Edward Enninful has been pushing barriers at British Vogue since becoming the first Black person to hold the editor-in-chief title at the publication six years ago, but his role is changing.

The alleged ongoing power struggle between Enninful and Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour has reached a new height with him stepping down as editor-in-chief of British edition of the fashion magazine, reports High Snobiety. Enninful will remain an editorial advisor to the magazine but will simultaneously transition into a newly-created position as global creative and cultural advisor. His new position allows him to “[have] the freedom to take on broader creative projects,” reports BBC. He will be instrumental in selecting his successor. Enniful, reportedly, viewed British Vogue as a stepping stone to the most powerful job in global fashion – Vogue editor-in-chief – but Wintour has occupied and embodied the position since 1988. 

The Ghanaian-British innovator created an entirely new system when he arrived at British Vogue. He was the reason for many firsts, from making Timothee Chalamet the first solo male cover subject; to putting the first disabled person, Ellie Goldstein, on the cover; to Precious Lee, Jill Kortleve, and Paloma Elsesser being the first trio of curvy models to grace the cover. Enninful created an environment of freshness, originality, and inclusivity that did not exist previously. 

In contrast, some believe Wintour represents the exclusion and homogeneity that is wrong with the fashion industry. However, she has so much loyalty within Condé Nast that it’s impossible to etch her out. Enninful reportedly keeps his work separate from her in every way possible. For instance, when the New York Times asked to interview him and Wintour together for a feature, he declined. 

While Enninful was promoted to global creative and cultural advisor for all of Vogue, Wintour remains at the helm of Vogue and continues in the role of global chief content officer at Condé Nast, which gave her control over all Vogue editions worldwide, except British Vogue. 

Readers and advertisers love what Enniful has done with British Vogue. Enniful confirms that despite the globalization at Condé Nast, British Vogue will remain a distinct and separate entity. The role of editor-in-chief has dissipated, and the new top dog is head of editorial content. It is safe to say that whoever replaces Enninful will have big shoes to fill.