A Visible Man - Edward Enninful

 

Description

Edward Enninful has lived an extraordinary life.

Here, for the first time, he shares the remarkable, inspiring story of his journey from a childhood bedroom in Ghana overlooking firing squads, to 1990s London - becoming the youngest-ever fashion director of i-D magazine at just eighteen years old. Now the first Black editor-in-chief of British Vogue, he has created game-changing images of everyone from Beyoncé to Meghan Markle, Kate Moss to Oprah Winfrey, Adele to Rihanna, and many more stars he now counts as friends.

A Visible Man is the story of a husband, son, brother, friend - and icon. Taking us from the neon thrills of Soho clubs to nights spent on friends' sofas, this is the story of Edward's phenomenal grit and determination: of failures, loss, coming out, joy, hedonism, fame, love, heartbreak, sacrifice, ill health and era-defining achievements. It's the story of one man's revolutionary mission to change how we see the world, showing how unwavering passion and perseverance can allow anyone to make their mark - just like he did.

Review

I haven't read Vogue for years, but I was intrigued to gain a behind the scenes insight into the workings of the magazine, and how Edward got to be Editor.

Certainly an inspirational life. Coming from Ghana, and at only the age of 18 becoming the fashion director of ID magazine. This isn't a name dropping book although we learn he was friends with Kate Moss before she was famous and also Naomi Campbell is a friend. 

What I missed was an actual look at what an editor really does, more a day in the life of type of thing. However, it is certainly a thought provoking book with a long hard look at how Edward has lived his life in spite of setbacks and gained tremendous success. It is a warts and all look at his life, which is very brave and surprised me in parts.

I'm giving this book 3 out of 5 stars. My thanks to netgalley for the ARC to review.