Vogue's recent cover featuring 40 iconic women marked a significant milestone, yet one notable absence raised eyebrows among readers.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, whose venture into journalism with a special issue of British Vogue in September 2019 showcased her editorial skills, found herself excluded from the prestigious lineup. Despite her close friendship with Vogue's editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful, and her active involvement in shaping the magazine's content, Markle's absence from the cover sparked speculation.
The latest March 2024 issue of British Vogue, celebrating Enninful's tenure, showcased a dazzling array of past cover stars, including Oprah Winfrey, Victoria Beckham, and Serena Williams. However, Markle's absence from this illustrious lineup raised questions. Sources close to the publication revealed that her exclusion was deliberate, with Enninful reportedly dismissing her request to be featured on the cover for various reasons.
The cover itself, shot by renowned fashion photographer Steven Meisel, captured the essence of Hollywood, fashion, and beyond, featuring a diverse array of A-list stars. From Selma Blair to Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford to Gigi Hadid, the cover epitomized the glamour and influence of the women featured.
Behind the scenes, a video emerged revealing the dedication of these leading ladies, who flew to New York at their own expense for the iconic shoot. Assembling in a New York studio, the 40 legends bonded over their shared magnificence and purpose, creating a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
However, amidst the excitement of the cover reveal, Markle's absence didn't go unnoticed. Insiders hinted at Enninful's reservations about her contributions to the issue, citing concerns about depth and coherence. Additionally, there were purported tensions regarding Markle's perceived demands, which some deemed as overbearing and unprofessional.
Despite these speculations, Markle's absence didn't dampen the significance of the cover, which symbolized the end of an era for British Vogue under Enninful's leadership. As discussions surrounding Markle's exclusion continue, one thing remains clear: her influence in shaping the narrative of women's empowerment in media transcends any single magazine cover.
