A Visible Man: The Top 5 Sunday Times bestseller and BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week

Description

When Edward Enninful became first Black editor-in-chief of British Vogue, few at the heights of the elitist world of fashion wanted to confront how it failed to represent the world we live in. But Edward, a champion of inclusion throughout his life, rapidly changed that. From a childhood in Ghana amid riotous colour and strong Black women, to being discovered by a fashion editor on the London Underground at the age of sixteen, to taking the helm of Britain's most influential fashion publication, A Visible Man traces an astonishing journey into one of the world's most exclusive industries. Taking us into the heady, wild and vibrant fashion scene of 1980s London and beyond, Edward details how as a Black, gay, working-class refugee, he found in fashion not only a home, but the freedom to share with people the world as he saw it - and to tell the story of the times we're in. Now, whether it's putting first responders, octogenarians or civil rights activists on the cover of Vogue, or championing designers and photographers of colour, Edward Enninful has cemented his status as one of the world's most important change-makers. And he's just getting started. Written with style, grace and heart, this is the story of a visionary who has changed how we understand beauty.

Edward 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 Italian Vogue 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.

Anyone interested in what it takes, from a beautiful human being's point of view, to change an industry from within, should read this book. Edward offers an insight only he can -- Idris Elba Edward Enninful inspires a whole new generation to show us anything is possible when you work hard with love and passion . . . This book is a revelation and shows the genius and strength of this wonderful, pioneering, legendary man of fashion -- Donatella Versace I had so much fun reading A Visible Man. Edward, as always, speaks from his very large heart -- Grace Coddington His absorbing self-portrait gives us profound insights into growing up black and gay in Ghana, London, and in the fashion media . . . It's a terrific and, I think, important book -- Salman Rushdie What fun! -- Kate Moss Edward's story is a true beacon of inspiration, hope and change for the better. He has blazed a path for so many to follow, which sadly had never been possible before -- Claudia Schiffer Edward's journey is a lesson for the culture and future generations to come -- Naomi Campbell An inspiring and fascinating memoir about an extraordinary man who has become a major global changemaker . . . He writes about the highs and lows of his life and career with an admirably honest self-awareness about his own vulnerabilities . . . a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed when you are considered an outsider -- Bernardine Evaristo Inspiring, entertaining, ground-breaking -- Munroe Bergdorf I knew very little of Edward Enninful's life before reading his new memoir. What a story! A fairytale that never shies away from the harsh realities of contemporary life. I wish he could be editor of the world!' -- Graham Norton Edward's book is the proof that you that you can have a beautiful soul, an extraordinary eye, and a loving heart... and confirms that showing vulnerability can be inspiring and glamorous! -- Diana von Furstenberg Edward Enninful is not just a local hero but a globe icon -- Steve McQueen Edward is carrying out important work, leading change, and challenging the obsolete elements of the fashion system, while never disrespecting the legacy and the goals that fashion has achieved -- Giorgio Armani A remarkable book' -- Krishnan Guru-Murthy The memoir - beautifully written and compelling - depicts the story of a shy, studious boy from a conservative, high-achieving family whose talent and drive propelled him from nowhere to the top of the fashion world . . . He is a serious man, on a serious mission; complacency is not in his vocabulary * Irish Examiner * What a book . . . I inhaled it . . . Inspirational . . . The book is wonderful . . . and it's not just for people in fashion -- Claudia Winkleman