Edward Enninful, a renowned name in the fashion industry, has always been a trailblazer, transforming every role he undertakes. From his early days as the youngest fashion director at i-D magazine to his pivotal tenure at British Vogue, he has consistently infused the industry with vibrancy and innovation. His latest venture, a collaboration with Moncler Genius, is no exception. This collection, which Enninful describes as a 'wardrobe for a fashionable global adventurer,' reimagines Moncler's iconic technical puffer jackets into versatile and stylish pieces. The collection’s campaign, captured by photographer Tyler Mitchell and featuring model Adut Akech, sets Enninful's designs against a dramatic, dystopian backdrop of sand, wind, and snow, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability. This marks a significant step for Enninful, moving from his celebrated role as a stylist to a designer, a transition he discusses with a clear passion for creating wearable, imaginative fashion.
Enninful’s design philosophy is rooted in storytelling and character development, approaches he has long applied in his styling work. Drawing inspiration from apocalyptic narratives, he envisioned a collection built around the concept of survivalism, designing a complete wardrobe from base layers to statement outerwear. The emphasis is on creating adaptable clothing that caters to a woman's needs in various challenging environments. This vision ensures that each piece is not only functional but also fashion-forward, allowing for versatile styling in daily life. His dedication to nurturing new talent and promoting Black artists is evident in his choice of collaborators for the collection's visual campaign, reinforcing his commitment to inclusivity and excellence within the industry. Enninful's enduring passion for fashion and his relentless pursuit of inspiration continue to drive his creative journey, pushing boundaries and reshaping the global fashion landscape.
The Visionary Behind the Collection
Edward Enninful's career has been marked by a consistent ability to not just participate but to fundamentally reshape the fashion landscape. From his groundbreaking appointment as the youngest fashion director at i-D magazine at just 18, to his impactful role as style director for W magazine, and his transformative leadership at British Vogue, Enninful has always injected a unique blend of color and creativity. His recent launch of EE72, a multimedia endeavor, further underscores his natural polymathic tendencies. For Enninful, the roles of stylist, editor, and creative catalyst are distinct yet unified by a bold aesthetic, a touch of fantasy, and an innate understanding of what empowers women to look and feel their best. This deep understanding and innovative spirit are precisely what he brings to his latest collaboration with Moncler Genius.
Enninful's partnership with Moncler Genius sees him join a prestigious roster of designers and influential figures. His new collection is conceived as a comprehensive 'wardrobe for a fashionable global adventurer,' showcasing Moncler’s signature puffer jackets reinterpreted as sleek nylon laqué hooded capes, sophisticated matte trench coats, and elegantly sculpted scuba dresses. The accompanying campaign, photographed by Tyler Mitchell and featuring model Adut Akech, dramatically portrays Enninful's Moncler designs in extreme, dystopian settings—think vast sands, strong winds, and heavy snow—emphasizing the collection's exceptional resilience. As this collection makes its global debut, the fashion world is eager to see how Enninful, in his first foray into direct design, translates his celebrated vision from styling to tangible apparel, and what new creative heights he will reach.
From Stylist to Designer: A New Chapter
For Edward Enninful, the transition from celebrated stylist and editor to fashion designer is a natural evolution, though one that marks a significant new chapter. His extensive experience collaborating with renowned designers like Donatella Versace and Dolce & Gabbana, serving as a vital sounding board, researcher, and even emotional support, has provided him with an unparalleled understanding of the design process. This profound background allowed him to approach his Moncler Genius collection with a clear vision: to create not just high fashion, but truly wearable and adaptable pieces. He intentionally focused on designing a collection that empowers women, allowing them to integrate the bold outerwear with everyday staples like jeans or long skirts, showcasing the versatility and practicality of each garment. The success of this approach was visibly demonstrated when Miley Cyrus wore pieces from his collection at a New York party, highlighting the effortless adaptability of his designs for various occasions.
Enninful’s creative process is deeply rooted in storytelling, a method he applied meticulously to his Moncler collection. Inspired by post-apocalyptic narratives, particularly 'The Last Of Us,' he envisioned a woman navigating a challenging world and designed a comprehensive wardrobe to support her survival. This narrative-driven approach ensured that every piece, from knitted layers to floor-length puffer coats and accessories, served a purpose within this envisioned world, creating a cohesive and functional collection. His commitment to authenticity extends to his choice of collaborators, notably working with photographer Tyler Mitchell and model Adut Akech, both of whom he champions for their talent and contributions to diversifying the industry. Enninful’s constant quest for inspiration, fueled by observing street style and engaging with global trends, coupled with his fearless approach to challenges, underscores his enduring passion and his ability to continuously innovate and inspire in the ever-evolving world of fashion.