Few people have made their mark on fashion quite like Edward Enninful, or opened quite as many doors in an industry renowned for its exclusivity.
In case you haven’t already heard (and if that’s the case, where have you been?), the former British Vogue editor has poured a lifetime of experience working into a venture all of his own, with the recent launch of EE72, a global media and entertainment company. And the first issue of his new print title, 72 Magazine, has just dropped around the world – a new home for his expansive vision of fashion for all.
So what better time to revisit his conversation with Dua for our podcast At Your Service? Throughout the episode, Edward offers a glimpse into his starry world and just how hard he’s worked to carve his place in it – including the moment he became a household name in 2017, when he became the first Black, gay and working-class man to helm British Vogue, a title he held until 2023. The moment he sat in that prestigious seat he knew he had the power to affect positive change, and he never wielded it lightly – as he shared with Dua:
“It was very difficult in the beginning because I was so different from what a British Vogue editor was ‘supposed’ to be,” he says. “I challenged myself a lot, I questioned everything. But one thing I knew was I wanted to create a magazine that represented the world we live in – people from all different backgrounds, people who were all different races, religions, body shapes. I wanted to create a magazine where everybody was welcome.”
True to form, his conversation with Dua on At Your Service makes us all feel like insiders. He shares his triumphs, mistakes and expert view on the most exciting talent making clothes today. Here are the five names you need to know.
Edward Enninful’s 5 Designers To Know
1. Supriya Lele
“I love so many British designers, but if I have to pick five then a few come to mind. The first is Supriya Lele, who is a really great talent,” Edward says. The eponymous brand from the Indian-British designer draws on her mixed heritage and stands out for its innovative use of draping and celebration of the female form. This summer, a collab with Mango saw Supriya’s signature style taking over the high street, too.
2. Maximilian Davis
“Maximilian, who you wore to the [2021] Fashion Awards, is a great British womenswear designer,” Edwards tells Dua on At Your Service. Her custom Black crepe gown was typical of Maximilian Davis, who has been quietly but consistently turning out fresh, elegant looks at both his own label and Salvatore Ferragamo, where he’s been creative director since 2022.
3. Bethany Williams
Hailing from the Isle Of Man, Bethany Williams is a socially minded artist who makes clothes from recycled, deadstock and organic materials. She’s known for her surprising pairings; hand-carved wooden buttons against glistening reclaimed fabric, or sportswear merged with formalwear. “I love her work from a sustainability angle, and the fact that she gives so many women work,” Edward says. “She is devoted to making the world a better place.”
4. Hannah Martin
Edward describes Hannah Martin’s jewellery as “very minimal and very chic”. Known as much for her mohawk and punk aesthetic as her statement designs, she’s made her mark in recent years as one of the most sought-after names in accessories – with everyone from FKA Twigs to Cara Delevingne rocking her chunky rings.
5. Bianca Saunders
“I just love Bianca Saunders, she’s a great Black designer in the menswear space,” says Edward. If you like sculptural, expertly made suits and separates, you’ll love Saunders work no matter your gender. She puts her Caribbean roots and her keen eye for movement at the heart of her tailoring, and the result is something special.
Listen to Edward Enninful’s full conversation with Dua for our podcast, At Your Service, here.
