British Vogue - 09.2019

Across the fields of advocacy and the arts,

athletics and construction, the fierce innovators

who paved the way introduce the next generation

of talent set to transform the decades to come.

Portraits by Julia Hetta. Styling by Hannes Hetta

LEADERS

&

PROTEGES

THE POETS

MALIKA BOOKER (on right), poet and artist

“There’s a pride in nurturing someone at the beginning of their career,

then seeing them step into their light later on, knowing you had something

to do with that. I wouldn’t be where I am had the poets I admired not

made space and time for me. Though, for a little while, a lot of us young

black British poets were searching for someone to look up to. It’s

humbling to realise my work has inspired Theresa to tell her story.”

THERESA LOLA, Young People’s Laureate for London

“It excites me that, as Young People’s Laureate, I can use poetry

and literature to engage with them about the issues that affect them

the most. A lot of people are putting the resurgence in poetry down

to social media, and I love that direct contact you have with your

audience – it’s reduced the entry barriers to poetry. I absolutely

admire Malika, especially for what she’s done for black

British women poets. She’s my blueprint.”

THERESA WEARS COAT, £2,295. RUFFLE COLLAR, £760. BOTH COMME

DES GARCONS COMME DES GARCONS. MALIKA WEARS JACKET,

TO ORDER, MOON YOUNG HEE. DRESS, £895, CECILIE BAHNSEN

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