In 2019, Meghan Markle graced the cover of British Vogue in what was hailed 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 considerable buzz. However, as the initial excitement fades, a more complex story emerges behind this glamorous facade, revealing a narrative ripe for scrutiny and intrigue.
The much-lauded issue, which featured 15 trailblazers chosen by Meghan and Enninful, was presented as a revolutionary moment for the magazine. It included a mix of activists, artists, and fashion stars but notably missed some key figures. Among the glaring omissions were Queen Elizabeth II and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge—two women whose inclusion might have added substantial credibility to the issue. Despite being championed as a historic addition, Tina Brown described the issue in her book The Palace Papers as a "mystifying bore" for Vogue's traditional readers. It seemed that Meghan's vision might have been more about creating a splash rather than honoring genuine change-makers.
The cover featured a mirrored panel intended to inspire readers to see themselves as agents of change. However, many wondered if this was more about reflecting Meghan's own image than making a substantive contribution 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. This move, while seemingly aimed at continuing the celebration of trailblazers, appears to be a calculated attempt to revive past success without the effort of new content creation.
The new list includes notable figures like Yasmin Finney and Angelina Jolie, but conspicuously absent is any mention of Meghan's own contributions or her previous editorial influence. Rumors suggest that Enninful's enthusiasm for Meghan’s guest editorship may have waned. Speculation arises that the real driving force 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 driven by genuine consumer demand.
This raises the question: could the entire venture have been 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 choices. Sources close to the project hint that Meghan, despite advice to include figures like the Queen and Catherine, chose to disregard these suggestions. Instead, the issue leaned heavily on self-congratulatory themes rather than acknowledging the contributions of established figures. Whether this decision was seen as a snub or a strategic move fuels speculation about Meghan's true motivations, and Enninful's reluctance to address these controversies only stokes the fires of gossip.
Enninful's transition to a different role within Vogue might be viewed as an attempt to distance himself from the fallout of this collaboration. His continued silence about the editorial decisions made during Meghan's guest editorship adds to the sense of secrecy and evasion. The "Forces for Change" issue, once celebrated as a landmark in Vogue’s history, now appears to be a complex and somewhat dubious chapter. While it was initially praised for its innovative approach, the subsequent revelations about its content and decision-making process cast a shadow over its legacy. Meghan Markle, who was supposed to be the shining star of this issue, now finds herself on the periphery of a project that continues to provoke more questions than answers.
