United We Speak
TOWARD THE END OF LAST YEAR, all the editors in
chief of Vogue from around the world gathered to discuss
joining forces and to consider what we could achieve if
we worked en masse. Our first initiative was the setting
out of our Vogue Values, a commitment to stand behind
crucial principles—respect, inclusivity, transparency,
diversity, and sustainability. But, of course, as with
everything in life today, words need to be matched by deeds.
The coming together of so many editors inspired
an idea for this April’s cover story, which celebrates global
beauty in all its infinite varieties. The Vogue editors
nominated 28 models from around the world who they
felt truly represented their country, and the young women
we celebrate here do just that—as much by their grace
and their strength of individual personality as by their
presence in the fashion world.
I’d like to say an enormous thank-you to every model
and editor who took part, as well as to Style Director
Camilla Nickerson and photographer Tyler Mitchell,
who gamely kept everything going as the girls arrived and
departed. Also my thanks to Fashion Director Virginia
Smith and her team, who found more denim for the models
to wear than one would have thought humanly possible.
When I read the interviews with the models by writers
Chioma Nnadi, Janelle Okwodu, and Marley Marius, what
emerged impressed me greatly: These are women ready to
speak out and stand up for themselves. There has been
some great work done to better the industry experience of
models—from health initiatives to our decision to work
only with those who are at least 18 years old—but what
makes this new generation stand out is how motivated each
of them are to empower themselves. While more certainly
needs to be done in the industry, right now the strong voices
of these women can only be a good thing.
INDIGO GIRLS
MODELS FROM AROUND THE WORLD—
NOMINATED BY THE EDITORS IN CHIEF
OF VOGUE’S 26 INTERNATIONAL
EDITIONS—ARE AS INDEPENDENT AND
OUTSPOKEN AS THEY ARE STRIKING.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TYLER MITCHELL.
FASHION EDITOR: CAMILLA NICKERSON.
VOGUE VALUES
38 APRIL 2020 VOGUE.COM
HAIR, JIMMY PAUL; MAKEUP, HANNAH MURRAY. PRODUCED BY AP STUDIO; SET DESIGN, JULIA WAGNER.
