Meghan Markle's appearance on the cover of British Vogue was heralded as a groundbreaking collaboration with then-editor Edward Enninful, dubbed the "Forces for Change" issue.
This edition was celebrated as a massive success, breaking sales records and generating significant buzz. However, as the initial excitement fades, the reality behind this glamorous façade presents a narrative filled with both mockery and intrigue. The much-acclaimed issue, which featured 15 trailblazers selected by Meghan and Enninful, was marketed as a revolutionary moment for the magazine. It showcased a diverse group of activists, artists, and fashion icons.
Yet, the omission of key figures such as Queen Elizabeth II and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, was striking. Their inclusion might have added a considerable degree of credibility to the issue. Despite being championed as a historic addition to Vogue, Tina Brown's book, The Palace Papers, described the issue as a puzzling bore for Vogue's traditional readers. It seemed as if Meghan's vision was more focused on making a splash rather than honoring genuine change-makers.
The cover featured a mirrored panel meant to inspire readers to see themselves as agents of change. However, many questioned whether it reflected more on Meghan's own image rather than offering substantive contributions to societal progress. Fast forward five years, and Enninful, now Vogue's Global Creative and Cultural Adviser, has stirred the pot again by asking the original lineup to nominate the next set of game-changers. While this move appears to celebrate trailblazers, it may also be a calculated attempt to revive past success without the effort of creating new content.
The new list includes prominent figures like Yasmin Finney and Angelina Jolie, but conspicuously absent is any mention of Meghan’s past contributions or her previous editorial influence. Rumors suggest that Enninful’s previous enthusiasm for Meghan’s guest editorship may have waned. Speculation abounds that the real driver behind the success of the "Forces for Change" issue was not its content but the fact that it was distributed in high-profile executive lounges and studios, rather than through genuine consumer demand. This raises the possibility that the venture was more of an inflated success story than a true triumph.
Adding to the intrigue is the ongoing silence from both Meghan and Enninful regarding the controversial editorial decisions. Sources close to the project indicate that Meghan, despite advice to include figures like the Queen and Catherine, chose to disregard such suggestions. Instead, the issue leaned heavily on self-congratulatory themes rather than acknowledging the contributions of established figures. Whether this decision was a snub or a strategic move remains a matter of speculation, fueling debates about Meghan's true motivations. Enninful's reluctance to address these controversies only intensifies the sense of secrecy and evasion.
While the "Forces for Change" issue was initially hailed as a landmark in Vogue’s history, it now appears to be a complex and somewhat dubious chapter. Although it was initially praised for its innovative approach, subsequent revelations about its content and the decision-making process have cast a shadow over its legacy. Meghan Markle, once the shining star of this issue, now finds herself on the periphery of a project that continues to provoke more questions than answers.
