In a noteworthy announcement, the British Fashion Council (BFC) revealed that Edward Enninful OBE, the Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue and European Editorial Director of Vogue, is set to be honored with the prestigious Trailblazer Award at The Fashion Awards 2023. Scheduled for December 4th at the Royal Albert Hall in London, this event stands as a crucial fundraiser for the BFC Foundation, spotlighting the convergence of fashion, culture, and entertainment.
Edward Enninful has carved out a groundbreaking career as a stylist, editor, and creative director. Starting as a model and styling assistant, he made history by becoming the youngest-ever editor at a major international fashion title at just 18, holding the position of Fashion Director of i-D magazine.
Known for his revolutionary approach to storytelling and fashion, Enninful’s influence extended across i-D, American Vogue, Vogue Italia, and W Magazine, where he received an OBE for his dedication to diversity in the fashion industry. Currently serving as the European Editorial Director of Vogue and the first black Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue since August 2017, Enninful consistently challenges traditional beauty standards.
Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, expressed enthusiasm about honoring Enninful, acknowledging his immense contributions to the fashion industry. The Trailblazer Award recognizes individuals whose work has significantly shaped the fashion industry in the past year. Previous recipients include Alessandro Michele, Kim Jones, and Sarah Burton.
The Fashion Awards act as a global platform, celebrating creativity and supporting the next generation of talent. As the primary fundraiser for the BFC Foundation, the event contributes to the growth and success of the British fashion industry through education, grant-giving, and business mentoring. In the financial year 2022/2023, the BFC remitted over £1.2 million in funds to designers and scholars, underscoring its commitment to fostering the industry’s future.