BBorn in Ghana, Enninful, 50, came to Britain as a refugee. After a stint as a model, he became fashion director of iD at just 18 and went on to work for W magazine and US Vogue. In 2016 he was awarded an OBE for services to diversity in the fashion industry and the following year became editor-in-chief of British Vogue. In 2020, he also became the European editor-in-chief of Vogue. This year he published the memoirs, A visible man. He lives in London with his husband.
What is your greatest fear?
When I get to the restaurant and see no hot sauce on the table.
What characteristic do you regret most about yourself?
Impatience. Although sometimes it helps!
What trait do you most regret in others?
Laziness.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
When my pants almost fell off at Buckingham Palace. I was there to collect my OBE, and the suspenders for the beautiful Alexander McQueen suit I had made for the occasion disappeared. Naomi Campbell was with me and we had a good laugh about it.
What is your most valuable possession?
Despite what people might imagine, I’m not big on possessions. My home in London is very minimalistic.
Describe yourself with three words.
Well, the rest of the world likes to describe me as “black” and “gay”, and not always positively. But I embrace those words. Let’s add “fun” too.
What makes you unhappy?
I’m a positive person, but I cringe when the clothes aren’t perfect in a shot.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Reality show. J’adore! Love Island, Real Housewives, Drag Race…
Who is your celebrity crush?
Obviously I don’t have one. Do you want to get me in trouble at home!
What book are you ashamed of not having read?
War and peace. It has slipped through the cracks so far.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
In African families, you can be one of three things: a doctor, a lawyer, or a failure. I wanted to be an Egyptologist, but it worked out in the end.
What scares you about getting older?
That I may lose my sight.
What is anyone’s worst told you?
Every time I have been racially profiled. The words may be different, but the feeling is the same.
Would you choose fame or anonymity?
It is possible to find happiness somewhere in the middle.
Have you ever said “I love you” without meaning it?
Of course. I work in fashion!
What words or phrases do you overuse the most?
“Unbelievable”, “fantastic” and ending sentences with “you know?”.
What is the worst job you have Done?
A recording with a show business icon that I had loved all my life and will remain nameless. She entered the room and immediately said she hated everything. It went downhill from there. Rough day.
If not yourself, who would you most like to be?
Ru, my Boston terrier. He lives a truly charmed life.
When was the last time you changed your mind about something important?
I change my mind all the time. I believe in that. We should all get better at changing our minds.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
The ability to teleport. I would be unstoppable.
Would you rather have more sex, money or fame?
More than that, I would like more time.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
That there is no ideal life. Disappointments are around every corner, so enjoy the here and now.
Tell a secret.
Not everyone in fashion is a monster.
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