Naomi triggers race row over too-white Vogue
SHE has made eight appearances on the cover of Vogue magazine’s British edition and was recently appointed as a contributing editor.
Yet it seems Naomi Campbell is not entirely happy with the glossy publication after she criticised it for a lack of diversity.
The British supermodel provoked a debate about race after posting online a photo of former editor Alexandra Shulman’s staff.
The picture of around 50 members of the editorial team was predominantly made up of white women.
Writing alongside the image Miss Campbell, 47, told her 4.3million Instagram followers: ‘This is the staff photo of British Vogue under the previous editor Alexandra Schulman [sic].
‘Looking forward to an inclusive and diverse staff now that Edward Enninful is the editor... let’s hear your thoughts.’
She completed the post with a selection of emojis representing women of different races and ages.
Miss Shulman, 59, stepped down as editor-in-chief last month after 25 years at the helm. She has been succeeded by Mr Enninful, who was born in Ghana and is the first man and first non-white person to edit the magazine.
After Miss Campbell posted the picture, her fans were quick to comment on the ‘shameful’ lack of diversity in the staff team, with the image receiving more than 600 comments in a few hours.
One follower wrote: ‘It’s disapsentative.’ pointing that such a huge fashion magazine had such a non-diverse staff. I mean wow, not ONE nonwhite face? How tragic.’
Another added: ‘That is shameful. Can’t believe this is even still allowed.’
And a third wrote: ‘Disturbed and saddened at the lack of diversity. Looking forward to Edward Enninful shaking it up, and making Vogue more inclusive and repre- Others, however, criticised Miss Campbell’s apparent concentration on race.
One wrote: ‘Diversity for diversity’s sake is destructive and discriminatory. People should be hired on merit of their ability and not arbitrary identity – racial or otherwise.’
Another added: ‘Could British Vogue be damaged if it hired on anything other than excellence in ability? Stop obsessing over race.’
Miss Shulman has said she did not feel the magazine had lacked diversity under her watch.
She told the London Evening Standard in June: ‘I don’t think we’ve been un-diverse.
‘When you look back at what my Vogue had, I do think I’ve broadened out its appeal, whether it’s to do with different ages of women or men, different body types and professions.’
Mr Enninful, who received an OBE last year for services to diversity in the fashion industry, appointed Miss Campbell and black artist and film-maker Steve McQueen as contributing editors last month.
‘People should be hired on merit’