The Telegraph noted: "The Duchess has been heavily involved in every decision, her involvement reflected on “every single page,” insiders revealed." Ahead of the release of the September issue, Meghan said:
“These last seven months have been a rewarding process, curating and collaborating with Edward Enninful, British Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief, to take the year’s most read fashion issue and steer its focus to the values, causes and people making impact in the world today.
“Through this lens I hope you’ll feel the strength of the collective in the diverse selection of women chosen for the cover as well as the team of support I called upon within the issue to help bring this to light. I hope readers feel as inspired as I do, by the ‘Forces for Change’ they’ll find within these pages.”
On the cover: Adwoa Aboah, mental health campaigner and model; Adut Akech, model and former refugee; Ramla Ali, boxer; Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand; Sinead Burke, diversity advocate and lecturer; Gemma Chan, campaigner and actor; Laverne Cox, LGBTQIA+ advocate and actor; Jane Fonda, campaigner and actor; Salma Hayek Pinault, women’s rights advocate, actor and producer; Francesca Hayward, Royal Ballet principal dancer; Jameela Jamil, body positivity advocate and actor; Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, author; Yara Shahidi, founder of Eighteen x 18 and actor; Greta Thunberg, climate change campaigner and student; Christy Turlington Burns, founder of Every Mother Counts and model. You'll notice there's a blank sixteenth spot, a mirror. The Palace said Meghan wanted to "include the reader and encourage them to use their own platforms to effect change".
More from Sussex Royal:
More from Sussex Royal:
'We are excited to announce that within the issue you’ll find: an exclusive interview between The Duchess and former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, a candid conversation between The Duke of Sussex and Dr Jane Goodall, inspirational articles written by Brené Brown, Jameela Jamil and many others. Equally, you’ll find grassroots organisations and incredible trailblazers working tirelessly behind the scenes to change the world for the better. For the cover, The Duchess chose a diverse selection of women from all walks of life, each driving impact and raising the bar for equality, kindness, justice and open mindedness.
“Guest Editing the September issue of British Vogue has been rewarding, educational and inspiring. To deep dive into this process, working quietly behind the scenes for so many months, I am happy to now be able to share what we have created. A huge thanks to all of the friends who supported me in this endeavour, lending their time and energy to help within these pages and on the cover. Thank you for saying “Yes!” - and to Edward, thank you for this wonderful opportunity.” - The Duchess of Sussex.'
A behind-the-scenes video from the photoshoots. PM Ardern said: "One change that I’ve noticed over the course of my career, is just how polarised the world is now. I do think there is a solution to that though, and that’s ultimately us coming back to the humanity that we all share."
The Duchess with Edward Enninful.
The pair looking through the photoshoots.
Omid Scobie noted the shoot saw a number of firsts for the publication.
Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern was a natural choice for the cover. A young leader and mother, she displayed admirable courage, compassion and strength following the horrific terrorist attack in Christchurch. Meghan and Jacinda formed a strong bond when the Sussexes visited New Zealand last year. During a reception at the close of the tour, Jacinda said the schedule Meghan undertook had increased her "admiration" for her. She said: "It can be a tiring thing and she's brought such warmth and grace on this visit...it hasn't slowed her down or the amount they've been out and about so that's much appreciated." The Duchess was delighted to host her at Kensington Palace in January to discuss their shared interests.
A highlight of the issue is a candid conversation between Meghan and Michelle Obama. Prince Harry has enjoyed a very warm relationship with the Obamas over the years; they both supported the Invictus Games during their time in the White House and afterwards. Last December, Meghan stepped out privately at the London stop of Michelle Obama's book tour for her memoir Becoming at the Southbank Centre. During the event the former First Lady said: "What happens to successful black women is that we become a caricature. We are demonised. We are angry, we are too loud, we are too everything." The pair, who share a passion for empowering young girls and women, enjoyed a lengthy private conversation afterwards. At the time, The Evening Standard reported they had formed "a close bond" and planned to stay in close contact.
It's fascinating to see the links between several of the women chosen and Meghan's role as a member of the royal family. Meghan was joined by Adwoa Aboah, founder of Gurls Talk, an open community where young girls can talk about the issues that matter to them, on International Women's Day for a panel.
The Duchess met Irish writer, academic and broadcaster Sinead Burke during the Sussexes' two-day trip to Dublin last year. After their meeting Sinead tweeted: "Oh my goodness. I had the great privilege and pleasure of speaking with Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Sussex this evening about the importance and power of fashion and the opportunities we’ve both been afforded by One Young World." Meghan was a counsellor with One Young World for several years. The UK-based charity gathers together the brightest young leaders from around the world, empowering them to make lasting connections to create positive change.
When the opportunity arose to include one of her childhood heroes, Meghan enlisted her prince for the job. Harry interviewed world-renowned primatologist and anthropologist Dr Jane Goodall. Last week, Harry teamed up with Jane to meet young people doing groundbreaking work in their communities as part of Goodall's Roots & Shoots global leadership gathering.
The Duchess met Irish writer, academic and broadcaster Sinead Burke during the Sussexes' two-day trip to Dublin last year. After their meeting Sinead tweeted: "Oh my goodness. I had the great privilege and pleasure of speaking with Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Sussex this evening about the importance and power of fashion and the opportunities we’ve both been afforded by One Young World." Meghan was a counsellor with One Young World for several years. The UK-based charity gathers together the brightest young leaders from around the world, empowering them to make lasting connections to create positive change.
When the opportunity arose to include one of her childhood heroes, Meghan enlisted her prince for the job. Harry interviewed world-renowned primatologist and anthropologist Dr Jane Goodall. Last week, Harry teamed up with Jane to meet young people doing groundbreaking work in their communities as part of Goodall's Roots & Shoots global leadership gathering.
More from Omid Scobie:
'The 85-year-old Goodall is a UN Messenger of Peace and spends 300 days of the year traveling for work. Her shared passion for environmental work is why Harry requested to meet her last December.
Goodall told BAZAAR.com she immediately "clicked" with the Commonwealth Youth Ambassador during their first meeting at Kensington Palace, where they spoke about his conservation efforts in Africa. "[I’d like to] collaborate and work together to raise awareness about conservation and the need to conserve the natural world," she said, adding that she hopes fans of Harry, who may not be aware of her legacy, will be curious to learn more. "[With] someone like Leonardo DiCaprio, who has a whole group of people who worship him and wouldn’t care about me, the same is true with Prince Harry. If he’s also supporting Roots & Shoots and the Jane Goodall Institute then that will open their minds to maybe wondering 'Who is this Jane Goodall?'" she said, laughing.
Goodall also met Duchess Meghan on June 13, when she visited the couple and their son Archie at Frogmore House. The Duchess of Sussex has long been an admirer of the activist. Says Goodall, "She told me, 'I’ve hero-worshipped you all my life. You’ve been my idol since I was a child.'" Goodall, who got to cuddle a "very cute, very gentle" Archie during the visit, added that she also spoke to Harry about about fatherhood. "I told him, 'Of course you’re interested in Roots & Shoots, especially now you have a baby,' and he said, 'Yes, of course.' When you bring a child into the world today you have to worry about the future. If we don’t make change we don't have a future, it’s as simple as that."
It is understood a collaboration between Dr Goodall and Harry and Meghan's new foundation Sussex Royal is in the planning stages. Take a look at this video from the engagement with a very special greeting between Harry and Jane :)
The September issue is widely considered one of the most important issues every year. It heralds the beginning of the autumn/winter season, introduces trends and usually features a global star on the cover. For his first September issue last year, Edward Enninful chose Rhianna. It's wonderful he worked with Meghan to create an issue not only celebrating fashion, but celebrating a diverse selection of women.
Edward Enninful shared the following on working with Meghan and the process of creating 'Forces for Change'.
'To have the country’s most influential beacon of change guest edit British Vogue at this time has been an honour, a pleasure and a wonderful surprise.
The pair began working together in January, and together have crafted an issue entitled “Forces for Change”. The Duchess chose not to be on the cover herself, deciding instead to highlight an impressive roster of trailblazing female changemakers – from activists to artists, prime ministers to climate change campaigners – who are breaking barriers and setting the agenda across the globe.
Enninful added, of the Duchess: “As you will see from her selections throughout this magazine, she is also willing to wade into more complex and nuanced areas, whether they concern female empowerment, mental health, race or privilege. From the very beginning, we talked about the cover – whether she would be on it or not. In the end, she felt that it would be in some ways a “boastful” thing to do for this particular project. She wanted, instead, to focus on the women she admires.”
More on working with photographer Peter Lindbergh who shot the cover:
'When it came to photographing the extraordinary cast of women who appear on the cover of this collector’s edition of British Vogue, there was only one man for the job: Peter Lindbergh. “It was one of those brilliantly spontaneous moments when HRH The Duchess of Sussex and I had exactly the same idea at exactly the same time,” says Edward Enninful, of the choice. “Peter sees beauty in real people, in real situations. He makes everybody feel their best.”
The images for the ambitious cover shoot were captured in June, over three continents and several days. Pulling the portfolio together required gargantuan effort: co-ordinating the diaries of 15 of the world’s most successful and phenomenally busy women left little margin for missteps. Two separate shoots took place in studios in New York and London. “My instructions from the Duchess were clear: ‘I want to see freckles!’” says Lindbergh, who spoke to her over the phone on the morning of the New York shoot. “Well, that was like running through open doors for me. I love freckles.”
In the image taken from one of Meghan's private Smart Works visits, the Duchess wore Gucci's Embellished Tweed Dress (with thanks to Meghan's Mirror). The sleeveless dress is described as: "Prim and proper, this dress from Gucci references the label's penchant for ladylike silhouettes with a certain vintage charm. Crafted in Italy from cotton-blend tweed in ivory-white with shades of pink and blue, the sheath design has a grosgrain ribbon at the neckline that's adorned with a detachable rose brooch." It's available at My Theresa.
It's absolutely fantastic to see Meghan using this opportunity with British Vogue to bring exposure and awareness to an array of causes, with insights from role models like Michelle Obama and Jane Goodall. Contrary to reports, Meghan did not pose for a photoshoot. Perhaps we'll see a couple of behind-the-scenes snaps shared in the coming days. It's another terrific achievement for the Duchess who has worked tirelessly on the effort throughout this year. Vogue reports "the issue also comprises an intimate insight into the Duchess's world. She introduces Forces For Change in her own words in her guest editor's letter". It will also include a feature on Smart Works. I cannot wait to read it in its entirety. It's available on Friday.
How can I get my hands on this issue while living in the states? Ugh
ReplyDelete@jmccain sometimes you can see if Barnes and Noble have it.
DeleteSo excited about this! It's like the Tig x 1000! And I hope we see re-wear of that Gucci. Thanks for the quick post, Charlotte! -op
My question, too!!
DeleteThis confirms the reports but it doesn't make it any less exciting. Harry once said that he thought there was a time limit to how long they would be sought after and that they needed to do as much as they can before the next generation became to sought-after ones.
Many larger or international bookstores carry international Vogues, also airports!
DeleteCheck local newsagents. I live in MA and Out of Town News in Harvard Sq sells tons of international newspapers and magazines. I'll bet there is somewhere similar where you live. You may also be able to buy it online from Amazon (I think they sell magazines?) or maybe even British Vogue will ship it internationally since it's bound to be a huge seller in the US.
DeleteInthekitchen: great idea!! I forgot about Out of Town News, but will now make a visit to get my copy! Maybe we’ll bump into each other there!
DeleteI buy international publications at Out of Town News in Harvard Square ( I work at Harvard University). It’s where I picked up my copy of British Vogue when the Duchess of Cambridge was on the cover. Also many bookstores, like Barnes and Noble, may carry it
DeleteThanks for the ideas...will try all of them and maybe one of those large magazine stores on South Beach
DeleteOohh I'm excited for this! Can't wait to read it. Amazing that they've been working on this for 7 months, looks like a lot of love, effort and passion went into this.
ReplyDeleteLove this! I hope both Duchesses will have the opportunity to edit from time to time in the coming decades. It should be a win-win situation for all involved! Fantastic that they were able to snag Meghan during her first year in the Royal Family.
ReplyDeleteI will track down British Vogue, yes, I will. I hope we see the Gucci dress at a future public engagement. What a good thing Meghan is doing, to take a back seat to other exceptional women and use her global presence to highlight their contributions.
ReplyDeleteReally impressive that she worked on this for seven months while pregnant! I’m the same length into a pregnancy as Meghan was when she went on tour in Australia and I honestly don’t know how she does it. What a phenomenal amount of energy she brings.
ReplyDeleteHopefully some day she’ll cover the magazine, but I think it’s the right choice not to do so this time around. I don’t think that doing so is boastful or conceited, since the royals are a part of history.
Michelle Obama observed,"What happens to successful black women is that we become a caricature. We are demonised. We are angry, we are too loud, we are too everything."
ReplyDeleteIndeed. We have seen the evidence of this with the vilification of Meghan by those who are blind to the many things she has done so brilliantly. That she demurred and turned the focus to numerous other women who advocate for change when approached by British Vogue to feature her on their cover says so much about her character. It certainly puts to rest any mistaken notion that as a former actor she consistently and manipulatively seeks attention for herself.
People might be able to reserve or order copies of British Vogue through major bookstores in their cities. I'm going to try first thing in the morning.
I was a voyeur in a twitter conversation where a woman said she doesn't like Meghan. She said she's not racist because she doesn't like her and doesn't think she's good enough.
DeleteI wondered how she defines "good enough".
I knew Meghan was never going to really "stop working" on maternity leave! I was just wondering what project will be the outcome. This is a pleasure. I especially love the idea of a mirror being included on the cover - it is definitely my favorite creative feature Meghan has ever created. It is so thoughtful and meaningful.
ReplyDeleteI am only wondering whether there were talks about including some royal lady in the collage as well, maybe even the Queen? Sophie? Anne? Kate? Would it be considered inappropriate if e.g. the Queen had to "share" the cover with someone else? Or would it be considered too "political" or "nepotist" for royal ladies, so they chose not to be included? I would really like to know because I think Meghan definitely considered her family while thinking about the featured ladies.
Ella
The Queen represents tradition. This magazine is about forces for change. It doesn’t seem like a good fit.
DeleteAnon, although I feel that the Queen is probably not the best fit for the magazine (and I would rather see Sophie/Eugenie/Kate included), I respectfully disagree about the tradition part. Yes, the Queen represents monarchy and the monarchy is a tradiotion, but the Queen herself also represents a force for change in so many aspects. She has proved that one doesn't have to be a man to become a succesful, respected and much loved sovereign, a powerful leader and a strong unifying force. Also, she has shown every woman that it is possible to have a family and a career. She has showed everyone that a woman can be more resilient and persistent than men. She has adapted to countless changes in 60+ years of her reign. She is still relevant (although unique and true to herself). She is an amazing role model and jesus, the definition of trail-blazer. She is one of a kind. However, I agree that the Queen would probably not be the best fit. As I said, I wonder about the other ladies as well.
DeleteElla
I’ve been looking forward to this when I first heard about it. I agree with Anon above that said this is like The Tig x 1000! I loved reading her blog & was so sad when she shut it down - but this is even better :) So proud to see Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on the cover ❤️
ReplyDeleteP.S. I hope we see that cute Gucci dress again soon!
What a fantastic initiative! How interesting and wonderful that Meghan is the first ever guest-editor. There's no doubt about it, she's an ideas and a can-do woman. Great work!!
ReplyDeleteI just saw the video....I'm so proud of Meghan and British Vogue for doing this.... I'm ordering this online Friday
ReplyDeleteMeghan is a breathe of fresh air with her ability to think outside the box....BRAVO!
ReplyDeleteWhile who Meghan believes are the 'Forces of Change' may be new to us, this is not a new concept for a cover of either a magazine or a book. Certainly will give props to Meghan for using her position to promote a diversity of change, but cannot give her props for the concept....it has been done before. Give credit where credit is due; Meghan has brought to light those individuals who make a difference on a daily basis that we might not otherwise might have known about, these people are the true 'outside the box thinkers' and that's where the credit needs to be focused. Meghan has a wonderful forum with which to promote the work of these people, and she has wisely collaborated to do so; but the real BRAVO is for the individuals who tirelessly work to make a change without fame or fortune. Meghan, along with her popularity, definitely brings a different and welcome perspective to the royal family, but then that is her new job, and it shouldn't diminish the work of all the other royals as a whole.
DeleteHas anyone suggested that Meghan's efforts somehow "diminish the work of all the other royals"? Up to you to damn her with faint praise, of course that's an opinion; but this isn't a competition, is it?
Deletegreybirdk30 July 2019 at 21:19...thank you
DeleteI bet Edward had the blessing of Anna on this one for sure
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for this. It is possible to get a digital copy and there is a 30 day free trial on places like Amazon. I signed up this morning and I am going to get myself a hard copy as well. As someone who has never bothered with vogue or be too in depth with fashion I really love this. I also understand and love how she didn't put herself on the cover, particularly with the issues she wants highlighted. I won't be surprised in future if she does a cover when the feature calls for it. I love what she is doing and I am so looking forward to many great things i know her and H have coming up.
ReplyDeleteHello, where can I find this in Canada?
ReplyDeleteI reserved copies from a local independent bookstore which carries Vogue UK in my city.
DeleteThis is neat hope we can get it in Canada but as someone who doesn't read Vogue what makes the September issue prestigious?
ReplyDeleteit introduces the autumn and winter fashions and has by far the most advertising
DeleteI guess i'm confused? These women are already famous, why would you not focus on folks/organizations that really need to be highlighted? I totally understand how being post partum she would not feel like gracing a cover. Never doubted for a minute that she was not working even though we weren't seeing her (or Kate when we don't see her) Glad that she is supporting a British magazine! can not wait for her to be "back" and to see more of master archie!!
ReplyDeleteCaroline in Montana29 July 2019 at 16:08...you knew all of the women on the cover? And what contributions they are making to the world? WOW, good for you. I didn't know and now that I am being educated, I am thankful for it
Deletein the magazine she highlights companies of unknown women who bring their grain into society but also with that for some what Meghan will never be enough
DeleteI never said what meghan will never be enough. its ok to have your own opinion, I think its a shame that she is highlighting celebrities on the cover. such sarcasm directed my way jmccain is not needed. thanks.
DeleteThe women she highlights aren't all "celebrities" (a designation which includes the Queen and other members of the BRF). It simply means a famous person, you know. The participation of HRH the Duchess of Sussex of course brings added prestige and publicity to the work of these accomplished women. It's a fashion magazine. They have photographed two exceptional female race horses, unclothed, in years past; but in general they can't really put a dress on an organization, can they? Amusing thought, I admit.
DeleteYou are not alone Caroline, I like you was confused by some of the choices on the cover (Jane Fonda for one???), but by Charlottes account the inside should highlight some of the lesser known 'forces of change'. I also agree that there was no need for sarcasm, and thought your comment posed a valid question, and yet showed support of Meghan.
DeleteCaroline in Montana30 July 2019 at 16:14....Sarcasm? Not at all. Like I said, good for you for knowing all these women and their accomplishments, I learned something new
DeleteI wish she would wear more dresses like this incredible Gucci tweed! Gorgeous! Interesting! A real statement dress.
ReplyDeleteI love that she used this opportunity to highlights other women. Good for her. Although I find the selection of Jane Fonda a bit of a head scratcher, it looks like a terrific issue. Cannot wait!!
Rita, I looked at Jane Fonda's inclusion with more than just head scratching--more like dismay. I mean, I marched against the Vietnam war back in the day, but I didn't go over to the enemy and create propaganda. I will probably never get over that with her. I know, my problem, but I know far too many people share my problem to dismiss it easily. Why choose a figure with such a past, when there are SO many others? Jane Goodall herself could've been on the cover as well as inside in Jane Fonda's place.
DeleteFonda has apologized, met with veterans, and called it an “ unforgivable mistake”. What will be enough? As a Christian, I forgive her, as I am required to do. I find it hard to judge anyone’s entire life so harshly for one terrible event, but then, I am not perfect. Others might be above reproach.
DeleteWay to go, Meghan! I love the idea of the 16th square being a "mirror" for readers. Can't wait to devour the interview with Michelle Obama.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that Meghan continues her efforts for the causes she believes in despite the noise of her detacters. I don't usually buy magazines like Vogue, but hope to find a copy of this one.
ReplyDeleteR
I don't love that most of the women chosen are celebrities... lots of actors and models. Plus the prime minister of New Zealand. What about "ordinary" women who are the CEOs of nonprofits or scientists, etc.? Are celebrities really the force of change in this world now?
ReplyDeleteElizabeth29 July 2019 at 19:16...because many are known to us does not mean they are forces of change. Truth be told, did we really know these actors and models as activists? Some of this is really new to me. As far as the Prime Minister goes, she held her country together and calmed the nerves of many around the world with her brilliant leadership in a very difficult time....and during this time highlighted what she believed was the best solution to the never ending saga of hate, so yes, she is a force of change.
DeleteCelebrities for whom? Yes, the professions of these women have some factors in common, but being an actor or a model does not make a person a celebrity. I have not heard of many of these women and am looking forward to learning about the ways that they make contributions.
DeleteAs it's Vogue, I don't think we can expect profiles of "ordinary" women. A certain cachet is expected in this publication at the pinnacle the fashion world. Of course, that doesn't mean that other women are less worthy or that any slight has occurred by not including them. That's the role of the mirror.
I agree with your sentiments, Elizabeth. While this is a marvelous idea, I wish some more diversity had been evident in the choices for the cover.
Delete@Philly 29July 20:05- you hit the nail on the head... indeed, " and that's the role of the mirror"... which in my mind is the entire genius of the effort!
Deletethis woman keeps surprising me and seeing all her reactions tells me that it is a very good idea continues Meghan continues to move forward I am so proud of you, it will be the first time I buy this magazine and I can not wait
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading the September issue. Thanks, Charlotte. I have written two books and for almost 5 years do daily devotions. Lots of diligent effort and focus to do editing, etc. I commend the Duchess of Sussex. I remember the cookbook so I’m excited.
ReplyDeleteI, for one, am excited about the upcoming issue and can't wait to read her Meghan's interview with my Forever FLOTUS, Michelle Obama. I am thrilled that she selected women from different walks of life and acknowledged their efforts to make this world a better place for women and girls. I guess the hard part for me will be finding an issue in Atlanta, Georgia. I will likely reach out to the Barnes & Noble in my area to find out if I can reserve a copy for purchase! *fingers crossed*
ReplyDeleteAmen.
Deleteim really proud that she been tsking time to write and inspiring all of us
ReplyDeletehmm i love she taking and writing and inspiring woman in all races they come
ReplyDeleteShe's aced it again. GUtsy. Different and Bold. Eventually, you'd like to think that the naysayers would quiet down... (sad reality is that they never do! :( ). The "mirror" is genius. and very "Meghan". Bravo!
ReplyDeleteOoohh I am so excited for this! Thank you, Charlotte, for sharing the link to purchase.
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful post Charlotte. i will go to my local airport to buy this as it is available there
ReplyDeleteeveryone should be so proud of meghan and british vogue for again featuring such racial diversity in their sept issue. I wish meghan appeared on the cover alongside these women but didnt want to be boastful even though it wouldnt look boastful to me. she is deserving!
anyways i very much look forward to this issue!