The New Vogue strives to make Britain great again

As a whole, 2017 for the United Kingdom can be described as simply and pessimistically as the country’s weather: miserable. With Brexit hanging over us like an unwelcome rain cloud and a series of devastating terrorist attacks striking like lightning, it is fair to say the country has had better years.

When the news broke that long-term editor-in-chief of British Vogue Alexandra Shulman would be leaving the magazine after serving 25-years at the helm, for those in the industry it felt like added trepidation in already tumultuous times. Whether you’re a fashion fanatic or not, for many British Vogue is comfortably engrained in the very nature of the country. It is a constant figurehead in many people’s lives – strong, stable (sorry) and undoubtedly iconic.  

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However, the December 2017 issue is a ray of sunshine is a consistently dismal year. The first edition of British Vogue edited by newly appointed Edward Enninful is a celebration of the UK. With the apt cover line “Great Britain”, the magazine is truly a commemoration of the best of our country. With famous British names such as Cara Delevingne, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Christopher Bailey featuring on the cover, the championing of the nation is clear from the offset. Articles throughout follow the theme such as “Love letters to Britain” discussed alongside comments on pillars of society such as the Queen and famous nightspot Annabel’s.

 

This edition marks the beginning of a new era. Thoughtful and significant commentary by key figures such as Zadie Smith, alongside beautiful imagery such as Juergen Teller’s Remain shoot brings the content back to the poignant side of relevant. Enninful has given a voice back to British Vogue, yielding it a sense of direction in a world where print magazines are on the decrease. Most importantly, Vogue has been updated, with its cover alone feeling significantly artistic in comparison to past editions.

Vogue has been rebirthed as a magazine where diversity is integral and there is substance as well as style. Most importantly, it has become a magazine that truly evokes the notion of a Great Britain.

Eleanor Oaten