When Glamour magazine started in 2001, it defied expectations. An article in the Guardian says, “experts predicted Glamour would struggle” in a highly competitive time for magazines and the early days of the internet. Despite this, WHSmith’s couldn’t keep up with the demand, causing Condé Nast to order another print run of its inaugural issue leading to 400,000 in sales and within two days the website had reached 80,000 people. Evolving from its original print form to handbag-size, to a digital and social-first platform, Glamour remains a definitive publication for women because it’s never afraid to go where she is, and to change with her.
And here she is, changing again. I was appointed as the Head of Editorial content for Glamour UK this time last year. At this current moment there are so many reasons to spend this year celebrating. Glamour is the home of bold ideas led by women. From the dolls cover supporting trans rights to changing legislation for women’s online safety via our Stop Image-Based Abuse campaign, the fact that a publication unafraid to reinvent, take risks, and champion strong women’s voices is fighting fit in a landscape where it’s not always easy, is something we’re so proud of.
Wunmi Mosaku is a great place to kick off our celebrations. As the first Black editor of Glamour, I’ve thought a lot about the legacy of this publication and also what I want my time here to symbolise for others wanting to forge similar paths. Black journalists make up 1% of the industry with senior editors accounting for, obviously, beneath the 1% mark. The idea that I, a magazine obsessive raised on romantic comedies centred on journalists and editors in the big city, would fulfil such a prophecy is a dream come true.
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Wunmi Mosaku claims her legacy
As Sinners dominates awards season, Wunmi Mosaku is finally having the moment she spent two decades building towards. Ahead of the Academy Awards (and welcoming her second child), the actor opens up about faith, ancestry, motherhood, and the role that changed everything.
Which takes me to Sinners, the most nominated film in Oscars’ history with its message about remaining authentic to Black creativity and remembering the power of community – among the gore of being bitten by vampires. Celebrating Wunmi feels like an intentional statement. A working class, homegrown talent (we’re both from Manchester) whose hard work is finally being recognised. The first Black British winner of the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress. A champion of natural beauty who widens the idea of who gets to be a coverstar. A working mother who has undertaken the biggest moments of her career either breastfeeding or carrying her second child. Even shooting this cover with Ekua King, a Black female photographer who shot the stunning images with her toddler on her hip. To me, nothing says ancestral power, or legacy, more than this starting point for anniversary.
My hope is that if even one person that doubts if there is space for them in media or entertainment sees this they will be encouraged to dream big, find their place, and forge an authentic creative path. And to loyal readers of Glamour, celebrating 25 years of the power of women, be assured that there’s more to come and that we’re only getting started.