By , Alexs Reporter
British Vogue’s March 2024 issue is not just another fashion magazine. It is a historic tribute to 40 of the most influential women in the world, who came together for one day in New York to celebrate the legacy of Edward Enninful, the outgoing editor-in-chief of the publication.
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The cover, which features stars such as Oprah Winfrey, Victoria Beckham, Miley Cyrus, Serena Williams, Jane Fonda, Naomi Campbell, and many more, is already hailed as one of the greatest magazine covers of all time. But behind the stunning image lies a story of meticulous planning, coordination, and creativity that involved an army of hair and make-up artists, photographers, stylists, and assistants, as well as more than 1,000 WhatsApp messages to pull off.
Enninful, who is the first black man to have edited the top fashion magazine, announced he would be stepping down from his role to take up a newly-created position as Conde Nast’s global creative and cultural adviser for Vogue. He wanted his last issue to be dedicated to women, who have shaped British Vogue for close to 108 years and have informed every moment of his six and a half year tenure.
He called upon 40 women from British Vogue’s storied history, who have graced its pages and covers during his time at the helm, and who represent the diversity, talent, and impact of women in fashion, culture, and society. He wrote that he held his breath “for weeks” after sending out the invites, but they all agreed to be part of the monumental project.
The shoot took place on a cold December day at a studio in Manhattan, where the 40 cover stars arrived in shifts, following COVID-19 protocols. They were greeted by a team of 60 people, including legendary photographers Steven Meisel and Ned Rogers, hair creative director Guido Palau and his team, and makeup artist Pat McGrath and her team. The women were styled in black and white outfits, with pops of color from accessories and jewelry, to create a striking contrast and a sense of unity.
The atmosphere was festive and friendly, as the women mingled, chatted, and posed with each other, creating some unforgettable moments. Enninful wrote that Cindy Crawford and her daughter Kaia Gerber carpooled to the shoot together, as did Linda Evangelista and Salma Hayek, who had stayed the night with Evangelista the night before. Hayek is the stepmother of Evangelista’s son Augie and has been supportive of the model’s health issues in recent years. Enninful also noted that they made sure to stay on schedule so that Gigi Hadid could get home to her daughter Khai.
The cover stars all spoke about their admiration and gratitude for Enninful, who has been a champion for greater inclusivity and innovation in the industry. They also shared some of their favorite memories and moments from working with him and British Vogue over the years.
“Women understand the importance and power of the collective,” Fonda told the magazine. “I love being around younguns. I love their energy, I love their spirit,” Campbell added.
Enninful said he was proud of the work he has done at British Vogue, and that he was determined to keep championing the incredible array of voices in fashion and media in his new role. He also thanked the 40 women who made his final cover possible, saying they were “the ultimate dream team”.
The March 2024 issue of British Vogue is available on newsstands and online from February 9, 2024.
