Edward Enninful: “In African families you can be one of three things: a doctor, a lawyer or a failure”

Born in Ghana, Enninful, 50, came to the UK as a refugee. After a stint as a model, he became i-D's fashion director at just 18, then worked for W magazine and US Vogue. In 2016 he received an OBE for services to diversity in the fashion industry, and the following year he became editor of British Vogue. In 2020, he was also appointed European editorial director of Vogue. This year he published the memoir, A Visible Man. He lives in London with his husband.

What is your biggest fear? When I arrive at a restaurant and I don't see any hot sauce on the table.

What trait do you most regret about yourself? Impatience. Although sometimes it helps!

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Laziness.

What gets you the most? When my pants almost fell off at Buckingham Palace. I was there to collect my OBE, and the straps of the magnificent Alexander McQueen suit that I had made for the occasion disappeared. Naomi Campbell was with me and we had a good laugh.

What is your most prized possession?Despite what people might imagine, I'm not very good at things. goods. My home in London is very minimalistic.

Describe yourself in three words. Well, the rest of the world likes to describe me as "black" and "gay", and not always positively. But I accept these words. Let's also add "fun".

What makes you unhappy? I'm a positive person, but I get nervous when clothes aren't perfect in a photo.

What's your guiltiest pleasure? Reality TV. Love it! Love Island, Real Housewives, Drag Race…

Who is your favorite celebrity? Obviously, I don't have one. Do you want to cause me trouble at home!

What book are you ashamed of not having read? War and peace. He's slipped through the cracks so far.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? In African families, you can be one of three things: a doctor, a lawyer, or a failure. I wanted to be an Egyptologist, but things worked out eventually.

What scares you as you get older? That I might lose my sight.

What's the worst thing anyone's ever said to you? Each time I have been the victim of racial profiling. The words may be different, but the feeling is the same.

Would you choose fame or anonymity? It is possible to find happiness somewhere in between.

Have you ever said "I love you" without meaning to? Sure. I work in fashion!

What words or phrases do you abuse the most? "Amazing", "incredible" and ending with "you know?".

< p class="dcr-1b64dqh">What's the worst job you've ever done? A shoot with a show business icon that I have loved all my life and who will remain nameless. She walked into the room and immediately said she hated everything. Things went downhill from there. Tough day.

If not yourself, who would you most like to be? Ru, my Boston terrier. He leads a truly enchanted life.

When was the last time you changed your mind about something important? I change my mind all the time. I believe it. We should all learn to change our minds.

What is the one thing that would improve the quality of your life? The ability to teleport. I would be unstoppable.

Would you rather have more sex, money or fame? More than that, I would like more time.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you? That there is no ideal life. Disappointments are around every corner, so enjoy the here and now.

Tell us a secret. Not everyone in fashion is a freak.