Edward Enninful’s Directorial Debut ‘Bridging The Gap’ Emphasizes Diversity


British Vogue Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful has launched a Gap campaign titled “Bridging the Gap” in which Enninful showcases a cast of models, activists, sports stars, musicians, and actors dancing to a 1970s disco track called “Sunny” by Boney M.

Gap’s chief marketing officer, Craig Brommers, explained that since Gap is an American brand, for Enninful’s showcase, the duo wanted to embody “all of America.”

“‘Bridging the Gap’ is about showing the many faces of what it means to be an American and bringing all of those sides together.” In a country that can often feel divided, this is an uplifting look at the diversity and spirit of the USA. As model, designer and cast member of the campaign Alek Wek says, it’s “about not just celebrating culturally, but also universally.”

The ad features Wiz Khalifa, Alek Wek, Christie Brinkley, Adwoa Aboah, Yara Shahidi, Priyanka Chopra, Jasmine Sanders, and more.

Enninful talked about how his fascination with the United States while he was young influenced “Bridging the Gap.”

“Growing up, I loved the imagery I saw from America as it celebrated being the land of the free and home of the brave.”

Enninful said the project is centered around “authenticity and people living their truths.”

Many are hoping Enninful’s directorial debut foreshadows what’s to come when he begins his work at British Vogue in just a few months.

Edward Enninful will soon take over British Vogue following Alexandra Shulman, who had been in command of the influential fashion publication for the last 25 years. Enninful will begin his work at Vogue on August 1 of 2017. Edward says the honor is “truly a dream come true.” Enninful was only 18 years old when he became the fashion director of i-D magazine when it was discovered that he had a prodigious talent, according to Time.

Enninful featured some of the most prominent faces in the fashion world, from Twiggy to Naomi Campbell, before moving to New York to become fashion and style director at W magazine.

Edward Enninful and Naomi Campbell have developed a close friendship while working in the fashion industry. [Image by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images]

“I grew up reading British Vogue – I am so honoured and humbled to be taking up the mantle of editor… I realise I am stepping into the shoes of a hugely respected editor in the shape of Alexandra Shulman, someone who has chosen to leave at the top of their game with a legacy of 25 years of success.”

The stylist has always championed diversity in his editorial shoots and campaigns, and “Bridging the Gap” is no different: “Edward is the perfect partner in this project as he and Gap share an optimistic view of the world,” Brommers explain

According to The Guardian, Enninful has been an enthusiastic champion of positioning non-white models into the spotlight, but his work is incredibly diverse and must go beyond tokenism.

“It’s very easy to say, ‘Oh, there’s one black model in a show and one black or Asian model in an advertising photograph, so we’ve filled the quota.’ No, it should be a continuous conversation. It shouldn’t even be an issue as far as I’m concerned. Beauty’s beauty.”

Enninful told British Vogue that he is incredibly humbled by the honor of being appointed as the editor of the magazine. Edward also makes it clear that he understands the responsibility this honor holds he will be stepping into the shoes of the former editor, Shulman, who’s well-respected in the fashion industry.

“British Vogue is a great magazine with a legacy of creativity and innovation… I look forward to continuing to produce an exciting beautiful magazine for its readers.”

Enninful created substantial and lasting bonds with international models like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss that began in his shy teenage years. The Ghanaian-born fashion savant worked closely on the much-talked-about Italian Vogue black models only edition in 2008.

[Featured Image by WPA Pool/Getty Images]

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