‘British Vogue’ makes history with diverse new cover

A hijab-wearing model has proven that her fashion style is truly en vogue as she makes history wearing her cultural headwear on the cover of British Vogue.

This is the first time in the magazine’s 102-year history that a model has been featured wearing a hijab covering her hair, reports Independent. 

Halima Aden will be joined by other diverse models like Adut AkechRadhika NairYoon Young BaeFarettaFran SummersVittoria CerettiPaloma Elsesser and Selena Forrest as the magazine launches the May fashion’s “New Frontiers” cover.

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Two of the models, Aden and Akech were both born in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya.

“To me they represent a new global idea that anything is possible,” wrote Edward Enninful, the magazine’s Ghanaian-born Editor in Chief.

The magazine has been under fire for it’s lack of diversity and Enninful pledged as the new editor in chief that he would work to push the magazine toward being more inclusive.

“When I say diversity, I want to be clear that it is never just about black and white for me,” Enninful said.

“It’s about diversity across the board – whether that’s race, size, socio-economic background, religion, sexuality. That’s what I want to celebrate with this cover.”

He is the first man to ever serve as the powerhouse magazine’s editor.

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So far people are receptive to the nine “New Frontiers” cover. The picture on British Vogue’s Instagram has garnered more than likes 24,000 likes.

“It is a moment for Vogue to do what it has always done best: to offer a bold vision of what the future can – and should – look like,” Enninful wrote

“Even five years ago – and certainly 10 or 20 years ago – if you were shooting a group cover like this, the girls would not have looked like these young women do.”

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Enninful said it was important to make fashion choices that not only complimented the ladies but made them feel empowered.

“With the styling, I just wanted them to feel empowered, so chose a careful palette of khakis, blacks and creams so they’d feel ready for anything. Strong, powerful and poised for exciting futures. Three cheers for that.”

He oozed with excitement about the end result.

“The shoot was incredible, watching our group take such an important first step in their careers with this special Vogue cover. What really struck me, despite their varied backgrounds, was how similar they all were. Kind, engaged, socially minded and impressively sweet to one another.

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