routinely tries to block or hide behind an 'economic justification' saying that Black women won't sell, they can't exude this look or so on, which time and time again Enninful rammed head on and showed how wrong this racist thinking is. It was such a joy to get a front seat to see how much of a world changer he has been.
5 star memoir
December 30, 2023
I love a good fashion memoir; one that addresses racism and classism within the industry is even better! Enninful was the first Black editor-in-chief of British Vogue and details his childhood in Ghana, emigrating to London, and how his start as a model evolved into a career behind the scenes. I’m not as familiar with the British fashion scene of the 1980/1990s so it was especially fun to hear about that time, as well as learning about his friendships with various notables. Again and again he used his position to elevate other Black designers and models and to push back against the racist, classist systems in place. He has unique insights as a Black immigrant and I loved hearing about how this translated to his work.
As I read, I couldn’t help but wonder about Enninful’s relationship with André Leon Talley. He’s briefly mentioned by name and there’s a photo of them at an event but that’s about it. Talley’s memoir The Chiffon Trenches detailed his own experiences with racism within the industry, taking a quieter, more “behind the scenes” approach. Enninful, by contrast, addresses racism head on, both in this memoir and in his work.
This isn’t a dishy memoir, nor is it particularly in-depth. But it was super enjoyable nonetheless. Enninful stays fairly inscrutable: I don’t feel I know him any better now that I’m done. I’ll be curious if he ever writes more of a tell-all. I also would have liked to hear more about his relationship with his husband Alec.
Content notes: alcoholism and sobriety (says he doesn’t fit the clinical definition; after 14 years of sobriety started to occasionally have a sip of alcohol), PTSD diagnosis, depression, hypochondria, Sickle Cell Anemia + Thalassemia, medical abuse (doctor refused to prescribe pain medication for Sickle Cell pain), mom has a stroke, death of mother, friend died by suicide, emotionally abusive father, racism, xenophobia, racial profiling, police violence, homophobia, classism, AIDS epidemic, COVID-19, George Floyd murder, father kicked him out of the house for quitting college, immigration from Ghana to London (asylum), passport theft, shoplifting, father in the military and often deployed, dog bite, tinnitus, detaching retina, weight gain, alcohol, inebriation, acid, LSD, marijuana, cigarettes, anti-fat bias, ableist language, mentions of military executions and politically-motivated murders
As I read, I couldn’t help but wonder about Enninful’s relationship with André Leon Talley. He’s briefly mentioned by name and there’s a photo of them at an event but that’s about it. Talley’s memoir The Chiffon Trenches detailed his own experiences with racism within the industry, taking a quieter, more “behind the scenes” approach. Enninful, by contrast, addresses racism head on, both in this memoir and in his work.
This isn’t a dishy memoir, nor is it particularly in-depth. But it was super enjoyable nonetheless. Enninful stays fairly inscrutable: I don’t feel I know him any better now that I’m done. I’ll be curious if he ever writes more of a tell-all. I also would have liked to hear more about his relationship with his husband Alec.
Content notes: alcoholism and sobriety (says he doesn’t fit the clinical definition; after 14 years of sobriety started to occasionally have a sip of alcohol), PTSD diagnosis, depression, hypochondria, Sickle Cell Anemia + Thalassemia, medical abuse (doctor refused to prescribe pain medication for Sickle Cell pain), mom has a stroke, death of mother, friend died by suicide, emotionally abusive father, racism, xenophobia, racial profiling, police violence, homophobia, classism, AIDS epidemic, COVID-19, George Floyd murder, father kicked him out of the house for quitting college, immigration from Ghana to London (asylum), passport theft, shoplifting, father in the military and often deployed, dog bite, tinnitus, detaching retina, weight gain, alcohol, inebriation, acid, LSD, marijuana, cigarettes, anti-fat bias, ableist language, mentions of military executions and politically-motivated murders
October 15, 2022
I was torn between 3&4 and would have given 3.5, were it possible. I found the Edward Enniful's background and history really interesting. I found the chapters describing his early life coming to London and early career in fashion most interesting. I found the latter part of the book to be less well paced and more rushed and it showed in grammar errors and missing words which felt like a draft which had not been proof read. I found the conclusion to be rather rushed and abrupt but overall a really interesting and insightful read.
October 20, 2025
The 2 stars really just comes from the fact that while the book does indeed describe Edward’s life I feel as though we didn’t dive deep enough into his feelings. Felt more like a Biography that was written with the subject than an Autobiography.
You can truly see Edward’s vision and what he has done for the fashion industry, however, the point of the book is to walk in his shoes not to feel like he’s telling you stories on a night out.
You can truly see Edward’s vision and what he has done for the fashion industry, however, the point of the book is to walk in his shoes not to feel like he’s telling you stories on a night out.
June 8, 2024
Extraordinary. What an incredible life story of the Ghanaian refugee who landed in London as a teenager and became the Head of British Vogue, among many other insanely impressive career achievements. I am in awe of Edward Enninful - a good man - inherently warm, kind, energetic, thorough and thoughtful to everyone he meets and everything he does. A dreamer his entire life and such an inspiration. The way he speaks of fashion spoke to me deeply. He brings such life, meaning and storytelling to an industry often snubbed as irrelevant or stupid, while also powerfully commentating on racism and politics throughout. Loved this book and love him - he’s 100% added to my list of who I’d want at my hypothetical dinner party!
May 7, 2023
Even for a person like me who couldn't care less about fashion, this book was interesting. Edward's writing is real, raw, and honest. The story of how an immigrant, Black, and gay person like him has now become the editor-in-chief of British Vogue is both inspiring and surreal.
The book also gave me a lot of insight into what stylists, designers, and editors do as I had zero knowledge about it. While it all seems glamorous from the outside, the hard work and pressure is vividly portrayed by Enninful. He doesn't shy away from talking about how he let himself be consumed with work so much that it took a toll on his health - an important reminder for all of us definitely.
Although there were some typos in the last few chapters of the book, the overall writing kept me hooked. It's a story told simply with a lot of heart.
The book also gave me a lot of insight into what stylists, designers, and editors do as I had zero knowledge about it. While it all seems glamorous from the outside, the hard work and pressure is vividly portrayed by Enninful. He doesn't shy away from talking about how he let himself be consumed with work so much that it took a toll on his health - an important reminder for all of us definitely.
Although there were some typos in the last few chapters of the book, the overall writing kept me hooked. It's a story told simply with a lot of heart.
October 2, 2024
What an impressive life. Love listening to memoirs for the window into someone else’s completely different life. He has no doubt accomplished a lot. My favorite parts are hearing about his upbringing and early start in the industry. I was less interested in the list of accolades he created during his more senior position years but I think if I had been keeping up with the covers under his vogue tenure more I would’ve appreciated. Will do some outside research on him curious to compare his narrative to external stories about him. There were several issues he mentioned that I vividly remember. always interesting to hear the thought process behind the cultural moments. Overall learned a lot about him and this was a pretty good memoir. This is not a gossipy fashion book. He only speaks highly of people named and forgoes naming anyone specifically who’s wronged him. Just below surface level covering of all events.
February 29, 2024
I was really excited to read this, however I think I was expecting a little more. I did however love hearing about his upbringing and how he found his way into fashion.
September 25, 2022
"Confinement was further proof that no matter where we are or what we endure, fashion is always there with us"
A spectacular and inspiring memoir by a truly talented man. Enninful details the many challenges he faced as a black, gay man to get to his position now and to change the fashion industry in the way he has done.
Through simple but engaging writing, the book gave an insight on the fashion industry and gave me a much bigger appreciation of all aspects of fashion in general (and makeup, as a Pat McGrath fan). Like most memoirs of this nature, at times there was an almost bragging tone, but his achievements are definitely something to boast about. He was however also able to criticise some of his personality, such as his almost non-existent work-life balance.
I hope in the future he releases a more creative edition featuring a lot of his work and more pictures as this would be a very useful and appealing visual aid to the writing.
Thanks NetGalley for the eARC.
A spectacular and inspiring memoir by a truly talented man. Enninful details the many challenges he faced as a black, gay man to get to his position now and to change the fashion industry in the way he has done.
Through simple but engaging writing, the book gave an insight on the fashion industry and gave me a much bigger appreciation of all aspects of fashion in general (and makeup, as a Pat McGrath fan). Like most memoirs of this nature, at times there was an almost bragging tone, but his achievements are definitely something to boast about. He was however also able to criticise some of his personality, such as his almost non-existent work-life balance.
I hope in the future he releases a more creative edition featuring a lot of his work and more pictures as this would be a very useful and appealing visual aid to the writing.
Thanks NetGalley for the eARC.
January 13, 2023
Wha a wonderful memoir from Edward Enninful! I've admired his life and career from afar for so many years, and it was lovely seeing him tell everything in his own words.
Something that I'm constantly frustrated by in other high-profile memoirs (particularly if there's a career focus) is that often writers will gloss over a lot of smaller professional moments and make everything sound really glamorous; I appreciated that Enninful avoided that issue entirely. He was brutally honest about his process and his internal anxieties in the midst of so many opportunities, and I felt as a reader that I got a really well-rounded sense of him as a human and a Fashion Person™.
Two other favorites parts of this: How much Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell came up (he really casually mentions them all the time on a first-name basis) and that rightful snub at Alex Shulman. LMAAOOOOO, EDWARD!!!
Something that I'm constantly frustrated by in other high-profile memoirs (particularly if there's a career focus) is that often writers will gloss over a lot of smaller professional moments and make everything sound really glamorous; I appreciated that Enninful avoided that issue entirely. He was brutally honest about his process and his internal anxieties in the midst of so many opportunities, and I felt as a reader that I got a really well-rounded sense of him as a human and a Fashion Person™.
Two other favorites parts of this: How much Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell came up (he really casually mentions them all the time on a first-name basis) and that rightful snub at Alex Shulman. LMAAOOOOO, EDWARD!!!
May 4, 2024
I really did enjoy Edward Enninful’s autobiography, I feel he seems like such an elusive powerhouse in fashion so it was delightful to hear about his unique experiences straight from the source. I live for a name dropper and this book absolutely scratched that itch. However, there was something about how the (very long) chapters were structured, and how they randomly jumped between jobs and really major moments of personal upheaval, that was a bit jarring and brought this down from 4 stars for me. But I really did love this book and recommend it to any pop culture die hard.
Read
October 24, 2024i read this for school and found it both enjoyable and inspiring. i chose not to give it a star rating because i don’t believe in rating memoirs or biographies (who am i to rate someone’s life story??).
November 26, 2023
I've come away from this book having learned a lot and feeling very inspired.
December 29, 2022
I’d forgotten how much I enjoy a good biography. This was a fascinating trip through the fashion world from London to New York and Milan. Lots of interesting moments including his part in the September Issue documentary! I bought this when it came out and I’m glad I finally got round to reading it.
January 30, 2023
Excellent read for anyone who works, or has an interest in, creative industries - particularly north/ north west Londoners. The personable writing style is conversational without being gossipy. Ultimately you are being served an education from one of the most aspirational figures of our time and in between the laughter I was conscious not to forget it.
The luxurious image of Enninfuls life could easily feel isolating and difficult to relate to but every success that is shared is underpinned by a caveat and/or lesson. Also fascinating to see the early development of crucial fashion giant relationships, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Pat McGrath in a way that felt conducive to the readers own progress rather than the spilling of juicy personal details.
The luxurious image of Enninfuls life could easily feel isolating and difficult to relate to but every success that is shared is underpinned by a caveat and/or lesson. Also fascinating to see the early development of crucial fashion giant relationships, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Pat McGrath in a way that felt conducive to the readers own progress rather than the spilling of juicy personal details.
January 29, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5! Incredibly honest, moving, and powerful story of Edward’s journey to the top. I realized I actually only knew of his story after he’d reach the top, so it was enlightening to get the full scoop from the beginning. He didn’t shy away from it being hard as an “outsider” on the inside of the industry. I was also unaware of all the mental and health issues he had to overcome in parallel to leading a demanding life/job, but makes total sense knowing what I know now and the importance of living a balanced life. So grateful to have been able to learn more about his story! Legend!
March 23, 2023
One of the best memoirs I have read as of late. Couldn’t put it down.
October 2, 2022
Thank you PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook.
Based on the reviews, I think people might enjoy this book more as an audiobook. Edward Enninful describes his life and journey in such an engaging way, I was hanging off of his every word.
His ideologies and passions are inspiring, focusing on the minimalized stories and bringing them to the forefront. Now, as the editor-in-chief of British Vogue, he's been able to give a platform to people that have been generally dismissed as unimportant by society standards. During the pandemic, it was frontline workers and activists that made the covers of British Vogue. Thanks to Enninful, he's pushed the card for more diversity and inclusion in fashion.
I found his words to be very inspiring. To not look back, but to look forward.
Fashion is a mirror to society. In the past few years, I've seen the fear, the anger, and the desire for rebellion. And yes, it was a reflection of the political climate of the time. In 2020, the fashion shift came to uplifting Black voices and creators after George Floyd's murder. Enninful explains all of this and how UK Vogue has played a part in amplifying and sharing these voices.
Even listening to his childhood, I finally learned what in the world "Buffalo Stance" by Neneh Cherry was about. It was about fashion!!!
Enninful even talks about feeling imposter syndrome throughout a lot of his career. But even though he felt that each step of the way, he became editor-in-chief of British Vogue. So even though you may feel like you have absolutely no idea what you are doing, take those chances. Go with the flow, see where it takes you. That's the lesson you'll learn from Enninful.
And when you take each step, amplify the voices of others who have been marginalized. Share their stories.
I definitely recommend this memoir, especially in audiobook format. That way, you can get a real feel for the things he's most passionate or angry about as he reads.
Based on the reviews, I think people might enjoy this book more as an audiobook. Edward Enninful describes his life and journey in such an engaging way, I was hanging off of his every word.
His ideologies and passions are inspiring, focusing on the minimalized stories and bringing them to the forefront. Now, as the editor-in-chief of British Vogue, he's been able to give a platform to people that have been generally dismissed as unimportant by society standards. During the pandemic, it was frontline workers and activists that made the covers of British Vogue. Thanks to Enninful, he's pushed the card for more diversity and inclusion in fashion.
I found his words to be very inspiring. To not look back, but to look forward.
Fashion is a mirror to society. In the past few years, I've seen the fear, the anger, and the desire for rebellion. And yes, it was a reflection of the political climate of the time. In 2020, the fashion shift came to uplifting Black voices and creators after George Floyd's murder. Enninful explains all of this and how UK Vogue has played a part in amplifying and sharing these voices.
Even listening to his childhood, I finally learned what in the world "Buffalo Stance" by Neneh Cherry was about. It was about fashion!!!
Enninful even talks about feeling imposter syndrome throughout a lot of his career. But even though he felt that each step of the way, he became editor-in-chief of British Vogue. So even though you may feel like you have absolutely no idea what you are doing, take those chances. Go with the flow, see where it takes you. That's the lesson you'll learn from Enninful.
And when you take each step, amplify the voices of others who have been marginalized. Share their stories.
I definitely recommend this memoir, especially in audiobook format. That way, you can get a real feel for the things he's most passionate or angry about as he reads.
Read
February 15, 2023While the world of fashion is not one I'm very immersed in, Edward Enninful's memoir still captivated me from page one. I think it is true that we can learn the most from people whose lives don't have as many intersections with our own.
This memoir centers around fashion, an aspect of human invention that some may find frivolous or vapid. Enninful proves it is anything but, sharing how his first foray into fashion was through his mother, who was a designer and seamstress in Ghana whose work gave her a certain level of independence in her marriage. Enninful also shows how fashion can be political and radical, as he discusses his own (and sadly, ongoing) battles with racism in his own experiences in the fashion world and how he promotes diversity in British Vogue, such as featuring more Black models on the cover and even featuring frontline workers for the July 2020 issue. Fashion can be powerful.
Enninful is a writer with a clear and vibrant voice on the page and is insightful, witty, and humorous, all while having no qualms about telling it like it is. While it is amazing to see what he has accomplished, it's even more amazing that as he rose, he never failed to pull up other people who mainstream society ignored because they were Black, queer, or otherwise outside the mainstream. Enninful is here to redefine the mainstream, and I think I might need a subscription to British Vogue now!
My thanks to the publisher for my advance copy of this one.
This memoir centers around fashion, an aspect of human invention that some may find frivolous or vapid. Enninful proves it is anything but, sharing how his first foray into fashion was through his mother, who was a designer and seamstress in Ghana whose work gave her a certain level of independence in her marriage. Enninful also shows how fashion can be political and radical, as he discusses his own (and sadly, ongoing) battles with racism in his own experiences in the fashion world and how he promotes diversity in British Vogue, such as featuring more Black models on the cover and even featuring frontline workers for the July 2020 issue. Fashion can be powerful.
Enninful is a writer with a clear and vibrant voice on the page and is insightful, witty, and humorous, all while having no qualms about telling it like it is. While it is amazing to see what he has accomplished, it's even more amazing that as he rose, he never failed to pull up other people who mainstream society ignored because they were Black, queer, or otherwise outside the mainstream. Enninful is here to redefine the mainstream, and I think I might need a subscription to British Vogue now!
My thanks to the publisher for my advance copy of this one.
February 5, 2023
i loved it! first read for black history month <4
„fashion's ability to shape conversations and empower individuals and communities will only become more potent in the years to come.“
bereits im preface wird darauf hingewiesen, dass es nicht nur eine story über einen struggling black man in a racist society sein soll. gerade im black history month wird zu viel auf black pain geschaut — iwo valid und richtig —, statt sich mehr auf das zelebrieren von black storys zu konzentrieren. a visible man schafft es, die balance zwischen den zwei perspektiven aufrecht zu erhalten. es geht vor allem um die person edward enninful und allem was zu ihm gehört (familie, mental health, creative mind, being gay) und nicht nur um seine blackness, aber auch um kate und naomi — vorsichtig, echt viel name-dropping, but i did not mind.
das writing hat mich echt beeindruckt, trotz vieler fashion-insider (names), die manchmal bissi verwirren können ohne kontext. einziges manko war die unklare zeitstruktur, mehr jahreszahlen hätten geholfen.
empfehlung geht raus! 5⭐️ btw its 4AM
„fashion's ability to shape conversations and empower individuals and communities will only become more potent in the years to come.“
bereits im preface wird darauf hingewiesen, dass es nicht nur eine story über einen struggling black man in a racist society sein soll. gerade im black history month wird zu viel auf black pain geschaut — iwo valid und richtig —, statt sich mehr auf das zelebrieren von black storys zu konzentrieren. a visible man schafft es, die balance zwischen den zwei perspektiven aufrecht zu erhalten. es geht vor allem um die person edward enninful und allem was zu ihm gehört (familie, mental health, creative mind, being gay) und nicht nur um seine blackness, aber auch um kate und naomi — vorsichtig, echt viel name-dropping, but i did not mind.
das writing hat mich echt beeindruckt, trotz vieler fashion-insider (names), die manchmal bissi verwirren können ohne kontext. einziges manko war die unklare zeitstruktur, mehr jahreszahlen hätten geholfen.
empfehlung geht raus! 5⭐️ btw its 4AM
September 15, 2022
Going into this book, I have to confess I had not heard of Edward Enninful.
However, as this book unravelled, I found myself truly touched by its author, the rawness, honesty and warmth of someone who, often not in the spotlight directly himself, allowed others to take centre stage.
We follow his younger years as he moves from Ghana to the UK, and then on to a ground-breaking career in fashion and media. Throughout the book, I found his observations fascinating- he is never self-pitying nor aggrandising, never overly effusive or curt.
Instead, we get a peek behind the curtains of topics as broad as the immigrant experience, his star-studded career, health and overworking, racism within the fashion and media industries, and the importance of helping those coming after you to climb the ladder.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
However, as this book unravelled, I found myself truly touched by its author, the rawness, honesty and warmth of someone who, often not in the spotlight directly himself, allowed others to take centre stage.
We follow his younger years as he moves from Ghana to the UK, and then on to a ground-breaking career in fashion and media. Throughout the book, I found his observations fascinating- he is never self-pitying nor aggrandising, never overly effusive or curt.
Instead, we get a peek behind the curtains of topics as broad as the immigrant experience, his star-studded career, health and overworking, racism within the fashion and media industries, and the importance of helping those coming after you to climb the ladder.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2023
I’ve always been a big fan of Edward Enninful's work, whether it’s his early editorials with i.d. or all the fantasy styling with Italia vogue. On top of everything, British Vogue is the ONLY media that still runs unique original inspiring content under the entire vogue umbrella in my opinion.
Overall the memoir is a delightful read - it teaches us about the importance of celebrating our milestones. You learn that "success" takes time. It does reads a bit like Andre Leon Talley’s book - a lot of sad stories of discrimination within the industry, a lot of tears/happiness in celebrated moments, and a whole lot of glam. I LOVE reading about early career stories of Nick Knight, Craig McDean, Franca Sozzani, and later Jurgen Teller, Steven Meisel, Naomi and Kate obviously, Pat McGrath, Guido, the list goes on. (But again, it’s a pretty industry focused memoir, so one could get lost easy among all the names.)
I deducted a point for the reason that I don’t think the whole biography was very well edited? It felt very scattered at times - one second he’s curating a shoot, one second he started talking bout family and health issues?
Overall the memoir is a delightful read - it teaches us about the importance of celebrating our milestones. You learn that "success" takes time. It does reads a bit like Andre Leon Talley’s book - a lot of sad stories of discrimination within the industry, a lot of tears/happiness in celebrated moments, and a whole lot of glam. I LOVE reading about early career stories of Nick Knight, Craig McDean, Franca Sozzani, and later Jurgen Teller, Steven Meisel, Naomi and Kate obviously, Pat McGrath, Guido, the list goes on. (But again, it’s a pretty industry focused memoir, so one could get lost easy among all the names.)
I deducted a point for the reason that I don’t think the whole biography was very well edited? It felt very scattered at times - one second he’s curating a shoot, one second he started talking bout family and health issues?
September 11, 2022
A Visible Man is Edward's story of how he went from a young boy in Ghana, to being the youngest fashion editor of a London magazine at just 18 years old, and his journey to making his mark in the fashion industry, forging well needed diverse changes within the fashion world, and onto becoming the first Black editor-in-chief of British Vogue.
And what a remarkable journey it was. I loved every page of this book. Edward is a wonderful and talented man, and his story is so inspiring. You can't help but feel proud of him and the changes he has helped to shape, not just in the fashion world, for people of colour and different ethnicities.
A thoroughly entertaining read. I couldn't put it down, and look forward to seeing what he does next.
A huge thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book my way.
And what a remarkable journey it was. I loved every page of this book. Edward is a wonderful and talented man, and his story is so inspiring. You can't help but feel proud of him and the changes he has helped to shape, not just in the fashion world, for people of colour and different ethnicities.
A thoroughly entertaining read. I couldn't put it down, and look forward to seeing what he does next.
A huge thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book my way.
April 1, 2023
An interesting read on the long career of someone who has made a visible difference in the fashion industry. It wasn’t an outstanding read for me however. Even within the sections it seemed to flit in and out of different periods and it just didn’t flow well as a read. It also lacked some depth/emotion for me and felt a rather surface written book. A lot of names within the fashion industry grace most pages and if he got $1 for every time Kate (Moss) and Naomi (Campbell) were mentioned…. He’d be doing very well. Worth a read if you have an interest in the fashion industry/business and how an individual can make a real difference by hard work and taking people along with him.
October 4, 2022
No critic or a reader can do justice to the journey of an individual. We either criticise or appreciate it. For me curiosity was how did he come from the streets of Ghana and made it to the pinnacle of the fashion world. Incredible man and mesmerising journey his was. The book shines in the brilliance of his passion and hard work up to a stage he almost was physically exhausted, that's what is commitment towards work by the small town boys. He is a champion of Black or brown racism and vigorously advocates his ideas on the canvas of Vogue for which he is the proud editor. All in all the book was a veritable curiosity treasure. Many more Edward Ennifull required to combat the white prejudices.
March 25, 2023
I enjoyed this biography of Enninful from his early years to where he is now. It felt at times to lack direction as it flited from one subject matter to another within a paragraph that left you unsure of the point he was trying to make. Maybe there wasn't one?
I did really enjoy his conversations about making a change in the way fashion portrays people of colour, and that is so evident in his work and came across strongly in his passion in this mission, one I do agree he is doing so well in.
I did really enjoy his conversations about making a change in the way fashion portrays people of colour, and that is so evident in his work and came across strongly in his passion in this mission, one I do agree he is doing so well in.
January 7, 2024
A little disclaimer for my fellow readers: Fashion isn't exactly my passion, and I don't get overly excited about the fashion industry. I find it enjoyable to keep up with, but that's about it for me. However, what truly captivated me in this memoir, as a fellow immigrant living in a colonial land, was the immigrant narrative of a black man establishing an empire within the highly racist, classist, and elitist society of Britain. I must give a big round of applause to Sir Enninful for his remarkable achievements.
***
In this candid and inspiring memoir, Edward Enninful, the editor-in-chief of British Vogue, shares his remarkable journey in the fashion industry and his personal mission to promote diversity in fashion.
For Edward Enninful, fashion is more than just a form of escapism; it's a reflection of life itself. In "A Visible Man," Enninful eloquently states, "Fashion is a mirror, albeit sometimes a distorted one, reflecting the world at large. Those on its fringes often find themselves on the margins elsewhere. It has been my personal mission to change that." And change it he did.
Born in Ghana in 1972 to a dressmaker mother and a Ghanaian military officer father, Enninful was a shy and studious child. He often helped his mother in her workshop, honing his skills in drawing dresses. In 1985, the family sought refuge from the "Ghanaian goon squads" in London, where Enninful's passion for fashion remained unwavering. A serendipitous encounter at the age of 16 led to his first modeling job, eventually paving the way for his career as a writer at the independent fashion magazine, i-D. Remarkably, at just 18, he became i-D's fashion director, becoming the youngest ever in the history of international fashion magazines.
Despite his meteoric rise in the fashion world, Enninful faced numerous personal challenges along the way, including health issues and battles with alcoholism. Additionally, he confronted the homophobia of his own father.
Throughout his journey, Enninful remained steadfast in his commitment to challenge the conventional fashion ideals of tall, thin, and predominantly white models. From the outset of his career, he ensured that models of color took center stage in the fashion shoots he curated. During his tenure at British Vogue, he achieved several groundbreaking "firsts" in magazine covers, featuring individuals such as disability activist Sinéad Burke, essential workers during the height of the Covid pandemic, and the then-86-year-old actress Dame Judi Dench, the magazine's oldest-ever cover star.
"A Visible Man" provides readers with an exclusive peek into the chaotic world of international fashion during the 1980s and '90s. Enninful's book includes appearances by his stylish celebrity friends, known mononymously as Rihanna, Naomi, and Idris.
The narrative is infused with the same panache and flair that one would expect from a fashion authority like Enninful. An example of his biting wit is evident when he remarks, "On-screen, with her pussy-bow blouses and that tired, fussy little handbag never far from reach, she made her poisonous fascism-lite easier to bear by leaning into her 'middle-class grandmother' identity," a critique that cleverly blends politics and fashion, dissecting Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's image.
***
In this candid and inspiring memoir, Edward Enninful, the editor-in-chief of British Vogue, shares his remarkable journey in the fashion industry and his personal mission to promote diversity in fashion.
For Edward Enninful, fashion is more than just a form of escapism; it's a reflection of life itself. In "A Visible Man," Enninful eloquently states, "Fashion is a mirror, albeit sometimes a distorted one, reflecting the world at large. Those on its fringes often find themselves on the margins elsewhere. It has been my personal mission to change that." And change it he did.
Born in Ghana in 1972 to a dressmaker mother and a Ghanaian military officer father, Enninful was a shy and studious child. He often helped his mother in her workshop, honing his skills in drawing dresses. In 1985, the family sought refuge from the "Ghanaian goon squads" in London, where Enninful's passion for fashion remained unwavering. A serendipitous encounter at the age of 16 led to his first modeling job, eventually paving the way for his career as a writer at the independent fashion magazine, i-D. Remarkably, at just 18, he became i-D's fashion director, becoming the youngest ever in the history of international fashion magazines.
Despite his meteoric rise in the fashion world, Enninful faced numerous personal challenges along the way, including health issues and battles with alcoholism. Additionally, he confronted the homophobia of his own father.
Throughout his journey, Enninful remained steadfast in his commitment to challenge the conventional fashion ideals of tall, thin, and predominantly white models. From the outset of his career, he ensured that models of color took center stage in the fashion shoots he curated. During his tenure at British Vogue, he achieved several groundbreaking "firsts" in magazine covers, featuring individuals such as disability activist Sinéad Burke, essential workers during the height of the Covid pandemic, and the then-86-year-old actress Dame Judi Dench, the magazine's oldest-ever cover star.
"A Visible Man" provides readers with an exclusive peek into the chaotic world of international fashion during the 1980s and '90s. Enninful's book includes appearances by his stylish celebrity friends, known mononymously as Rihanna, Naomi, and Idris.
The narrative is infused with the same panache and flair that one would expect from a fashion authority like Enninful. An example of his biting wit is evident when he remarks, "On-screen, with her pussy-bow blouses and that tired, fussy little handbag never far from reach, she made her poisonous fascism-lite easier to bear by leaning into her 'middle-class grandmother' identity," a critique that cleverly blends politics and fashion, dissecting Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's image.
June 29, 2024
5 stars for this inspiring and gorgeous book. I knew very little about Edward Enninful before reading this, other than his tenure as editor-in-chief of British Vogue, so it was fascinating to learn about his childhood in Ghana and later upbringing in Ladbroke Grove, as well as his almost natural foray into fashion and beyond. I also loved the behind-the-scenes accounts Enninful provided of the fashion world; from magazine production to styling and the politics of it all.
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